Ringo Starr is back in Las Vegas, bringing a delightful mix of music, love, and art to a city that has long been a hub for entertainment. This month, the former Beatles drummer will take the stage with his All Starr Band for a series of concerts at The Venetian, delighting fans with timeless classics and new renditions of his iconic hits.
WATCH | Ringo Starr reflects on his legendary music career that took him to Vegas
Starr’s upcoming performances are scheduled for September 17, 19, 20, 24, 26, and 27, and will feature a talented lineup, including Steve Lukather, Colin Hay, Hamish Stuart, Warren Ham, Buck Johnson, and Gregg Bissonette. Fans can expect an unforgettable show that highlights the unique chemistry of the band, along with Starr’s joyful personality driving the spirit of the performance.
Reflecting on his journey, Starr recalls his first visit to Las Vegas, which took place on August 20, 1964. The Beatles performed two shows at the Las Vegas Convention Center, a moment that remains etched in musical history. “It was a magical time, and the city was different back then,” Starr reminisces. He notes that the current atmosphere in Las Vegas has evolved significantly, creating an environment where music is celebrated and cherished. “It used to drive me mad because there were tables with people eating dinner while you were trying to play music,” he explains. “But now, it’s so great. It’s a music city. I love it.”
Band member Hamish Stuart echoed Starr’s sentiments, sharing his own nostalgia about the city. He reminisced, “My first memory of Vegas was that it took about 15 or 20 minutes to get to the Strip from the airport in a cab. Now, you walk out and you’re on it.” His reflections highlight the rapid growth and bustling energy of modern Las Vegas, transforming it into a must-visit destination for music lovers.
For Gregg Bissonette and Colin Hay, Las Vegas has become a home base. Bissonette recalls first performing in the city for an auto industry convention in 1982, and recognizes the unique opportunity playing with Starr presents today. “Now, to play at The Venetian with Ringo and the All Starr Band, you’ve got so many people from around the country coming to Vegas,” he states, appreciating the mixture of fans and musicians that gather in this vibrant city.
Roccabella INC
Colin Hay also enjoys the Las Vegas experience. “It was a place that I had never experienced before,” he shared. “I like playing it because it’s close to home and you can nip home after you’ve played there.” The camaraderie amongst the members of the All Starr Band shines through, with each artist growing together through a shared love for music and performance.
Starr reflects on the evolution of the All Starr Band over the years. “I had never put a band together, so I started just calling friends from my phone book. It was a daunting task at first. Nobody said no!” The band has embraced this organic growth, creating a dynamic atmosphere on stage that allows for improvisation and personal interpretations of classic tracks. Bissonette enthused, “If you would have told me in 1966 when I saw Ringo in Detroit that I’d be playing five feet away from him since 2008, I would have never believed it.”
Roccabella INC
For Buck Johnson, playing with Starr is more than just a gig; it’s a spiritual experience. “It’s a dream come true for me to share the stage and play for people who love Ringo and all of the songs,” he affirms. Steve Lukather’s heartfelt words resonate with the rest of the band: “You started my musical life. It sort of popped open when I saw you. And all these years later, to get to be your friend and be a part of this with all these great cats, I love you, man. Thank you for having me.” Their genuine appreciation for each other reflects a strong bond formed over years of collaboration and mutual respect.
In addition to the concerts, Starr is also unveiling an art exhibition at the Animazing Gallery located within The Venetian’s Grand Canal Shoppes. This marks his first art exhibition since 2019 and features a special collection of 12 original pieces for sale, along with limited edition art and signed works. “It’s just something I love to do,” Starr shared, revealing his passion for creativity that extends beyond music. In his studio, he enjoys “throwing paint around,” primarily working with spin art that celebrates abstract forms and colors.
KTNV
This exhibition will be open to the public and runs until October 15. All proceeds from the art sales will benefit Starr’s charitable organization, The Lotus Foundation, which supports various causes such as research and treatment for cerebral palsy, brain tumors, cancer, and homelessness. Ringo’s commitment extends beyond music, showcasing a deep concern for community welfare and the importance of giving back.
KTNV
Through his love for music, art, and philanthropy, Ringo Starr continues to inspire fans and fellow musicians alike, creating a legacy that celebrates peace, love, and creativity in a city that thrives on entertainment.