As we wrote earlier (here and here), Paul McCartney did indeed show up for Ringo Starr's 70th birthday concert at Radio City Music Hall.
Here's the latest confirmed list of additional guests we have: Barbara Bach, Colin Hay, Olivia Harrison, Sid Bernstein, Yoko Ono, Jeff Lynne, Nils Lofgrin, Jim Kelter, Dave Stewart, Mark Rivera, Greg Lake, Peter Asher, Little Steven, Joe Walsh, Marjorie Bach, Gary Brooker and Zak, Lee and Jason Starkey. Bruce Springsteen, Jon Bon Jovi and Sean Lennon were also rumored to have attended. (One commenter said Julian Lennon was also there.)
Patti Murawski told us the set list was the usual All-Starr Band set. During the usual last song, "Give Peace a Chance"/"With a Little Help From My Friends," guests, among them Yoko Ono and including probably Ringo's grandchildren, were onstage and many were singing. There was a birthday cake on the stage in the shape of a drumkit, which was a surprise to Ringo. He blew out the candles and stuck a drumstick in top of the cake to try cut it..
After the song ended, the lights didn't go up. A stagehand carried out the Hofner bass. Paul McCartney then walked out without an introduction and the audience "went nuts," according to one audience member. Another said "the place exploded." Joe Walsh was on guitar, Ringo on the kit, and Paul sang a rocking version of "Birthday." Zak was reportedly also on drums on this song.
We're told that Joe Walsh and Marjorie Bach were throwing a birthday party tonight for Ringo and about 400 friends.
(Thanks to Patti Murawski, Jen, Steve S., Janie N., Peri L., Salboum, Ed F. and Bruce B. for all the details.)
(You can see two video reports below. Also, some pictures from the Hard Rock Cafe taken by Fred Velez are in the slideshow at the bottom.)
Also see: Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr perform 'Birthday' for Ringo's 70th birthday (VIDEO!!!!)
Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr celebrate Ringo's 70th birthday - report 4 (pics. video, details!!!) (Later reports, better quality video, pictures)
Ringo talks about celebrating his 70th birthday. (Artisian News Service)
Another report on Ringo's birthday from the Associated Press.
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Comments
Jusr got back from The Ringo Birthday Bash at Radio City. The place exploded with Beatlemania, the Hall was literally rocking up and down, McCartney dressed in a Back Suit with Narrow lapels and skinny black Tie, looked like he was dropped in from the Ed Sullivan show 1965. Hw looked terrific, VERY youthful and his voice was powerful and right on the money. He sang Birthday, dead center of the stage with Ringo on the kit above him. It was surreal, I couldn't believe my eyes, 2 Beatles on stage together, A dream come true at last. I couldn't believe how loud the place was, it's hard to describe the Pandemonium, people went absolutely nuts, including my wife and myself. I knew something was up as after the finale, the lights didn't go up and then the band was coning back out on the dimly lit stage, then all of a sudden I saw Paul, and screamed out: "It's McCARTNEY! Should remain on a high from this one for a while. It should be noted that Ringo was is great spirits tonight & great voice.
Just got home from the show. Mark Rivera played sax on "Photograph", Zak Starkey played drums on "A little help from my friends/give peace a chance" there were also tons of people on stage for that song (Yoko, Eddie Vedder, Joe Walsh, Jeff Lynne were definitely people I could identify. I think Gary Brooker as well? Someone else told me a member of AC/DC was also on stage)
Macca played "Birthday" with Ringo on one drum kit (I was too busy being focused on the Beatles to even look at the other drummer.) People are confused as to who was on guitar (the popular theories are Joe Walsh and Tom Petty. But it could only be one or the other.)
Overall it was an AMAZING show (especially to see Yoko singing Give Peace a chance, and Paul performing Birthday!!)
Oh I wish I was there it's been a dream to me to see two great men performing on stage. Tom Petty was there as I saw it in a video on Youtube. May I say a happy birthday to Ringo Starr. And thank god for him and McCartney to re-unite on his birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
Just came home from the BDay at Radio City. Ringo drummed for "they say it's your Birthday". It was fantabulous to see Ringo and Paul performing together. As to who was playing guitar, definitely Tom Petty. It was a magical moment. Radio City has seen and heard many performances but it will never be the same. The audience went wild, there was much happiness, much love. What can you expect when all good people come together.
K, Paul was sitting in Orchestra W the entire concert! He was clapping, singing and enjoying the show prior to joining Ringo on stage! What a night! Pretty sure that was Petty up there. Knew something special would happen, what a night!! Wild is an understatement. Wish it could have go on...
ROGER FRIEDMAN - actually, your "eyewitness report" is incorrect. "It Don't Come Easy" was indeed performed (it is the show opener !)
I was at the show. People are mistaking joe Walsh for Tom Petty. Walsh and Rick Derringer did the guitars on Birthday and the second drummer was Greg Bissonette, the regular second drummer throughout the whole show. Zak played only on with a little help. I thought I spotted Billy Joel onstage?
The concert was incredible, everyone was cheering when all the stars came on stage. The place exploded in craziness when Paul came out to play Happy Birthday.
Yoko was in the crowd (and later on stage with ever one else), Zak played the drums on Birthday, Ringo's grandchildren came out with a birthday cake. Many stars were on stage including Paul, Tom Petty and Little Steven.The show was amazing,unforgettable!
Love you Ringo!
That wasn't Tom Petty, that was Joe Walsh!
Even before Paul came onstage, it was an honor to be there celebrating Ringo's 70th with him...so many people who love him came out. It was great...and the show, even before "Birthday" was wonderful! "Birthday" was the icing on the cake!
Zak played drums together with All Starr band 2010 drummer Gregg Bisonette on With a little help from my friends. And NOT on Birthday, that was Ringo together with Gregg.
i wish i could have gone to birthday party. That ia alright maybe i will go to a concert or something.. I am 12 years old and still dreaming of meeting them.
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