LIVE REVIEW + PHOTOS: Ringo Starr in Medford, MA (09.18.24)
Stepping into the Chevalier Theater for this night was like entering a time capsule of rock history, with Ringo Starr leading his All-Starr Band through a truly entertaining night of music. This was my first time seeing Ringo (I’ve seen Sir Paul once last time he played Fenway Park) and was very excited to finally say I’ve seen at least half of The Beatles. And to see a Beatle at this type of performance space was not to be missed. The intimacy of this venue allowed fans to connect with the legendary drummer and his All-Starr Band in a way that felt both personal and electric.
As the lights dimmed and the opening notes of “Matchbox” filled the air, the band’s various all-star band members took the stage, last of which was the legendary Ringo giving his iconic peace sign to all his fans. His charm and charisma were very evident from the start, drawing the audience into a spirited celebration of rock and roll. The choice to kick off with the Carl Perkins classic immediately connected the audience with his deep musical roots. As he transitioned into “It Don’t Come Easy,” it reminded everyone of the lasting power of this Beatle’s own amazing solo work. With each song, the All-Star Band showcased their remarkable talent, particularly Steve Lukather of Toto fame, whose guitar work on tracks like “Rosanna” and “Hold the Line” were definite highlights. Colin Hay, a familiar face from Men at Work, took center stage on several occasions, bringing his own hits into the mix, like “Down Under” and “Overkill.” His voice resonated beautifully, blending perfectly with Ringo’s during “I Wanna Be Your Man,” a Beatles gem that had the crowd singing. One of the standout moments came during the “Magical Musical Moment” interlude, where the band delivered snippets of “Come Together” and “The End.”
Ringo’s energy was infectious as he moved seamlessly from one song to the next, pausing only for charming anecdotes and witty banter. After asking his guitarist to pick the next song, any from the Beatles catalog, the opening notes of “Blackbird” were played before being stopped. “No, that that one!”. Then “Here Comes The Sun” started up, and again, “Not that one either!”. “In My Life” started, and another stop. “No, no, no… I think you’ll remember this one though.” As his band started “Octopus’s Garden” which was met with joy, the audience swaying along to the whimsical lyrics. Another highlight of the show was his hit single “Photograph,” where Ringo’s heartfelt delivery reminded everyone of the timeless nature of his music. The show peaked with a rousing rendition of “With a Little Help From My Friends,” which included a chorus of “Give Peace a Chance.” The whole show was a great mix of Ringo dancing and performing at center stage (I couldn’t believe he’s 84!) and bearing witness to his incredible chops on the drum kit. It was mentioned on his website that the kit he played on for this tour was actually a recreation of the sa
me one used on the Ed Sullivan Show performance.
As the final notes faded, it was clear that Ringo Starr had once again proved his enduring relevance in the music world. The All-Starr Band, featuring the same lineup from earlier in the year, was tight and cohesive, with each member bringing their unique flair to the stage. It felt like more than just a show; it was a joyous celebration of music that spanned generations. With a setlist that included not only his hits but also classic covers (most featuring a prominent band member from that song) he reminded everyone why he remains a beloved figure in rock history. As fans left the theater, smiles plastered across their faces, it was clear that the magic of Ringo continues to live on, capturing hearts one beat at a time.
Photos – Ringo Starr & His All-Star Band at Chevalier Theatre in Medford, MA on September 18th:
