What It’s Really Like to See Ringo Starr at Radio City Music Hall
Cutting straight to the point, experiencing Ringo Starr’s All-Starr Band at Radio City Music Hall feels like stepping into rock ’n’ roll history. As an award-winning journalist, I’ve covered hundreds of concerts, but last night’s performance by the ex-Beatle on May 15, 2024, ranks among the most unexpectedly vibrant shows of the season.
The evening kicked off under a cascade of spotlights, illuminating Starr’s signature grin as he took his place behind the drum kit. Radio City’s famed Art Deco interior seemed to shimmer when “Matchbox” roared through the sound system—proof that the man who once set the pace for The Beatles still knows how to ignite a crowd. Starr’s bandmates—veteran musicians Steve Lukather (Toto), Colin Hay (Men at Work) and others—delivered crisp renditions of classics like “It Don’t Come Easy” and “Photograph,” with Lukather’s fleet-fingered solos earning spontaneous applause (Rolling Stone, 2024).
Midway through the set, Starr paused to address the sold-out house. “This city’s always been good to me,” he said, flashing a peace sign. His easy banter struck a warm chord; it’s clear that the 83-year-old rock legend thrives on shared memories. The intimate moments—like when he dedicated “Octopus’s Garden” to longtime fans—were interspersed with breathtaking musicianship. Drums still hissed under his nimble hands, proof that age has only refined his style, not dulled it.
Visually, the production struck a superb balance between nostalgia and modern flair. Giant screens projected black-and-white footage of The Beatles intercut with live shots of Starr at work. Lighting cues punctuated each drum fill, and a final confetti blast during the encore sent the audience into euphoric applause. Variety reported that ticket sales for this All-Starr run outpaced expectations, a testament to enduring fan devotion (Variety, 2024).
What truly elevates a Ringo show is the communal spirit. Strangers around me sang along to every chorus, mouths aglow with smartphones but hearts tuned to decades of Beatles heritage. When the band closed with “With a Little Help from My Friends,” it felt less like a song and more like a shared promise that rock ’n’ roll’s pioneers still matter. As I filed my notes under the neon glow of Radio City’s marquee, it occurred to me that Starr’s legacy hinges not on studio perfection but on this live alchemy. And there you have it. Make of that what you will.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and Rolling Stone, Variety, People Magazine
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
