Written by Jim Bille
Ringo Starr and his longest running incarnation of the All Starr Band made an appearance at the Smart Financial Center in Sugarland and put on probably the best ‘feel good’ show of the year. The feel good music was not only from Ringo’s storied catalog but from contributions of every member in the band as well. As with the previous All Starr bands, Starr has amassed a troupe of musicians who have been with him for a number of years now. With guys like Steve Lukather from Toto and Richard Page from Mister Mister to Greg Rolie from Santana and the ever nutty Todd Rundgren it’s hard to imagine anything but great tunes.Considering all this talent in one show Starr graciously defers quite often to his bandmates so that they too can share center stage performing songs that made them famous in their own right.
Steve Lukather was spot on the mark with Toto favorites like “Rosanna”, “Africa” and “Hold the Line”. Mister Mister alum Richard Page delivered incredible versions of “Kyrie”, “Broken Wings” and a new number called “You Are Mine”. Greg Rollie, original vocalist and keyboardist for Santana revived his vocals on the Santana hits “Evil Ways”, “Black Magic Woman” and “Oye Como Va”.
The last All Starr member to strut his stuff was Todd Rundgren. “I Saw the Light” is probably Rundgren’s most well known and most popular hit. His version on this night was memorable as Rundgren slipped the crowd right back into the ‘70’s with this unforgettable tune from his Something / Anything album from 1972. More Rundgren fun was in store when he broke into “Bang the Drum All Day”, a tune that had the crowd percussing their own improvised drums of seat backs and whatever else they could beat on.
Seeing all of these artists alone would be a show in itself but the real Starr of the show really sparkled whenever Ringo took the microphone. Just about everything ‘Ringo’ was featured as Starr took the audience on a musical ride of his own solo hits as well as the Beatles songs that were trademarked with his distinctive vocals.
Starr opened the show with “Matchbox”, a rockin’ Carl Perkins number from the 50’s and also from The Beatles 1964 release “Something New”. He quickly fast forwarded the show with one of his own tunes “It Don’t Come Easy”, Ringo’s first solo hit from 1971. This song made it really sink in that we were in the presence of a Beatle, one of only four members of the most famous band that ever was.
Starr announced before performing another classic song that he sang it with a band he used to be in, Rory Storm and the Hurricanes. Then he mentioned he sang it with the other band as well. The song was “Boys”, a hit for the Shirelles back in 1960 and a hit for The Beatles in 1963.
“Here’s a song that you can sing along with”… Ringo announced a one point. “If you don’t know the words, then you’re in the wrong venue”. Of course everyone knew the words to “Yellow Submarine” and of course the crowd overwhelmingly joined in.
The Beatles always had a deep admiration for Carl Perkins and Starr’s version of “Honey Don’t” was sung with the same passion he had when The Beatles performed it years before.
Continually flashing the Peace Sign and flashing that charming Ringo smile throughout the show, Starr held the crowd captive by performing a few more Beatles classics that included “I Wanna Be Your Man”, “Act Naturally” and an incredible version of “With a Little Help From My Friends” from the Sgt. Peppers album.
This was another super show with super performers that Ringo has assembled. Be sure to check it out next time they come to town.
A few words about the Smart Financial Center before closing….
This was actually my first trip to this new venue and can tell you it is world class. The sight lines from just about anywhere I stood were all excellent not to mention an impeccable sound system. Seating varied from reserved floor and balcony to box seats directly behind the sound board. I found the staff to be extremely courteous and helpful in assisting concert goers to their seats. This is a great newer place that needs to be checked out by any serious concert goer. Take a look at their upcoming show calendar and see why you need to head over sooner than later. http://www.smartfinancialcentre.com/