Photo Credit: Vanessa Sanchez
There is a distinct something different when hearing a track played on the radio versus a live version performed by passionate veterans, like those in the Ringo Starr's All-Starr Band. The difference is a vacancy of filters resulting in raw emotion.
Last night at the Tobin Center, there weren't any crazy special effects other than a running fog machine and star-studded background. Amid the crowd, several hundred Beatle-lovers attended the two-hour performance, kicked off by “Matchbox,” a song originally recorded by The Beatles in 1963.
From beginning to end, the former Beatle drummer was full of energy and jokes. His two-page set list contained songs previously performed by other groups his band members were in, including the Santana songs “Evil Ways” and “Black Magic Woman” (sung by Gregg Rolie formerly in Santana and Woodstock survivor).
Photo Credit: Vanessa Sanchez
As diverse as Starr’s bandmates are, so, too, was the variety of music on the two-page set list. The majority of the members took turns performing songs, including bassist Richard Page. When doing so, the Mr. Mister alum proved his voice has not aged. Page’s ability to hit notes in octaves higher than almost anyone else his age, and at such volume, was a statement towards the guys in the All Star Band demonstrating they’ve still got it.
As the funniest of the Fab Four, Starr is well known to make a few jokes during his performances, he did not hide that side of him following the song with: "You know sometimes I wish we can bang on the drums all day. But, hey! That’s what I do!” to which the crowd responded with cheers and laughter. He engaged with the audience calling out one saying “You’ve been smiling the whole show. I love you.”
