Ringo Starr Records CBS Concert Special from Ryman Auditorium
A two-hour concert celebrating the musical legacy of Ringo Starr through country music is set to air this spring. The special, dubbed “Ringo & Friends at the Ryman,” will air on CBS and stream on Paramount+ in the United States.
On Jan. 14 and 15, 2025, Starr was in Nashville, taping his special at the Ryman Auditorium. During the performance, Starr will perform songs from his latest country album, “Look Up,” co-written and produced by T Bone Burnett, along with solo selections and hits from the Beatles.
Proceeds from the performance of “With a Little Help From My Friends” will benefit the American Red Cross and relief efforts for those affected by the California wildfires.
In a statement released to The Hollywood Reporter, Starr said, “It is always a thrill to play the Ryman, and this time we are going country! T Bone has put together a great show. I’m excited to hear my songs done in a country vein and to play with this incredible group of musicians. It will be two nights of peace, love, and country music.”
In a statement, Burnett described “Ringo & Friends at the Ryman” as a celebration of Starr’s contributions to all music, but particularly country music. “Ringo has been singing and playing country music since before he joined The Beatles, and many, if not most, of his recordings with that band were country songs — ‘Matchbox,’ ‘Honey Don’t,’ ‘Act Naturally,’ ‘What Goes On?,’ ‘Don’t Pass Me By’ — and even ‘Octopus’s Garden’ is a country song,” he said.
The “Ringo & Friends at the Ryman” production will include Starr sharing his reflections on country music’s influence on his life, his performances with the Beatles, and his solo career. Guest artists will join Starr to talk about Starr’s influence on their music. Artists slated to participate in the special include Sheryl Crow, Jack White, Brenda Lee, Emmylou Harris, Billy Strings, The War and Treaty, Larkin Poe, Molly Tuttle, and others.
