Sunday, July 15, 2012

Happy birthday, Uncle Ringo


I've had chances, but have never seen Ringo Starr and His All-star Band.  Ringo turned 72 last week.  George's son Dhani referred to him as Uncle Ringo at the recorded Concert for George back in 2002.  That was ten years ago.   Ringo's All-star Band edition for 2012 has Todd Rundgren in it, along with Steve Lukather (Toto), Gregg Rolie (Santana and Journey), Richard Page (Mr. Mister), Mark Rivera - saxophone, percussion, keyboards, guitar, vocals, and Gregg Bissonette - drums, percussion vocals.  This self-titled record, Ringo is the third album by Ringo Starr, released in 1973 on Apple Records. It peaked at #7 on the UK Albums Chart and #2 on the Billboard 200, and has been certified platinum by the RIAA. In Canada, it reached #1 on the RPM national albums chart.  The album is noted for the appearance of all four Beatles, and for its numerous guest stars, something which would become a signature for Starr on many of his future albums and tours.  Taking part in the sessions were Marc Bolan, members of The BandBilly PrestonKlaus VoormannNicky HopkinsHarry Nilsson and Jim Keltner.  Additionally, all three of his former bandmates appeared on and composed material for Ringo, and Starr, John and George appear here together on the Lennon-penned song "I'm The Greatest".  Not surprisingly, when word of the session hit the media, furious Beatles reunion rumours (the first of several) began spreading. It would be the closest to a Beatles reunion until Eric Clapton's wedding party on 19 May 1979.

1 comment:

  1. I know Mark Rivera from Billy Joel days. Also, not sure if he's on tour, but Joe Walsh is Ringo's brother-in-law, so they played on each others' recent albums...

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