I wanted to pass on a short note on Ringo's concert at the Fillmore in Denver. It was actually a great venue for Ringo and he even commented that he "loves to play clubs". As most of us were standing in front with little separation from the stage, it was a very intimate show compared to the previous Denver concerts at Fiddler's Green and Red Rocks. Being only 20 feet away, the binoculars almost provide too much detail.

I agree with comments from the other reviewers for the most part although I thought that John Waite was great and "Missing You" was one of the vocal highlights of the show. Colin Hay's guitar playing was quite good, especially on "Never Without You." He may have missed a few parts on "Here Comes the Sun" but that was still the most poignant moment in the show. Although I go to see Ringo, it is amazing how many other talented artists I have seen over the years because of this All-Starr concept.

Thanks for maintaining such a great website. The only problem with your site is that I go into withdrawal whenever you take a day off!

(8/30/03)
From Marty and Ann Babicz:

We saw Ringo and his All-Starrs last night at the Fillmore Auditorium in Denver. Unlike past years, I wasn't very familiar with anyone in this year's band, so I went to the show with low expectations. I had a better time than expected. Even though I am not/was not a fan of Eighties music, I knew all but one of the songs performed by the band. (On the other hand, except for the Sheila E stuff on the last live Ringo album, I don't have any of the band's material in my record collection.)

The band's playing wasn't as good as previous incarnations, but it wasn't as bad as I was expecting. The Fillmore's sound system was another matter; it sucked. As did the fact that there were only a limited of number of seats. (What was the promoter thinking? This is an act for baby boomers, this isn't Eminem!) About half of the fans stood on the floor as close to the stage as possible. Ann and I made our way to the balcony in the back of the hall, where we, and other aging rock fans, found what passed for bleachers.

Ringo's material was typical of past shows ("It Don't Come Easy," "Yellow Submarine," "Photograph," "With a Little Help From My Friends," etc). He did add "Don't Pass Me By," which I don't think I've ever seen in concert before. I always enjoy it when an artist I follow closely does an obscure song, in this case "Don't Go Where the Road Don't Go." Ringo moved around on stage with the same energy I've seen before. He clearly enjoys doing these gigs. He did plug the new album ("Has anyone here bought it? One, two, three, four of you?") and he performed "Memphis on my Mind" and "Never Without You." (I wish he had done "Elizabeth Reigns," perhaps the best ode to British royalty since the Kinks' "Victoria." Certainly the funniest.)

As for the other artists: as I said, I don't have any of their material in my collection, but I was familiar with most of their songs. And I actually enjoyed them. The concert, as a whole, seemed (surprisingly) balanced. In the past, I have seen Ringo appear somewhat overshadowed when he had to follow a song by Jack Bruce or John Entwistle. No problem this year.

A couple of semi-funny moments: I could swear that one of the band members (I don't know who) referred to Ringo as "Ognir Rrats." I don't think I imagined it, as I had forgotten all about that forgettable 1978 TV special. Also, there was no place for the band to go at the end of the show (there were concession stands on the sides and the back of the stage), so after the second to last song, Ringo said, "Okay, we're all adults here. Usually at this place in the show, the band hides, but you know we're gonna come back and we know we're gonna come back. So, just cheer as if we've left." Actually, I think I've heard Ringo say something like that before. It may have been in 1996, when I saw him at the Oakdale Theater in Wallingford, Connecticut, another venue that had a stage "in the round."

This was the seventh time I've seen the All-Starr Band. Usually, someone in the band steals the show (Burton Cummings in 1992, Jack Bruce in 1999, etc.) This time, Ringo was the starr.

Hi Steve... thanks for the best Beatlesite anywhere. Please keep up the good work!

A slightly different kind of review of the All Starrs from Wednesday night's show at the Fillmore in Denver.

The Fillmore is a venue that began as a roller rink (or at least was one in its' second incarnation), and is still, to a certain extent, laid out that way. There are bars in the back and on the sides, some tables and chairs on the sides and in the balconies, but the middle of the venue is a wide-open floor... there was no seating on the 'floor'. So to me it was a lot like a high school dance, where everyone stood on the floor in front of the band and took in the show... and I would have danced if it wouldn't have meant losing my spot. My vantage point was about 10 feet in front of John Waite. Had a great view of Sheila E.'s ever-present smile, framed by the cymbals of her incredible new drum kit.

You know the setlist, and I didn't keep track, was having far too good of a time. The band took the stage at 8 p.m., with the All Starrs taking their places, followed by Ringo in a 'Peace and Love' T-shirt waving the familiar peace signs to all of us as "It Don't Come Easy" took shape, with Colin Hay's guitar and Mark Rivera's sax leading the way. For the next two hours, we enjoyed an incredibly fun night of music.

Some observations from the show:

Colin Hay was an unexpected treat. I knew that I'd enjoy his hits... that they would provide additional innocent fun and novelty to what I expected to be a lighthearted night... the surprise was the power that the band delivered during his performances, expecially during a raucous and jubilant "Who Can It Be". Was also surprised by his guitar work... other reviews have mentioned lead guitar as a weak link in this tour, but I believe his work on this night was more than competent, and his presence/personality was a highlight of the night. Sure, the All Starrs have featured better lead guitarists... Peter Frampton, Joe Walsh, Nils Lofgren, Dave Edmunds... but Hay was certainly not the disappointment I prepared myself for, in fact, he was one of my favorite performers on this night. His vocals were absolutely right on all night.

Sheilaree (lol) was her usual spectacular self. Hope she doesn't mind that her smile melted this 47 year old man's heart, and her playing left me slack-jawed, as it did last year. I'm looking forward to having the chance to see her again, no matter whose show is on the marquee. This woman is soooo strong, and anchors an incredible rythym section. Even Ringo acknowledges her incredible talent, and I think he's a pretty reliable source. This woman was dressed like an executive (minus jacket) in a sleeveless black blouse and gray dress slacks, and she attacked those skins like I've seen only thrice before... the last All Starrs tour with Sheila, when Ginger Baker joined the All Starrs with Jack Bruce a few years ago at Fiddlers Green for 'White Room', and when Abe Lauriel Jr. visited Denver with Sir Paul last year. At the risk of sounding like a dirty old man, Sheila is far nicer to watch than Abe or Ginger! lol And Ringo was gracious in allowing her the opportunities to shine.

I saw a comment somewhere that John Waite hadn't played bass in 18 years. Could have fooled me. Waite played a steady bass and contributed some great vocals... the guy can sing. Not really sure what he was doing with 'Missing You', however... seemed to me I got lost a couple times while they were doing the song... and I know the song well. Maybe it was me. Also remember thinking I wish I was that thin!

Paul Carrack has long been one of my favorite musicians, yet, maybe because of my expectations, fell a little short Wednesday night, rounding off notes on "Tempted", and, despite the wonderful song that 'The Living Years' is, falling a bit short on that one as well. (not so much Paul as the energy level) The man was smokin' on keyboards, however, and delivered near-perfect harmony. I might question trying to encourage singing along on 'How Long'... though a killer song, it's really hard to sing.... Paul certainly did deliver on that one, tho (and Colin's guitar work was right on)...

Mark Rivera has established himself as one of the premier musicians of our time... possibly worthy of a spot eventually in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He's played with Billy Joel since the 70's... added session work like the immortal sax bed on "Urgent", and played 6 (or is it 7) tours with Ringo. How many instruments did he play? Guitar, bass, harmonica, sax, flute, keyboards, percussion... did I miss anything? Oh yeah, produced the show and sang killer harmony. Yeah, I'm a Beatles (and Billy Joel) freak, but other than Wix Wickens, can anyone else name a utility man with the resume of Mark Rivera (who is still on the road)? Maybe Chuck Leavell.. your additions are welcome. Count me in as a huge fan of Mark Rivera.

Ringo. Never heard him sing as well as this night. Maybe because I was hearing their amps and monitors, rather than the p.a. He sang with his normal gusto and enthusiasm. Though the boy can't dance (wow! I can do something better than a Beatle! lol), he is the ultimate host, and rocked the house. I've always enjoyed Ringo immensely, and considered him to be the perfect party host.. (think he should have done his own Ed Sullivan format many years ago, where he would have shined brightly)... but he always was the musical weak link of the All Starrs because of the incredible talent he has never failed to assemble. Wednesday night, his performance was a highlight. Never heard him sing better, never seen him have as much fun.

Whether Barbara's birthday had anything to do with it or not, Ringo was in superb form. I particularly enjoyed the end of the show, where rather than walk off the stage waiting for an encore, Ringo announced, "look, you know what usually happens, the band goes off stage, you make noise, the band comes back..." (paraphrased), "tonight we're just gonna stay here". So the All Starrs stayed on stage while the crowd voiced its appreciation. I don't know what it was like in the rest of the hall, but up front, where the band was, the noise was exhilarating. And I will continue to heed his advice to "don't go where the road don't go!" lol

'Never Without You' was the only time all night that Sheila lost her smile... in fact, she looked very moved. 'Here Comes the Sun' was a wonderful touch, performed with excellence, and a big hit with the crowd. Again, Colin Hay played the guitar parts faultlessly, as far as I could tell.

I hope this isn't my last All Starr show. I have seen 5 of the lineups, and consider each show to have been a special, very enjoyable evening. With the exception of the tour with Frampton, Jack Bruce, Michael Brooker etc., this show was the best... in terms of sound, fury, Ringo's performance and balls, this was the best of all. Thanks again, Rich, for another truly pleasurable evening. Now if I might, for purposes of discussion... I'd like to cast my vote for the ultimate All Starr Band:

• Host: Duh!!!!
• Lead Guitar: Peter Frampton, Joe Walsh
• Honorable mention, guitar: Roger Hodgson
• Bass: Jack Bruce
• Drums: Sheila E.
• Keyboards: Michael Brooker
• Lead vocals (other than Ringo): Peter Frampton, Colin Hay
• MVP (other than Ringo): Mark Rivera
• Requested 2005 lineup: Ringo, Rivera, Frampton, Walsh, Hodgson, Bruce,
• Shelia, Hay, Macca and Brooker. (hell, a guy can wish, can't he? lol)

Thanks again for a great site, and the opportunity to post my review!

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