A Rock ‘n’ Roll Revue Like No Other

When Ringo Starr, the legendary drummer of The Beatles, launched his All-Starr Band in 1989, he wasn’t just hitting the road to relive past glories—he was creating a rock ‘n’ roll supergroup, a revolving-door celebration of musical camaraderie, talent, and timeless hits. Over three decades later, the All-Starr Band has become a beloved institution in live music, known for its rotating lineup of classic rock legends and joyful, crowd-pleasing performances.

Origins: A Beatle Returns to the Stage

After the Beatles split in 1970, Ringo Starr pursued a solo career, releasing several albums throughout the 1970s and ’80s. By the late ’80s, Starr wanted to tour again—but rather than go solo or form a traditional backing band, he had a different idea: gather a group of friends and fellow hitmakers to tour together, each contributing their own songs to the show.

“I wanted to play with good players, and I thought, well, I’ve got a lot of friends who are good players,”
— Ringo Starr

In 1989, the first Ringo Starr and His All-Starr Band tour launched with an all-star lineup including Dr. John, Joe Walsh (Eagles, James Gang), Billy Preston, Rick Danko and Levon Helm (The Band), and Clarence Clemons (E Street Band). The concept was simple but brilliant: each artist would perform a few of their biggest hits, while Ringo would mix in Beatles classics and solo material.

The Rotating Lineup: Who’s Who of Rock History

The All-Starr Band is known for its constantly evolving roster, featuring a remarkable variety of classic rock and pop icons. Some of the most notable All-Starrs over the years have included:

Joe Walsh (Eagles, James Gang)
Todd Rundgren
Steve Lukather (Toto)
Gregg Rolie (Santana, Journey)
Richard Marx
Colin Hay (Men at Work)
Sheila E.
Peter Frampton
John Entwistle (The Who)
Edgar Winter
Billy Squier
Howard Jones

Each tour typically includes a mix of singers, guitarists, keyboardists, and drummers, all sharing vocal duties and playing on each other’s hits. This cooperative, feel-good format makes the concerts unlike any other: it’s less about one star and more about shared musical celebration.

Setlists Packed With Hits

A Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band concert feels like a living jukebox of the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s. A typical show might include:

Beatles hits like “With a Little Help From My Friends”, “Yellow Submarine”, and “Don’t Pass Me By”
Ringo’s solo tracks such as “Photograph”, “It Don’t Come Easy”, and “Back Off Boogaloo”
Iconic hits from All-Starr members:
- “Rosanna” and “Africa” (Toto – Steve Lukather)
- “Who Can It Be Now?” (Men at Work – Colin Hay)
- “Black Magic Woman” (Santana – Gregg Rolie)
- “Bang the Drum All Day” (Todd Rundgren)

This format has given audiences decades of nostalgic, high-energy performances that bridge generations of rock fans.

Tours and Legacy

Since its debut, the All-Starr Band has toured regularly across the U.S., Europe, Asia, and South America. Despite lineup changes, one thing has remained constant: Ringo’s infectious spirit and unifying presence.

The band’s longevity is impressive. With dozens of musicians having joined over the years, the All-Starr Band has become more than a backing group—it’s a rock ‘n’ roll hall of fame on wheels.

“This band is about peace, love, and great music. We just have fun.”
— Ringo Starr

Conclusion: Peace, Love, and All-Starr Power

Ringo Starr’s All-Starr Band is more than a touring act—it’s a joyful experiment in musical fellowship that has endured for over 30 years. With each new lineup, the band reinvents itself while staying true to its mission: to bring people together through timeless music, shared energy, and the spirit of peace and love.

As Ringo himself often says at the end of every concert:

“Peace and love… peace and love!”

A Timeline of All-Starr Band Tours

Below is a chronological list of Ringo Starr’s All-Starr Band tours, along with select highlights from each lineup:

🎤 1989 Tour (Debut)

Notable All-Starrs: Joe Walsh, Dr. John, Billy Preston, Rick Danko, Levon Helm, Clarence Clemons, Nils Lofgren, Jim Keltner
Highlights: First-ever All-Starr Band tour; established the rotating format and multi-hit setlist concept.

🎤 1992 Tour

Notable All-Starrs: Joe Walsh, Nils Lofgren, Burton Cummings (The Guess Who), Dave Edmunds, Timothy B. Schmit (Eagles), Todd Rundgren
Highlights: Expanded musical diversity with hits like “American Woman” and “I Saw the Light.”

🎤 1995 Tour

Notable All-Starrs: Billy Preston, Randy Bachman, Mark Farner, John Entwistle (The Who), Felix Cavaliere (The Rascals)
Highlights: Included one of the few performances featuring John Entwistle.

🎤 1997 Tour

Notable All-Starrs: Peter Frampton, Gary Brooker (Procol Harum), Jack Bruce (Cream), Simon Kirke (Bad Company), Mark Rivera
Highlights: A strong lineup with blues and classic rock roots.

🎤 1999–2000 Tour

Notable All-Starrs: Jack Bruce, Todd Rundgren, Dave Edmunds, Simon Kirke, Eric Carmen
Highlights: Known for collaborative musical chemistry and fan-favorite performances.

🎤 2001 Tour

Notable All-Starrs: Greg Lake (ELP), Ian Hunter (Mott the Hoople), Roger Hodgson (Supertramp), Sheila E., Howard Jones
Highlights: A lineup heavy with ‘70s prog-pop hits.

🎤 2003 Tour

Notable All-Starrs: Paul Carrack (Squeeze, Mike + the Mechanics), Colin Hay (Men at Work), John Waite, Sheila E.
Highlights: Introduction of Colin Hay, who would become a fan favorite.

🎤 2006 Tour

Notable All-Starrs: Richard Marx, Billy Squier, Edgar Winter, Hamish Stuart (Average White Band), Rod Argent (The Zombies)
Highlights: Included ‘80s rock staples and soul-funk infusions.

🎤 2008 Tour

Notable All-Starrs: Billy Squier, Edgar Winter, Gary Wright, Colin Hay, Hamish Stuart
Highlights: Return of several familiar faces, tighter band sound.

🎤 2010–2011 Tour

Notable All-Starrs: Edgar Winter, Rick Derringer, Gary Wright, Wally Palmar (The Romantics)
Highlights: Featured rock staples like “Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo.”

🎤 2012–2013 Tour

Notable All-Starrs: Steve Lukather (Toto), Gregg Rolie (Santana, Journey), Todd Rundgren, Richard Page (Mr. Mister)
Highlights: Lukather and Rolie bring instrumental power and vocal depth.

🎤 2014–2015 Tour

Same core lineup as 2012–2013
Highlights: High fan demand led to multiple international legs.

🎤 2016–2017 Tour

Same core lineup
Highlights: Ringo’s 76th birthday celebrated with a live-streamed Hollywood Bowl event.

🎤 2018–2019 Tour

Notable All-Starrs: Steve Lukather, Colin Hay, Gregg Rolie, Warren Ham, Graham Gouldman (10cc), Gregg Bissonette
Highlights: Graham Gouldman’s addition brought “I’m Not in Love” and “The Things We Do for Love.”

🎤 2022 Tour

Same core lineup with minor changes due to health protocols.
Highlights: Marked Ringo’s return to touring after COVID delays.

🎤 2023–2024 Tour

Lineup: Steve Lukather, Colin Hay, Edgar Winter, Hamish Stuart, Warren Ham, Gregg Bissonette
Highlights: Continued strong reception; more than 30 years of All-Starr performances celebrated.

Final Thoughts

With over 30 years of touring and more than 70 different members, Ringo Starr’s All-Starr Band is more than a nostalgia act—it’s a celebration of rock music’s rich legacy, led by one of its most iconic drummers.

“This band isn’t about egos or headliners—it’s about sharing joy. That’s what keeps me going.”
— Ringo Starr