REVIEW: Legends Galore on Stage Courtesy of Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band
10/07 @ Palace Theater, Albany
“For one night at the Palace Theatre, fans enjoyed a true rock ’n’ roll legend.”
The Britannica Dictionary defines legend as “a famous or important person who is known for doing something extremely well.” No matter what your definition, Ringo Starr is a rock ’n’ roll legend.
The historic Palace Theatre was the perfect setting for Ringo Starr and the members of his All-Starr Band, many of whom are musical legends in their own right. As you would expect, the sold-out event was attended mainly by Baby Boomers and Gen Xers, but it was great to see so many younger fans in attendance, proof that Ringo’s music continues to connect with fans of all generations.
The “All-Starr” band was made up of accomplished musicians, including Steve Lukather, longtime guitarist and vocalist for Toto; Colin Hay, best known as the lead singer of Men at Work; and Hamish Stuart, best known as a founding member of Average White Band. Rounding out the lineup were Warren Ham, a Toto multi-instrumentalist and vocalist who contributed saxophone, keyboards, percussion, and vocals; veteran drummer Gregg Bissonette; and keyboardist Buck Johnson.
The crowd rose to its feet in unison as Starr and the band took the stage. He opened with “Matchbox,” the Carl Perkins classic that the Beatles later recorded with Starr on lead vocals, before moving into his 1971 solo hit “It Don’t Come Easy.” The spotlight then shifted to the All-Starrs, with Steve Lukather performing Toto’s 1982 hit “Rosanna,” followed by Hamish Stuart delivering an extra funky version of Average White Band’s “Pick Up the Pieces.” Colin Hay followed with a crowd-participation version of the Men at Work classic “Down Under.”
What was perhaps most impressive was the nonstop energy coming from the stage. With the four featured performers averaging roughly 72 years of age, there was certainly no shortage of enthusiasm or showmanship. That energy was even more impressive considering Albany marked the final stop of a 14-day, 10-stop tour.
The evening continued with Starr handling the majority of the lead vocals, featuring songs from both his solo career and his time with the Beatles. Beatles selections included “Yellow Submarine,” “Octopus’s Garden,” and “I Wanna Be Your Man.” On the solo side, Starr sang “Choose Love” and “Photograph.” One of the evening’s more memorable moments was Starr’s performance of “I’m the Greatest,” a song written for him by his late bandmate and friend, John Lennon.
Other highlights from the evening included Hay leading the band through the 1981 chart-topping hit “Who Can It Be Now?” and the 1982 classic “Overkill.” For his part, Steve Lukather performed several of Toto’s biggest hits, including “Africa” and “Hold the Line.” Hamish Stuart added the Average White Band classic “Cut the Cake” and led the way on a soulful, groovy version of the Isley Brothers’ “Work to Do.”
The evening concluded with a full-band jam version of “With a Little Help From My Friends.”
For one night at the Palace Theatre, fans enjoyed a true rock ’n’ roll legend. Ringo Starr proved he still deserves the spotlight and continues to connect graciously with his audience. He, along with the members of his All-Starr Band, made sure everyone in attendance was part of a night they won’t soon forget.
