FANS WRITE
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Grand Rapids, Mich. - Aug. 8
From Mally
I suppose I'm expected to say something rather than,
this concert was a life-changing experience. That might be going a BIT
too far, but I've been to a lot of concerts and this was one of the
best I've ever had the pleasure of attending.
This was my first time seeing RS & The ASB indoors.
I've been to outdoor venues for this in both Dallas and Detroit.
I must start off by saying that the indoor venue was
so much better! Perhaps it had something to do with the fact that our
seats were second row center, or perhaps it had something to do with
the fact that I wasn't being eaten alive by mosquitoes or stuck in some
kind of freezing cold rain. Regardless, I thought I'd experienced RS
& The ASB before, but this was the deal!
Ringo, himself, was so wonderful. What else can I
say about him? Even with my penchant for long and detailed storytelling,
there are only so many words one can come up with for fab before they
either become redundant or lose their meaning. What I've decided is
that Ringo is deserving of his own word. Sadly, I'm suffering a bit
of creativity block, and can't make one up at the moment. Some day.
Some day.
I learned later that there was a song list posted on the official site,
and I'm glad I didn't read it beforehand. Of course, there are the songs
that Ringo always does, the standards, and ones which you can usually
count on. The only one I was worried about was "Photograph," and Ringo
didn't let me down.
I love all of his songs, so it isn't as if I didn't appreciate each
one, but other than "Photograph," for the Ringo songs, I most enjoyed
"I Wanna Be Your Man." It made me want to do some bad Hard Day's Night
dancing, but for the most part I refrained. Anyone who doesn't know
what this last sentence is referring to, PLEASE make it your business
to see the movie. If you havent, for shame!
Ringo was happy, looked healthy, and participated
in a lot of interaction with the crowd. I cannot possibly stress the
importance of this. It was just as important as the way each member
of the band appeared to be having fun. They worked well together, they
looked glad to be there, and this kept the crowd (at least the crowd
around me) on its feet for the entire two hour plus concert.
As an aside, there's a band I've seen who shall remain
nameless that I once thought I liked very well. I went to see them,
and their playing was flawless. I'll give them that. However, the only
time they addressed the crowd was to wish a happy birthday to one of
their crew members. They didn't say "Hi!", they didn't say, "Thank you!",
they didn't say, "Screw you!". Nothing. I left extremely disappointed
and will NEVER EVER give this group any more of my attention or money
for as long as I shall live. A little dramatic?
Maybe, but so what? A band's fans got them where they
are and if they can't even acknowledge the presence of the people who
love them enough to come out and see their performance, they can go
take a hike. Not that my lack of patronage will hurt them, but it's
a matter of principle.
Moving right along, other than Ringo, I was most looking
forward to Paul Carrack and John Waite. I'm a big fan of Ace, Squeeze
and the Babys. Among others, Paul did my two favorite songs of his,
"How Long" and "Tempted." John Waite did "Isn't It Time" from his Babys
days, and I was mighty chuffed! Incidentally, I really liked the coat
he had on.
It was kind of a Tom Petty "You Got Lucky" thing and
I wanted to ask if he'd mind handing it over.
Colin Hay was just darling, Mark Rivera was crescent
fresh, and Sheila E. was completely impressive. She kept the band going
really well and was instrumental (no pun intended) in keeping up the
happy mood of the crowd. I have to give that woman big props, because
she had loads of energy, she was right on, and she won me over, even
though I was unsure about her presence in the band. Shelia, you are
absolutely amazing!
Ringo left at one point, and the rest of the group
did a very moving rendition of "Here Comes The Sun". Yes, I'm George's
fangirl. As much as I like these other musicians, I was worried that
the song might be destroyed. How wrong was I? It was beautiful, flawless.
I don't think that George could've been given a better, more heartfelt
tribute. Yeah, I cried. My silent bawling didn't stop until Ringo was
done with "Never Without You". Bless your heart, Ringo, for making sure
to pay tribute to George in such a lovely way.
I heard that attendance at the concert was low, and
that's too bad. I'm afraid Ringo might not come back now, but I hope
with all of my heart that he does. Those who had the brains to show
up were simply charmed by the presence of the band members and the absolutely
unbelievable way that they all meshed together. Thanks, again, for the
wonderful memories!
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Chicago, Ill. - Aug. 12
From Larry Klein
My wife and saw Ringo at the Rosemont Theatre. This
is our 3rd time seeing Ringo. There were 2 disappointing things about
the concert:
1. It was exactly the same set from
his 20001 tour (except for Memphis on my Mind).
2. The fact that he did not play
the George tribute song (Never Without Never Without You) was disappointing.
And the funny fact that John Waite pulled a "Southwest
Airline" get away thing... when he said at the beginning that he
was happy to be in "Milwaukee"!!!! It would have been nice
to hear newer songs and / or different older ones from Ringo.
From Fab 4 LB
Just saw Ringo and his Allstars at the Rosemont Theater
in Chicago...Fantastic show....Shelia E blew the crowd away with her
drumming....was great to hear the muisic of both Colin Hay and Paul
Carrack...Mark Rivera really played a great sax...
Ringo was great...I would have liked to hear more
music from Ringo Rama and still waiting to hear Octupusses Garden...great
show ...great crowd hope he tours again soon!
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Gulfport, Miss. - Aug. 15
From The Johnsons of DeFuniak Springs, Fla.
We were just in Gulfport, MS and saw Ringo Star and
band. It was an excellent show and everyone enjoyed it. Keep up the
good work! The Johnsons, DeFuniak Springs, FL
From Rick Long
We saw Ringo and The All Stars in Gullfport, and were
treated to a very warm and fuzzy show where the ever gracious Mr. Starkey
very wisely presented a gathering of high caliber pop musicians. Did
Ringo intentionally cover the market on hit making tenors from the 70's
and 80's to complement his own catalog of solo numbers?
On the way to the concert, I was thinking about past
lineups that I didn't see, Levon Helm, Rick Danko, Doctor John, and
wondered how tonight's version would sound.
First of all the sound system in the rectangular
hall wiith flat floor and folding chairs, was really good, using the
modern flying vertical array speaker setup, the P.A. was clear in the
vocal range. The soundman's job was made easier by having distinct voices
to mix. Ringo's drumkit sounded great, especially the mounted tom. And
Ringo's voice sounded strong and secure. Sheilar E., a fine and energetic
drummer played great on everything. I liked Honey Don't.
The rest of the band members don't need introduction,
if you listened to pop radio in the last 25 years, and performed their
songs quite well.
The band sounded well rehearsed and one highlight
was "Here Comes the Sun" with nice harmony. I don't know where
Mark Rivera came from but he is a great utility man, playing stong sax
and doubling on guitar,keys,percussion,harmony,and bass.
Ringo was spry and thin and seemed to enjoy the band
he put together. It was great to see him playing drums with a band.
Overall it was a great evening. Thanks Ringo!
From Ken Farizo
Fun, fun, fun. Ringo and the band provided 2 hours
of excellent entertainment in Gulfport, MS on August 15. Ringo was in
great spirits, excellent voice and demeanor, and just as good drumming.
The whole band was on, playing some nice old tunes I recall from older
days. Can't wait to see Ringo again. Peace and Love.
From Tina Drain
One of the main reasons I became a musician was because
of Ringo and the music of the Beatles. To see him in Gulfport was a
dream come true for me. It was also great to see the others as well.
Sheila E. I believe is the best female drummer on
the planet. It was a birthday present to myself, and I could not have
asked for anything better. To see Ringo was the best thing. I also enjoyed
the performances by my other favorite artists like Paul Carrack,Colin
Hay,et al.
I can't stop smiling even after two weeks. It was
a wonderful idea for the All-Starr experience to happen. I can see Ringo
just likes to be a musician and have fun the way it was meant to be,
just to share the spotlight with other artists we all know and love.
He lives up to his name and to see him and the others play is something
that will live with me forever. I want to thank him for coming around
so I had a chance to see the wonderful show.
Thanks to Ringo and all who put the show together.
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St. Petersburg, Fla. - Aug. 16
From D. Wilkinson of Safety Harbor ,Fla.
Saw the Ringo All-star show in St. Petersburg and
all I can say is WOW!! Great musicians in this current line-up. Lots
of hits. Just wonderful. You left happy and singing the songs in your
head.
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Boca Rotan, Fla. - Aug. 17
From Ginger Cole
Oh my gosh, as always Ringo is just FABULOUS!
I never have as much fun at ANY event than when Ringo
and his guest show up at our beautiful Amphitheatre.
He was so great as well as each person that played
with him. There were so many young people in the crowd that are just
crazy about anything to do with the Beatles now and I think it's wonderful
that we will all stay eternally young through the Beatles!
Tell Ringo we love him!
From Roseann Hutchings of Boca Raton, Fla.
For the third time, we were able to see Ringo and
his All Starr Band down here in South Florida. The show was terrific
and we will continue to attend as long as Ringo keeps goin' round! It
is fabulous to see him and his renowned band members. However, having
seen the Beatles in 1963 in person (my kids think I am a musical history
icon), it is especially great for Ringo to keep alive that era of terrific
excitement and music.
A word about Sheila E---I know this is the second
time she has toured with Ringo. If there is breath in her to do a third
tour, please keep her as a sustaining member of the group. She is a
fabulous percussionist. Besides, it's wonderful to see a female member
of the band!
Best wishes to all of the All Stars. Each one is
special in his/her own way.
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Fort Myres, Fla. - Aug. 19
From Andrew Kinnecom
WOW! I would have paid five times as much as I did
for the tickets. What a show, what a great gig. Wish I could travel
around with you and rock on!
From G-Man
Great Concert Saw Them At Alico Arena Ft Myers Fla
Don't Miss This One . I've Worked And Seen Alot Of Shows This By Far
Has Been The Best . Nothing But Great Hits And Energy, Sheila Brought
Down The House !!!!!!
Catch Us At www.wolz.com Every Sunday Night From 8-10
95.3 SW Florida
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Tunica, Miss. - Aug. 21
From Ken B.
Ringo at Tunica was excellent!
What else could he be?
The Gecrge tribute was great.
Mark Rivera is extremely UNDERRATED!
Gary Burr's appearance at the end of the show was
a nice surprise, but why no mention of him?
Thank you RINGO for finally playing "Dont pass
me by" Yes, I am the one who's been screaming it for years!
RINGO, get back to Tunica ASAP!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks again (A splendid time was/ is guaranted for
all)
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Little Rock, Ark. - Aug. 22
From LaurTan
I attended the concert in Little Rock. It was awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you.
From KPTowerService
Mr. Ringo. Thanks for enduring the heat in little
rock to put on such a fantastic show. Thanks for giving your life to
music and therefore making mine better.
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Grand Prairie (Dallas), Texas - Aug. 23
From Steve Dirk
Just saw him in Dallas - Great show, very enjoyable.
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Amarillo, Texas - Aug. 26
From Hallie Throckmorton and Grace Kaslon of Stinnett,
Texas
This was a great concert. We had tickets for about
two months and were really looking forward to it, then our older brother
was rushed to the hospital with serious lung problems. We were worried
sick but since there really wasn't anything we could do anyway, we went
to the concert, even though we weren't in a very festive mood.
We were so glad we did. We had a wonderful evening.
Everyone in the band did such a great job, and it was a bright spot
for us in an otherwise dismal time.
Our brother is on the mend, and he will be okay,
but we just wanted to say thanks to Ringo and the All Starr Band, for
letting us have a little fun and taking our minds off our troubles for
a bit. We loved it.
From Vicki Heck
WOW!!! I have been a Ringo fan since I was a youngster
watching girls go goofy at Beatles concerts having to wait for the record
to hear the music they were playing. Ringo played in Amarillo and his
joy of rock and roll music is contagious ... even my hard core "country
and western" brother who went with me was clapping his hands, singing
songs, and belly laughing! Time has been kind to Ringo and all that
he has been through has made him not only a disciple of the freedom
from drugs but also given him a depth and appreciation of life and continued
purpose to share his gift of rhythm, kindness, humor, and most of all
... all that is RINGO!! The WHOLE ALL STARR BAND is a dazzling group
of gifted artists ... but then, who else would surround RINGO???
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Seattle, Wash. - Aug. 31
From Annie Reeves
I saw Ringo at Marymoor Park in Redmond, Washington on Sunday. He was
fabulous. Very cute, funny and fantastic!!!
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Phoenix, Ariz. - Sept. 5
From Donarae
Went to the Dodge Theater on Sept 5th....It was so incredible-he really
is running an all-star show with an all-star band. I went of course
to see and hear Ringo and got so much more...oh ya --he held my hand
when I reached up to him.