What a night last night! We have several reports, photos by Bob Gannon and Claireire7 in the slideshow below and a better quality video of "Birthday" at the bottom than the one we posted last night. (And please retweet and spread the word about this.)
See photos from last night's show here.
From Ringrrl:
Ringo came out and was in a great mood, and his voice sounded really good! He was joking with crowd (someone had a sign that said Happy Birthday and he asked where his present was, haha) and just seemed to be in great spirits
Rick Derringer was awesome! When he played "Hang on Sloopy" he told us two stories: how his parents still have the Billboard charts from when "Hang on Sloopy" was number 1 and "Yesterday" was number 2 for a week and how a NYC record producer cut out the second verse, which he played for us tonight. He also brought the house down with "Rock and Roll Hoochie Koo". Edgar Winter, as always, was his multitalented self, being completely impressive and rocking out on "Free Ride" and "Frankenstein".
When the band played "Photograph" there was suddenly a second sax player on stage (the first being Edgar) and just before Ringo announced it during the solos. I realized it was Mark Rivera. That was our first hint at extra people being around.
The show continued like a normal All-Starr concert (This is my 12th one.) Normally Ringo leaves the stage a few times during the All Starr's song. This time he only left for one (I think it was during "Frankenstein"). Then Ringo says "I played this last night, and I didn't get the response I wanted. So we are going to try again tonight, and hopefully it will be better" (When he started talking a person ran out on to stage, and got behind Ringo's drum kit. I later realized it was his son Zak Starkey) They started to play "A Little Help From My Friends' and suddenly there were people flooding the stage, and my sister was screaming "Oh my God, it's Yoko!" standing next to Ringo, Ringo hugged her, and put his arm around her shoulder briefly.
We tried to identify as many people as we could , but there were SO many, and the cameramen weren't focusing on them a lot. We could definitely identify Yoko, Joe Walsh, Zak Starkey, Eddie Vedder, Gary Brooker, and Jeff Lynne. There were three people in hats (one of which I'm told was someone from AC/DC?), and one of which my sister and I keep thinking was Mike Love. But I'm not 100% on that) (I also think Ben Harper was on stage, but i'm not 100% on that either).
Then three of Ringo's grandkids wheeled out a cake, with who my sister and I think was Lee Starkey. Ringo walked off the stage singing "Happy Birthday to me, happy birthday to me"
And then the house lights didn't come on, we were all clapping and yelling like crazy. We could see people moving on the stage, and I just knew it wasn't the All Starrs. And the lights came up, and there was Paul McCartney center stage, Ringo ran behind the drums, and suddenly they were playing "Birthday" The videos are showing that the other drummer during "Birthday" was Greg Bisonette, the drummer for this All Starr Tour. It was all such a blur but definetly one of the best Ringo concerts I've ever seen!!!
From Tom Frangione:
Even before Ringo and his All-Starr Band ("ASB") hit the road at the end of June, there'd been a big circle around one particular tour date on the calendar - July 7th at Radio City Music Hall in New York, marking Ringo's 70th birthday. While this show would inherently be a special one, much of the speculation was about surprise party guests, namely one Sir Paul McCartney.
The concert itself was no different than previous well-chronicled stops on the tour, with the standard set list (see below) being performed. Surprisingly, there wasn't even any "unique" merch made to commemorate this special gig. Basically, it was business as usual, but of course, given the assemblage of talent, "usual" translates into terrific. Beyond that, there was some added "buzz" as several former ASB & Roundheads band members as well as other Beatle friends & associates could be seen making their way to their seats.
As Ringo came down front for his closing numbers, he was joined by this outing's Musical Director and ASB veteran Mark Rivera on saxophone on his #1 hit, "Photograph". Following a quick run through of "Act Naturally", nearly two dozen friends joined in for the "With a Little Help From My Friends" finale, among them: Joe Walsh, Jim Keltner, Peter Asher, Steven Van Zandt, Max Weinberg, Jeff Lynne (from whom I got a handshake in the lobby!), Greg Lake, Gary Brooker, Richard Marx, Billy Squier, Gary Burr, Nils Lofgren, Colin Hay, Mark Rivera, and most surprisingly - Yoko Ono ! (Others reportedly spotted in the house, but not on stage, included Olivia Harrison and Sid Bernstein).
The standard "Give Peace A Chance" reprise rounded out the core set list, but the house lights were still down. You knew it was coming.
After the ASB retook the stage (sans the ensemble), Paul McCartney entered to thunderous applause (rivaled perhaps, only by the ovation he & Ringo got at last year's David Lynch Foundation benefit concert on that very same stage). With Ringo back behind the kit, Paul led the band through a ripping version of - what else - "Birthday" which nearly tore the roof off the venerable hall.
Capping off the festivities was a 6,000 strong chorus of "Happy Birthday" and a large birthday cake, in the shape of a Ludwig drum set presented by Ringo's grandchildren.
Yes, at 70 he's still the greatest. In this world, and in any world ...... and you better believe it baby !
The set list: It Don't Come Easy - RINGO, Honey Don't - RINGO, Choose Love - RINGO, Hang On Sloopy (Rick Derringer / The McCoys), Free Ride (Edgar Winter), Talking In Your Sleep (Wally Palmar / The Romantics), I Wanna Be Your Man - RINGO, Dream Weaver (Gary Wright), Kyrie (Richard Page / Mr. Mister), The Other Side Of Liverpool - RINGO, Yellow Submarine - RINGO, Frankenstein (Edgar Winter)
Peace Dream - RINGO, Back Off Boogaloo - RINGO, What I Like About You (Wally Palmar / The Romantics), Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo (Rick Derringer), Boys - RINGO, Love Is Alive (Gary Wright), Broken Wings (Richard Page / Mr. Mister), Photograph - RINGO, Act Naturally - RINGO, With A Little Help From My Friends - RINGO / ensemble, Give Peace A Chance - ensemble
(A belated happy birthday to Tom. His birthday was July 7, too!)
And from Bob Gannon:
Just got back from the show and a little after party after seeing just a tremendous show and one that certainly lived up to the expectations. While we were eating dinner in the city we speculated who if any VIP guests would show up. We talked about various scenarios that would make the concert special and just truly hoped that the show would live up to our expectations. Enter the venue...Radio City Music Hall site and numerous Ringo shows. Cameras were OK as long as there was no flashes used. Ringo again was in great spirits, several times stated that he "loved New York". Set list no different than prior shows. Being that I had friends all over the theater, I was getting text reports that Yoko Ono, Sid Bernstein, Olivia Harrison, Jeff Lynne and Spike Lee were in the house but that was just the tip of the iceberg for what would transpire later.
We'll flash to the end of the show when Ringo and Band start playing "With a Little Help From My Friends" when they were joined on stage by Yoko Ono and a who's who list of former All Star Band members. Here's who I remember coming on stage: Yoko Ono, Zach Starkey, Joe Walsh, Gary Brooker, Mick Jones, Richard Marx, Billy Squier, Gary Burr, Peter Asher, Greg Lake, Max Weinberg, Brian Johnson, Little Steven Van Zandt, Nils Lofgren, Jim Keltner, Mark Rivera, Jeff Lynne and Colin Hay. I might have missed a couple.
Sid Bernstein, Olivia Harrison and Spike Lee were seen in the audience but did not come on stage. Yoko was very energetic and shared the mic with Ringo for a while especially when the band kicked into "Give Peace a Chance".
As the song ended, the crowd began to sing Happy Birthday to Ringo as his son Jason and his grandchildren wheeled out a birthday cake in the shape of a drum kit. Ringo thanked everyone ran off the stage as he sang "Happy Birthday to me, Happy Birthday to me". Lights went down as he exited the stage and you could tell it was not over yet as stage crew began to move more things around. I saw a small guy in the shadows walk on stage and kneel next to an amplifier. Looking closer I could see that it was Mark Hamel and he was holding Paul's Hofner Bass.
Sure enough the band came out followed by Sir Paul McCartney who looked absolutely fabulous and well! The band kicked in to "Birthday" as the building became unhinged as Ringo was on his drum kit as Paul played bass and sang. After the song, Paul embraced Ringo and gave him a kiss on the cheek. The took their bows and exited the stage. I heard that Joe Walsh had thrown Ringo a party after the show for over 400 guests. Reports of Bon Jovi and Bruce Springsteen being there I could not confirm and certainly none of the many people I know saw them but who knows who else was lurking back stage.
And from Charles Rosenay!!!:
What happened before the encore was nice. We'd just seen the likes of Yoko, Jeff Lynne, Steven Van Zandt, Mark Rivera, Colin Hay, Keith Allison, Greg Lake and a bunch of other rock stars joining Ringo on the stage for his "With A Little Help From My Friends/Give Peace A Chance" finale. That should've been enough of a surprise treat for the fans on Ringo's 70th birthday, right?
What happened next shouldn't have been such a big deal. After all, we'd seen Ringo and Paul together at the David Lynch Foundation benefit concert last April. We all heard, expected or knew Paul was there. Well, it wasn't just a big deal; it wasn't just special. It was truly magical.
I can't recall hearing such ear-splitting screams in decades. I can't remember looking around and seeing so many people with smiles and tears together. I can't think of the last time Paul sounded so hoarse and nobody noticed. Paul didn't come on with the rest of the notables to sing "With a Little Help" and he didn't harmonize with Ringo on "Act Naturally." Yes, Paul sang "Birthday" ... so obvious yet so perfect. And for everyone who was wise enough to stay until the end of the concert on July 7th at Radio City Music Hall, it was a magical night. Thank you Ringo and happy birthday. Thank you Paul.
From Claireire7:
Beatlemania is back! After Ringo closed his show (big birthday party on the stage) and walked off the stage, the lights never came up. Suddenly Paul's Hofner Bass was placed on the stage and HE appeared!! The crowd went wild!! We screamed like little girls!! Paul started singing BIRTHDAY and Ringo ran back on stage to his drum kit. It was so sweet to see them hugging each other. Heading out to San Francisco tomorrow to see Paul on Saturday at the AT&T ballpark! WOW! What a Beatle Week! Thank you God for such a wonderful opportunity!!
A better version of "Birthday" than the one we posted last night
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Comments
Fab Steve thank you!
Wow, what a show. Thanks for sharing this Happening with us. Happy Birthday, Ringo... thanks for the wonderful memories. Peace and love!!!
PEACE & LOVE PEACE & LOVE ..BACK AT YOU...70 THE NEW 40
What a showstopper, and what a tug at the heartstrings for Beatles fans! Thanks, Steve! I'll be smiling all day after watching the video.
Paul looked and sounded great; he delivered some great rock! I've read an account from a friend elsewhere that Tom Petty was there? Anyone else see him? I am seeing TP & Heartbreakers this Saturday(July 10) in Noblesville, Indiana. I bet Tom will mention it at the show if he was in fact there.
Is that Julian Lennon in the trilby to the left of Ringo in photo 6 of your slideshow
I knew Paul was sitting somewhere near orchestra - security got very very tight 1/2 way through the show & I was in orch. I had to show my ticket each time but Not earlier anyone know where he was sitting? Awesome show went on a whim and knew I'd see it. Beatles forever.
Wow!!! That is incredible. So cool of Paul to do that and with Ringo playing drums on it as well. I would venture to say the last time they performed that together was in 1968 in Abbey Road studios.
Happy belated B-Day Ringo...Peace and Love
It's 24 hours later & I still can't believe I was there to witness this historical event! Yoko Ono, Sean Lennon, Olivia Harrison (& I'd swear she was with Dhani), Barbara Bach, Marjorie & Joe Walsh, Stevie Van Zandt & Carmine Appice (I think it was him) were all seated three rows behind me. When Paul joined the party at the end of the show, I thought Radio City Music Hall would crumble to dust from the screams that went up.
Me, I burst into tears. After a love affair with Ritchie & The Beatles that has lasted 48 glorious years, this was the first opportunity I've had to actually be with all four of them (George & John via DNA)all together. It was a life dream come true! Ritchie pointed at me & said "Hey, I remember you!" I had seen him at Westbury the previous week & he remembered my big yellow "My Heart Belongs to Ringo" badge. I couldn't have been happier if I'd won a million dollars!
@ John S Damn: A lot of people thought it was Tom Petty playing "Birthday" with Paul (it was Joe Walsh)
@Myself: it was definetly Jason starkey with kids, not lee. Ooops. Sue me, i was in the first mezz, and he never faced us. so i had no chance lol.
@Carol: i can't believe it either! We had all heard rumors of Paul to have it actually happen? I keep watching the video and get so excited when i realized my hysterical screaming is among those on it.
Honestly I really feel like that last song was the closest I will ever come to experiencing Beatlemania in person. The crowd did not get that crazy last year during the David Lynch benefit. People screamed, and applauded, but they didn't lose it the way they did last night.
Yep it was Jason and his kids. He wears his hair in that half ponytail style. Jason's oldest son looks just like Jason did as a kid (in that behind each other threesome siblings photo). Prob Lee was there, I would guess near Barb in audience. Does anyone know if Lee did have triplets years ago or was that just a viral rumor?
To AL, I'd say no it's not Julian.
As happy this made me - and it did a whole lot, I felt incredibly sad one moment long that John & George are not with us anymore.
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