A jukebox concert par excellence
The All-Star Band first went on tour in 1989 with Joe Walsh, Dr. John, Billy Preston, Rick Danko, Levon Helm, Clarence Clemons, Nils Lofgren and Jim Keltner. Now in it's 15th iteration, it features Steve Lukather, Colin Hay, Greg Rollie, Hamish Stuart, the phenomenally talented Warren Ham and Gregg Bissonnette (who filled in for Simon Phillips on the 1995 Toto Tambu tour) the current lineup could almost be renamed, Ringo, Toto and Friends.
Ringo Starr of course needs no introduction: his unmistakable and idiosyncratic style of drumming influenced a generation. In fact, it was a challenge for any budding stickman or woman to emulate his drum patterns due to the fact that left-handed Ringo crossed his left hand over his right for drum fills. So much for Jasper Carott's quip that Ringo wasn't even the best drummer in The Beatles!
One thing is clear in watching this 'Live At The Greek Theatre' recording, nobody is taking things too seriously. The Opening cover of Carl Perkins' 'Matchbox' denotes the kind of energy that takes half a set for a band to build up to. Even if you are listening to the show, the fun exudes from the speakers: It's a total immersive blast.
Hamish Stuart introduces 'Pick Up The Pieces' the song that put The Average White Band on the map with their soul-funk stylings. Warren Ham takes the lead with the legendary sax riff, but the percussion (Stuart, Starr and Gregg Bissonette) lay down the foundation for this iconic track.
From funk to classic pop, Colin Hay heads a beefed-up version of Men At Work's 'Down Under', which unbelievably celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2023. That's exactly the beauty of this setlist and lineup - it sounds like the ultimate playlist of the last 60 years! There are a few Beatles tracks along with Ringo's solo work, but the setlist encompasses everything from Santana to Fleetwood Mac. Then of course there's the inclusion of some of Toto's best-known tunes that the crowd goes wild for. The finale, ‘With A Little Help From My Friends’ also has some surprises in store.
This uplifting jukebox concert is a celebration of not only, 30 years of the All - Starr band, and a lifetime of dedication to music, peace, and love.