Ringo and his All-Starrs rock Kettering stage
PHOTOS: Ringo performs
PHOTOS: Were you spotted at the concert?
RELATED: Older music attracting younger fans
COMMENT: Share your reviews of the concert
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
KETTERING — A significant slice of rock 'n' roll history shared the stage at Fraze Pavilion on Tuesday night, July 8, when Ringo Starr came to town with his aptly named All-Starr Band.
Between the former Beatle and his six musical cohorts, the assembled group could claim ties to pop-rock, classic rock, hard rock, progressive rock, funk, psychedelic and new wave.
And the combination worked beautifully — in large part to the famously amiable Ringo.
Entering the stage waving two-handed peace signs, Ringo, who turned 68 on Monday, started the 2½ hour show stage front with a rousing version of his 1971 hit "It Don't Come Easy."
"This place is wild," he said in response to the crowd's fervent reception. "It's wild or the bar's been open all day," he added jovially.
After an introductory trio of songs from his extended catalogue, Ringo moved back to a raised drum kit to play while various All-Starrs took turns out front.
Hard rocker and guitarist Billy Squier was up first with a driving rendition of "Lonely is the Night."
Texas native Edgar Winter followed with an anthemic "Free Ride."
Colin Hay, formerly of the Australian band Men at Work, offered up a syncopated "Down Under"; and one-time George Harrison friend and bandmate Gary Wright weighed in with a cosmic "Dream Weaver" that well matched the stage's moon and star-covered backdrop.
Rounding out the ensemble was Average White Band co-founder Hamish Stuart, leading the funky instrumental "Pick Up the Pieces;" and veteran drummer Gregg Bissonette, who remained a sideman throughout the evening.
Once the show's format was established, Ringo and his All-Starrs continued to take turns in the spotlight.
While each of the musicians made important and unique contributions to the entire group, Edgar Winter proved particularly versatile, adding saxophone and keyboard passages on a variety of selections, and threatening to steal the show with a powerhouse "Frankenstein."
Of course, the evening's main draw was Ringo, whose performance highlights included a sing-along "Yellow Submarine" and a show-closing rendition of the Beatle's "With a Little Help from My Friends," which also served as a metaphoric recognition of the All-Starr ensemble; and John Lennon's "Give Peace a Chance."
Contact the reporter at (937) 225-7309 or csimmons@DaytonDailyNews.com.

Comments
By Carla Baker
October 28, 2009 9:30 PM | Link to this
My name is Carla Baker. And I love the Beatles myself.I am a Beatle fan. Yes I am. And I like there song’s and also there music. It is sad of one of them got kill. That is sad. But I still like the Beatles anyway. From,Carla
By Van Malia
July 10, 2008 10:53 PM | Link to this
I am 38 years old, but grew up listening to the Beatles and RIngo with my father. I took him to see Paul McCartney in Columbus, OH a few years ago. The Beatles make me feel good like a great summer day. The concert was great and I had great seats near the stage. I would have liked to hear more from Colin Haye formerly of Men At Work, and Billy Squier since I grew up liking their music, and was not too familiar with Hamish Stuart. Jim Phillips, you need to study your music history, my friend
By Cathy, Ginny, Nikki, Diane, Daniel
July 10, 2008 8:29 PM | Link to this
Well, in 1964 I wanted to see the Beatles and my father said no, I was too young! Ten years old was just a little young, I guess! But I grew up listening to Beatles music and now that I am old enough to make up my own mind, I decided to ride the yellow submarine down to the Fraze and feel the peace and love spread through all the peace lovers in the music of “the day”. Back in the day! LOL! So I went, and it was the BEST concert I think I had EVERY seen! Ringo and his all Starr band rocked!
By PAT JAMES
July 10, 2008 9:47 AM | Link to this
The last time I saw Ringo I was 16, that was 44 years ago. He made me feel 16 again, if only for a few hours. What an awesome show. All of the performers were great. Of course hearing the songs from when he was in ‘the other band” was the highlight of the night. He may be 68 but he still has it. Now I’m just hoping Paul will tour again. Peace. Pat
By Phyllis
July 10, 2008 8:49 AM | Link to this
Ringo Starr and the All Star Band rocked the Fraze as no other band ever has. We were in complete awe and WOW they were all wonderful. Great time!!!!
By David Danner
July 10, 2008 5:44 AM | Link to this
Excellent performance all around esp. Edgar Winter! (I’ll admit I’m a little biased since I’m a keyboard player too) The sound system was great too; nice detailed, clean sound. Gary Wright’s keys could have been louder, though. A great 1st concert for my 10 yr old son, who is learning to play drums. A wonderful example of how a band should look, act & sound. Jim Phillips needs a personality transplant! Peace & Love Ringo & All Starrs! Thanks for coming to Kettering!
By rocco
July 9, 2008 11:27 PM | Link to this
Jim Phillips -
I think you are mirroring my friend you are the geek.
Ringo Starr has sold billions of albums, has been adored by any female in every country, has influenced every rock drummer with style - hitting the offbeat…and looks 48 when he is really 68.
And what have you done with your life?
Ask the 20 year old obssesive Beatle fan if Richard Starkey is a geek. You got to be kidding me man - get a life.
By JIM PHILLIPS
July 9, 2008 10:53 PM | Link to this
WOW ! ! !
At last, I have been so disgusted with your newspaper to write in.
Your front page photo of ringo star was the final insult to your subscribers and advertisers that someone in your organization has lost perspective of who your readers are.
I really don’t give a grunt about this geek of twenty years ago. Also to add another set of insertions in later pages, just adds to your loss of what your influence may be on our younger citizens. Think about it.
Jim Phillips
By JIM PHILLIPS
July 9, 2008 10:53 PM | Link to this
WOW ! ! !
At last, I have been so disgusted with your newspaper to write in.
Your front page photo of ringo star was the final insult to your subscribers and advertisers that someone in your organization has lost perspective of who your readers are.
I really don’t give a grunt about this geek of twenty years ago. Also to add another set of insertions in later pages, just adds to your loss of what your influence may be on our younger citizens. Think about it.
Jim Phillips
By Peggy Burneka
July 9, 2008 7:14 PM | Link to this
This is the third time over the years I have seen Ringo & His All Starrs. It’s always a fun concert because it is a variety of “greatest hits” from talented musicians. But the main “Starr” is our Ringo. RINGO ROCKS!!!
By Michele Robinson
July 9, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this
What a beautiful evening, with the weather cooperating and the house simply ROCKIN’! How fortunate we were that Ringo came to OUR Fraze Pavilion and put on a talent filled panel of “Stars” with him! No doubt that it was the highlight of my concert-going at the Kettering Summer Music Venue, ever!