Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band Delivers Hit After Hit at Chicago Theatre

Ringo Starr and His All-Starr Band

Chicago Theatre, Chicago

September 10, 2025

Photos By Roman Sobus

Review by Tom Antonson:

This past Wednesday Ringo Starr brought his trademark warmth, humor, and timeless energy to a sold out crowd at the Chicago Theatre. Ringo and his star studded All Starrs delivered a show that was equal parts nostalgia trip and fresh adventure. Even at 85, the former Beatle brought more energy than performers half his age.

The evening was filled with a mix of Beatles classics, solo hits, and the collaborative covers inspired by the All Starr Band. But one of the most memorable moments came when Ringo showcased a track from his brand-new country album. Introducing “Look Up” to the crowd, he poured his country flavor into the heart of downtown Chicago.

In true country fashion, the performance took an unexpected turn when a fan near the front handed up a white cowboy hat boldly bedazzled with “RINGO” across the front. With a grin and a laugh, Ringo popped the hat on his head, which sent the crowd into a mix of applause and laughter.

Throughout the night, Ringo’s connection banter with both his bandmates and the audience reminded everyone of his down-to-earth presence. Songs like “Photograph” and Beatles staples like “Yellow Submarine” and “I Wanna Be Your Man” had the crowd on their feet, while his country material provided a new flare to the show.

Highlights from the show were the Toto songs Steve Lukather performed, including “Rosanna,” “Africa,” and “Hold the Line.” Men At Work guitarist Colin Hay also raised the roof with “Down Under” and “Who Can It Be Now?” Hamish Stuart of the Average White Band, had the crowd grooving with “Pick Up the Pieces” and “Cut the Cake.” 

The other musicians to round out the All Starr’s included: 

Warren Ham, (of Toto) has been with Ringo since 2014 and does an inspiring job filling in on vocals and playing a number of instruments throughout the evening. Keyboardist Buck Johnson (of Aerosmith and The Doobie Brothers) along with drummer extraordinaire, Gregg Bissonette, (of David Lee Roth) round out this spectacular lineup.

Ringo singing “With A Little Help From My Friends” and a snippet of “Give Peace a Chance.” had the crowd leaving on a high note. Ringo Starr continued to spread his peace and love mantra as the crowd made their way towards the exits. In these trying times in the world, this show was the perfect mix of a trip down memory lane and an adventure down a new path, which was a much needed treat that this audience will remember forever.

RINGO STARR & HIS ALL-STARR BAND SET LIST

Honey Don’t (Carl Perkins cover)
It Don’t Come Easy (Ringo Starr song)
Rosanna (Toto cover with Steve Lukather)
Pick Up the Pieces (Average White Band cover with Hamish Stuart)
Down Under (Men at Work cover with Colin Hay)
Boys (The Shirelles cover)
I’m the Greatest (John Lennon cover)
Yellow Submarine (The Beatles cover)
Cut the Cake (Average White Band cover with Hamish Stuart)
Octopus’s Garden (The Beatles cover)
Look Up (Ringo Starr song)
No No Song (Hoyt Axton cover)
Overkill (Men at Work cover with Colin Hay)
Africa (Toto cover) (with Steve Lukather)
Work To Do (The Isley Brothers cover with Hamish Stuart)
I Wanna Be Your Man (The Beatles cover)
Who Can It Be Now? (Men at Work cover with Colin Hay)
Hold the Line (Toto cover with Steve Lukather)
Photograph (Ringo Starr song)
Act Naturally (Johnny Russell cover)
With a Little Help From My Friends (The Beatles cover with “Give Peace a Chance” outro by Plastic Ono Band)

Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band – The Chicago Theatre