I attended the All-Starr show at the Jones Beach Theater in New York last night. The outdoor venue was not sold out - probably about 2/3 full. The entire third deck was closed off. The band was very tight and the sound was excellent. The set list was the same as previously identified here and still no "Octopus's Garden" or "Don't Pass Me By". Rodger Hodgson was certainly a highlight and he seemed to be having a great time with the band and performing for the audience. Sheila E kicked butt on the drums all night and it appeared like Ringo was even entertained by her. All the vocals sounded very strong in this line up, including Ringo's. I was told that Ringo stated on a radio show this morning (probably the Howard Stern Show) that he was not happy with the level of the audience's enthusiasm at the New York show. It was a subdued crowd and appeared to be a generally older one. The audience was on their feet several times during the show but when individuals attempted to stand and dance, etc... they were shouted back down in to their seats by people behind them. I saw some people with laminated tags around their necks that stated "I met Ringo Starr. Wednesday August 1st at FYE" apparently given out at his CD signing earlier that day in NYC.

I work for a major musical instrument manufacturer that many of the famous & non-famous use their equipment. Through them (actually my good friend,Joan,who works directly with the president of the company), I was able to get tickets & a backstage pass to Ringo Starr's Jones Beach show tonite (8/1) here on Long Island NY, 30 years to the day that he played in NYC with George Harrison at his Bangla Desh concert!

Hanging out backstage,Joan,her husband Drew & I met up with Mark Rivera (musical director of the show,best known as Billy Joel's sax player, but mega-talented with many instruments) who knows Joan pretty well & through whom he buys musical equipment. He was very nice & even took a CD that I just recorded with my partner Ramona. (Feel free to E-mail me at SpoonWalkCD@aol.com for anyone interested in that!) I asked if he can pass one on to Ringo,but said that due to legal reasons,he's not allowed to accept anything like that.........oh well!

We all exchanged pleasantries & he walks away,only to call us over a few minutes later WITH Ringo standing next to him! Turns out Ringo is interested in obtaining some stuff through the company & was very receptive to meeting us. I SHOOK HIS HAND & STOOD NEXT TO HIM & WAS ABLE TO MUSTER "Nice to meet you sir" about ready to faint when he said,"Hi Frank,how ya doin'?" !!!!!!!!!!!!!

The show itself was probably the most fun of all the tours I've seen. It pretty much matches all the reviews posted on this site......... Ringo worked very hard & actually solo'd during one of Sheila E's songs. She stole the show by the way,going nuts on drums & percussion........I got the impression that Sheila accepted this gig under the condition that Ringo play just as much & as hard as she will !:) I only wish Ringo did different songs than usual,but aside from that he played amazingly & everyone in the band was in top form!

The funniest part was when the band couldn't get the words out to "Would you believe in a love at first sight" during "Little Help ..." & just kind of mumbled through it,to which Ringo sang back, "I can't tell you 'cause I don't know what you said!" Definitely worth seeing-you can catch them on the Today show Friday morning,by the way.

Well,this note took longer to write than the actual meeting itself,but it's worth every word! I always said I can't die til I meet a Beatle,well.............. I take that back now because I didn't think it would ever happen!

Thanks very much-
Frank Walker