My review of the CD
My review of the DVD

"It the same dream I've had since I was young. I wanted to be a musician and play with great players and that's what I've done. Drumming is my madness, music is my passion".

...and with that Ringo Starr announced his 7th All Starr Band. The 2001 All-Starrs were certainly the most eclectic and possibly the most accomplished of Ringo's post-Beatles touring groups. Comprised of 1970s rock heroes Greg Lake (King Crimson, ELP) & Roger Hodgson (Supertramp), the inimitable Ian Hunter (Mott the Hoople), former Prince percussionist Sheila E., 1980s synth-popster Howard Jones and multi-instrumentalist  and longtime Ringo accomplice Mark Rivera (Billy Joel), the All-Starrs toured America throughout the summer.

It's been an astonishing road Ringo has traveled since first hooking up with the fabs all those years ago. Less committed musicians might have retired to Florida decades ago. But lucky for us all, it's a road Ringo continues to build upon with dignity, and inspired by a true love and respect for hs fans, something that the performance on this CD: recorded at Chicago's Rosemont Theatre in August 2001, clearly pays testament to. King Biscuit Flower Hour Presents Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band.

From the understated yet unquestionable brilliance of Ringo's drumming itself, to the arguably baroque musical contributions of Lake, Jones, and Hodgson, the 2001 All Starrs tore through their unbeatable repertoire with a passion one rarely expects to see from such experienced and world weary musicians. Yet the intensity the All Starrs displayed on this tour should have come as no surprise to anybody. After all, it's the dream of every aspiring musician to someday share the stage with one of their childhood idols and, as I overheard Ian Hunter saying just moments before heading onstage to make this record, "It's a pretty amazing thing to be performing one of your songs and turn around to see Ringo Starr banging out the beat behind you." Inspiring indeed……

 ©2002 King Biscuit Entertainment Group

After the release of Ringo Starr & His All Starr Band's 3 disc anthology in 2000, I couldn't help but wonder whether there was adequate public enthusiasm for another live album. I'm pleased to say that this release not only compliments the live anthology, but in some ways, it improves on it.

First of all the sound is much clearer and more dynamic than on Ringo's previous live albums. It's a real party album - one that you'll want to play with the volume turned up.

There is a real sense of camaraderie among the All-Starrs and it shows in the way these talented musicians support one another on their individual selections. There is a genuine sense of humor and fun that is evident throughout this CD which seems to elevate the level of performance among these music veterans. Roger Hodgson's introduction to "Give A Little Bit" credits Ringo for his generous spirit. The lack of ego among these high profile musicians is certainly refreshing.

There is a more eclectic mix among the musicians on this tour. A cross generational approach mixing artists from the 70s and 80s is employed which sets this release apart from the other All Starr albums and adds more variety to the concept. Roger Hodgson's participation is a particular highlight - with note perfect renditions of Supertramp songs. Not having heard Hodgson for a while, it's gratifying to see this return to form.

Howard Jone's keyboard flourishes are evident throughout. His perfect rendition of Keith Emerson's keyboard break on Lucky Man is a standout.

Sheila E. - as well as being the first female on an All-Starr tour - adds to the party atmosphere and helps make this a real drummers album. Her own, Glamorous Life, and her contribution to Ringo's Back Off Boogaloo adds an added dynamic. As for Ringo, his playing and singing is solid throughout. In fact, Ringo's drumming is more pronounced on this CD than I've heard in some time.

For long time Beatle fans, It would be nice to see Ringo dig deeper into his song catalogue and vary his set list but it's understood that the purpose of these concerts is to draw from an artist's more familiar repertoire. However, this can result a shop worn feeling, especially with Ringo's Beatle era tunes. This shouldn't be a problem for the casual fan, though.

In summary, this is an enjoyable disc, elevated by the variety of guest performers with energetic performances throughout the entire CD.

Besides, who can't appreciate the irony when Ian Hunter sings "My brother's back at home with his Beatles and his Stones" on All The Young Dudes, with Ringo's participation. Who would have imagined that 30 years ago!

DVD TRACK LISTING: Photograph, Act Naturally, Logical Song, Cleveland Rocks, Back Off Boogaloo, I Wanna Be Your Man, You're Sixteen, Yellow Submarine, Things Can Only Get Better, Lucky Man, Give A Little Bit, No One Is To Blame, The No-No Song, It Don’t Come Easy, Glamorous Life, Take The Long Way Home, All The Young Dudes, Don't Go Where The Road Don't Go, With A Little Help From My Friends

DVD FEATURES: Digitally Mastered 5.1 Dolby, DTS Surround Sound, PCM Stereo, Widescreen Format, Interactive Menus, Instant Chapter Access To Songs, Bonus Interview Footage

My Review: "Ringo Starr & New His All-Starr Band" DVD:

The Ringo Starr and his new All Starr Band DVD has 19 tracks (listed above). The better performances were released on CD this past August, however being a live event, it needs to be seen as well as heard.

The DVD is very user friendly with a simple, easy to navigate menu. In addition to the concert, the DVD has a brief interview with Ringo, in which he describes the origin of the All-Starr concept and what has led up to the current line up. There is also a "featurette" consisting of interviews and introductory segments on each band member and a series of still photos which were taken by Howard Jones at different points during the tour.

The most immediate aspect of the DVD is the razor sharp video quality. It has amazing clarity, detail and colour separation. This performance was taped for broadcast on the HDTV standard and it shows. The video quality is among the very best of the music based DVDs that I  have seen or own.

The audio quality is excellent (as was the case with the CD). Unfortunately, I don’t have a DTS decoder in my DVD setup so I can’t comment on that aspect.

The sequencing of the performances are different than on the CD with Ringo’s  material allotted to the earlier part of the disc.

There are 3 tracks present (Ian Hunter’s Cleveland Rocks ; Howard Jones, Things Could Only Get Better and Ringo’s It Don’t Come Easy) which were not on the CD.

Again like the CD, what is readily apparent about this All- Starr Band line up is the sense of camaraderie, mutual respect and fun. These people obviously enjoyed the experience of performing together and that translates even better on DVD than it did on CD.

Roger Hodgson is the standout performer here, not only for his compositions but his additions to other people’s material. A very generous, gentle spirited musician. It’s nice to see him back in action. It was also a pleasure to see Greg Lake, especially in light of my progressive rock leanings. It would have been nice to see him represented by more than just one selection. His rendition of Lucky Man (with Keith Emerson’s keyboard part being reproduced note perfect by Howard Jones) was a highlight of this disc.

Ian Hunters voice unfortunately wasn’t up to par and there were a few indulgent performances that went on a bit too long. Howard Jones, Things Can Only Get Better seemed to be a song in desperate search for an ending, as was Ian Hunter’s Cleveland Rocks and Sheila E’s Glamourous Life.

An aspect that took some getting used to was the quick cut, multi angle camera approach used at different points during the filming of the concert. It comes across a bit abrupt but is due to the style employed by the camera person(s) and is not the fault of the DVD. Viewers may also be distracted by the abrupt clothing changes by the musicians due to the sequencing of songs on the DVD. It’s something you get used to with repeated use but it makes for a unique first time viewing.

Ringo acquitted himself exceptionally well as an emcee, musician and all around stage presence. He was warm and funny without lapsing into corniness. It was great to seen him looking fit, happy and having such a good time. People tend to downplay Ringo’s talents but this DVD gives ample prove that he deserves more recognition.

Even though his material was familiar, in this setting, that doesn’t breed contempt. The high quality of the musicianship - and the DVD -  ensures an enjoyable viewing experience.

This concert was recorded in Chicago’s Rosemont Theatre in August 2001. Ringo did not embark on an All Starr tour in 2002. During the brief interview with Ringo, he comments briefly on retirement. These views, of course, could now be affected by events that have taken place since this event. However, if indeed, this is one of Ringo’s final tours, it’s good to note that it’s of such high calibre.

Just before the concert finale (With A Little Help From My Friends), Ringo pauses to speak to a small child who excitedly exclaims, “Ringo”, enthusiastically into the microphone. This endearing, crowd pleasing moment ensures that Ringo’s influence, and that of the Beatles, will endure for yet another generation.

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This page was updated on October 19th, 2002 .

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