RINGO STARR! I'm the greatest.

It goes without saying that I love the Beatles.  To go farther, I love Ringo.  It has become a tradition with my Dad to see Ringo each time that he comes to the area.

Before I left a family friend, Fred, sent my Dad and I an e-mail with a link to an article about Ringo and Paul.  There was one line that mentioned that Ringo would be going on tour this summer.  I was slightly disappointed that I would miss a chance to continue the the tradition, so I checked Ringo's website to see when he would be in the US.  It turns out that he was actually touring in Europe and he was going to be in London the day after I arrived.  Of course I was going!

I took the tube and a train to Hampton Court and then walked to the palace.  I was under the impression that he would be playing at a palace that was converted into a concert venue.  What I actually found was a stage set up in a courtyard of a palace that is still used as a tourist attraction.  The history was long but the main fact that I remember was that Henry VIII once lived in Hampton Court Palace.  My seat was in the fifth row from the stage and slightly off the the right.  It was the closest I have ever been, it was amazing.

Hampton Court Palace

Hampton Court Palace

Hampton Court Palace

Ringo on his drums

Edgar Winter, Wally Palmer, and Ringo Starr

Edgar Winter on the sax next to Ringo.

This All Starr Band featured Edgar Winter, Gary Wright who wrote Dream Weaver, Rick Derringer from the McCoys, Richard Page from Mr. Mister, Wally Palmer from the Romantics, and Gregg Bissonette.

Once I got there and the show started I realized that this line up was the same as I had seen last summer, apparently Ringo Starr and the All Starr band tours one year in the US and the next through out Europe.

Overall the show was great, nothing less than expected. Ringo had his typical banter with the audience.

Audience Member: Ringo!!!
Ringo: Yes, that is my name! What?

Audience: Ringo you are the best!
Ringo: No, I am the greatest.

Just a few I can remember, but one of the best things about Ringo's performances is that he talks to the audience and makes jokes.  He also would rather showcase the talents of all of his friends than be the center of attention for the entire show.