Ringo Starr and His All Starr Band Bring Magical Mystery To Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, Florida

All images by Larry Marano

At 84, Ringo Starr shouldn't be bouncing around like a caffeinated teenager, but nobody told him that. The ageless Beatle jogged onto the Hard Rock Live stage in Hollywood at 8:14 PM sharp, looking like he'd raided the fountain of youth's wardrobe department—jet-black hair, trim physique, and those signature tinted specs that have been his calling card since the Cavern Club days.

Opening with Carl Perkins' "Honey Don't," Starr immediately established this wouldn't be some nostalgia-heavy funeral march. His All Starr Band—featuring Toto's Steve Lukather, Men at Work's Colin Hay, and a revelation named Warren Ham who seemed to play every instrument known to mankind—delivered a masterclass in collaborative chemistry. When Lukather launched into "Rosanna," the crowd went full arena mode, phones held high like digital lighters.

The Beatles material hit differently when delivered by an actual Beatle. "Yellow Submarine" became a communal singalong that would've made John, Paul, and George proud, while "With a Little Help from My Friends" served as the evening's emotional peak. Starr's drumming remained sharp and his between-song patter showcased that Liverpool wit intact after all these decades.

Sure, there were moments when the All Starrs threatened to overshadow their ringleader—particularly during an extended "Cut The Cake" jam while Ringo grabbed his tea break. But when he returned sporting a star-covered shirt with "PEACE" emblazoned underneath, any complaints evaporated. His solo material, including the hopeful "Look Up" from his recent country album, felt surprisingly fresh.

While Starr's lifelong mission of spreading peace and love might be more pertinent than ever, Ringo Starr remains rock's most essential ambassador of joy—and one hell of a showman.

All images by Larry Marano: