Ringo Starr and His All-Star Band delivered a laid-back yet nostalgic performance at the OLG Stage, Fallsview Casino, on Sunday, September 22. With a notably early 7:05 pm start and a crowd whose average age hovered around 70, the evening had an easy-going vibe, more in tune with quiet reflection than raucous rock.
Yet, despite this atmosphere, the night offered plenty of memorable moments, capturing the essence of Ringo’s lifelong musicianship and his enduring charm. Ringo Starr was last in the area ten years ago at Artpark in Lewiston.
Ringo’s Enduring Presence
At 84 years old, Ringo Starr continues to be a magnetic stage presence. Alternating between vocals and his iconic spot behind the Ludwig drum kit, Ringo displayed both energy and humor. Early in the show, he quipped, “I guarantee everyone here will know at least one song, and if you don’t, I don’t know why you are here,” setting the tone for the night with his easy humor and rapport with the audience. His performance, while not flawless, was full of heart especially when he asked the band to restart “Boys” after making a mistake early in the song. It was a candid and endearing moment that underscored Ringo’s human touch, something fans have loved him for since his Beatles days.
A Setlist That Surprised
Though many came hoping for a set heavy with Beatles classics, the show took a different direction, giving room to the diverse talents of his All-Starr Band. Steve Lukather (Toto), Colin Hay (Men at Work), Warren Ham, Hamish Stuart (Average White Band), and Gregg Bissonette all had their moments to shine, playing a range of hits that leaned more on Toto and Average White Band than the Fab Four. This could have been a disappointment to purists, but for the seasoned crowd, it provided a fresh mix of classic rock and pop staples. Lukather’s precision on guitar and Hay’s vocals were particularly strong, bringing life to tracks like Toto’s “Africa” and Average White Band’s funky “Cut the Cake.” His usual keyboard player Edgar Winter was not seen on stage
In a playful twist, the band spiced up their performance of “Cut the Cake” by weaving in snippets of iconic songs like “We Will Rock You,” “Moby Dick,” and even Led Zeppelin’s “Immigrant Song,” which sent ripples of excitement through the audience.
A Lighter Touch of Beatles Magic
Beatles fans were rewarded with only four songs from Ringo’s original group, and while this might have been fewer than expected, each performance carried its own magic. “Yellow Submarine” and “Down Under” both invited sing-alongs from the crowd. These moments were cherished by the audience, even if they weren’t the show’s central focus.
The Venue and Atmosphere
The OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino, with its 5,000-person capacity, created an intimate atmosphere well-suited to the more laid-back energy of the evening. The audience, particularly those in the upper levels, stayed seated for most of the night. Some on the floor level were standing. There was a subdued but sense of nostalgia as people swayed and sang along to familiar tunes.
The stage production added a layer of subtle drama, with the use of haze and smoke enhancing the lighting effects. Heavy magenta tones dominated the palette, giving the stage a soft, ethereal glow. This visual element, though not overbearing (for non-photographers), helped elevate the mood and complemented the All-Starr Band’s dynamic performances.
Final Thoughts
Ringo Starr may be 84, but he’s still rocking. The show wasn’t just a nostalgic trip down memory lane; it was a testament to his enduring love for performing and his ability to bring together an eclectic group of musicians who each add their unique flair. While it wasn’t a Beatles-heavy evening, it was an enjoyable celebration of music’s timelessness. For the crowd of mostly older fans, it was a comfortable, cozy night spent with one of rock’s most beloved drummers.
If this performance was any indication, Ringo’s all-star band experiment is still going strong, as he continues to charm and entertain with humility and humor. Ringo’s final show of this tour will be in NYC on 9/25/2024.
Setlist: Matchbox, It Don’t Come Easy, Rosanna, Pick Up the Pieces, Down Under, Boys, I’m the Greatest, Yellow Submarine, Cut the Cake, Octopus’s Garden, Back Off Boogaloo, Overkill, Africa, Work to Do, I Wanna Be Your Man, Who Can It Be Now? Hold the Line, Photograph, With a Little Help From My Friends
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