At 84 years old, Ringo Starr proved age is just a number during his June 13 performance at New York’s Radio City Music Hall. Backed by his longtime ensemble, the All Starr Band, the iconic Beatles drummer brought energy, humor, and a deeply felt message of peace to a sold-out crowd. The show, delayed from its original 2024 date due to illness, was met with enthusiastic praise following its June 17 media coverage, which described Starr’s performance as one of the summer’s most heartwarming concerts.
From the moment Starr jogged onto the stage flashing his signature peace sign, it was clear the evening would be more than just a nostalgic trip through the past. The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer engaged the crowd with an infectious spirit that belied his age, moving with vigor and ease as he alternated between the microphone and his drum kit.
The All Starr Band, a rotating supergroup composed of music legends from various rock eras, included Steve Lukather of Toto, Colin Hay of Men at Work, Hamish Stuart from Average White Band, along with Warren Ham, Gregg Bissonette, and Buck Johnson. Each member brought their own hits to the setlist, blending seamlessly with Starr’s classics to create a dynamic, collaborative performance.
Opening the show with a rendition of Carl Perkins’ “Honey Don’t,” Starr quickly transitioned into solo staples like “It Don’t Come Easy” and “Photograph.” The Beatles favorites were delivered with charm and warmth—especially “Yellow Submarine” and “With a Little Help From My Friends”—reminding fans of the enduring legacy of the band that changed music history.
Starr’s showmanship extended beyond vocals and drumming. Between songs, he offered playful banter, lightheartedly teasing Beatles tropes and cracking jokes that highlighted his enduring charisma. At one point, he spoofed “Yesterday” and “Day Tripper” before diving into heartfelt performances of his own material. The crowd responded with standing ovations and laughter, relishing in the intimacy Starr fostered onstage.
Among the night’s standout moments was his performance of “Look Up,” the title track from his 2025 album released earlier this year. The album, produced by T-Bone Burnett, reflects Starr’s exploration of country influences and a return to rootsy, acoustic sounds. “Look Up” served as a reflective moment in the concert—slow-building, earnest, and emotionally resonant—proving Starr’s continued relevance as both a songwriter and performer.
Equally notable were the performances by the All Starr Band members. Steve Lukather energized the hall with Toto’s “Rosanna” and “Africa,” while Colin Hay stirred nostalgia with Men at Work hits like “Down Under.” Hamish Stuart delivered funky, crowd-moving renditions of “Pick Up the Pieces” and “Cut the Cake.” Each artist had their moment to shine, reinforcing the collaborative ethos that defines the All Starr Band’s tours.
Critics hailed the concert as a celebration not only of musical legacy but of human endurance and artistic vitality. The New York Post described Starr as “shockingly youthful,” praising his spry movement and vocal clarity. Forbes echoed the sentiment, highlighting how Starr remained fully engaged throughout the nearly two-hour show, both musically and emotionally.
The show closed with “With a Little Help From My Friends,” blending into a tribute performance of John Lennon’s “Give Peace a Chance.” It was a powerful, unifying finale that underscored the concert’s deeper message of love, peace, and friendship—values Starr has long championed.
This concert is part of Starr’s ongoing North American tour, which continues with upcoming stops in cities like Omaha and a September appearance at the Bourbon & Beyond Festival in Louisville, Kentucky. Despite approaching his 85th birthday next month, Starr shows no sign of stepping away from the stage. Instead, he seems to be embracing a new chapter with a reinvigorated sense of purpose.
Ringo Starr’s June 13 concert wasn’t just a performance—it was a living testament to the enduring joy of music, the power of collaboration, and the timeless nature of rock and roll. With humor, heart, and a voice still rich with soul, Starr reminded everyone in the audience why he remains one of music’s most beloved figures.