You'd think a Beatle wouldn't need a backup plan. But back in 1989, Ringo Starr was facing a weird crossroads. He wanted to tour, but he didn't want to just be "the guy from the Beatles" standing alone at a mic. He needed a gang. What he came up with—Ringo Starr and His All Starr Band members—is basically the coolest summer camp in rock history.
Honestly, the concept is so simple it’s genius. Ringo gets a bunch of famous friends together. Everyone on stage has to have had at least three hits. They take turns playing each other's songs. Ringo drums for them; they sing for him. It’s a literal variety show where the drummer is the world's most famous person, but he’s totally happy playing the "Frankenstein" synth solo for Edgar Winter or holding down the beat for "Down Under."
Who is in the current Ringo Starr and His All Starr Band lineup?
If you’re heading out to a show in 2026, you’re seeing what many fans call the "Gold Standard" era of the group. For a long time, Ringo changed the lineup every single tour. Lately, though, he’s found a group he just really likes. The chemistry is airtight.
The current 2026 touring roster features:
- Steve Lukather: The guitar wizard from Toto. He’s been a staple since 2012. You'll hear "Rosanna" and "Africa," and honestly, his soloing is still terrifyingly good.
- Colin Hay: The voice of Men at Work. He brings those 80s anthems like "Who Can It Be Now?" to the set.
- Hamish Stuart: Originally from Average White Band. He’s the guy behind "Pick Up the Pieces." He also spent years playing with Paul McCartney, so he knows the "Beatle way" of doing things.
- Gregg Bissonette: The second drummer. Because you can’t have Ringo out front singing "Yellow Submarine" without someone keeping the pocket steady. Gregg is a legend who has played with everyone from David Lee Roth to ELO.
- Warren Ham: The "secret weapon." He plays sax, flute, harmonica, and hits all the high notes that some of the older guys might struggle with.
- Buck Johnson: The newest addition on keyboards (taking over for Edgar Winter recently). He’s a veteran from the Aerosmith and Hollywood Vampires circles.
Why the All Starr Band members keep coming back
It’s not just a paycheck. Ask Steve Lukather. He’s been in the band for over a decade. Why? Because it’s the most low-stress, high-joy gig in the industry.
There’s no ego allowed. Ringo’s rule is basically: "Peace and Love, and don't be a jerk."
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In the early days (we’re talking 1989-1992), the lineups were pure chaos in the best way. Imagine a stage with Joe Walsh, Nils Lofgren, Dr. John, and Billy Preston all at once. Or the 1995 tour that had John Entwistle from The Who on bass. Can you even imagine the volume? Entwistle and Ringo together—that's a rhythm section that could level a building.
The band has actually had 14 distinct "versions" or generations. We've seen heavy hitters like Peter Frampton, Jack Bruce from Cream, and even Ringo's own son, Zak Starkey, take the drum throne.
The Setlist Magic
The format is the real hero here. A typical show feels like a live jukebox. Ringo will start with "Matchbox" or "It Don't Come Easy." Then he'll sit at the drums. Suddenly, it’s a Toto concert. Ten minutes later, it’s a Men at Work concert.
It’s one of the few places where you can hear "Evil Ways" followed by "With a Little Help from My Friends." It shouldn't work. It sounds like a fever dream on paper. But when you see these guys—all of whom have sold millions of records—backing each other up on background vocals, you realize why the All Starr Band members stay so loyal.
The 2026 "Look Up" Era
Right now, things are a bit different. Ringo recently released a country album called Look Up, produced by T Bone Burnett. While the All Starr tour is still the bread and butter, he’s been mixing in some of that Nashville flair.
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The 2026 spring tour, kicking off in May at the Pechanga Resort in California, is set to be one of his biggest in years. They’re hitting the Greek Theatre in LA, the San Jose Civic, and several spots in Arizona and Colorado.
One thing people get wrong? They think Ringo just stands there. Man is in his 80s and has more energy than most 20-year-olds. He’s still the heartbeat of the show.
Notable Past Legends
Looking back at the roster is like reading the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame directory.
- Sheila E: She brought a massive Latin percussion energy to the 2000s lineups.
- Todd Rundgren: A long-time member who added that "Bang the Drum All Day" party vibe.
- Greg Lake: Yes, the King Crimson/ELP legend was once an All Starr.
- Ian Hunter: The Mott the Hoople frontman brought the "All the Young Dudes" glam rock.
It’s a rotating door of greatness. Some people leave because of their own tours, others because Ringo just wants to try a new "flavor." But lately, the current six-piece has become a family. They aren't just session guys; they’re a real band.
Actionable Steps for Fans
If you're planning to catch the tour this year, here’s the smart way to do it.
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1. Check the line-up before buying. While the 2026 core is Lukather, Hay, Stuart, Ham, Bissonette, and Johnson, Ringo sometimes surprises people with guests. If you’re a die-hard Toto or Men at Work fan, verify the roster for your specific leg.
2. Don't expect just Beatles songs. This is the biggest mistake newcomers make. You’re going to get about 10-12 Ringo/Beatles songs, but you’re also getting 12 songs from the other guys. If you don't like "Africa" or "Pick Up the Pieces," you might be in the wrong room (though, honestly, who doesn't like those?).
3. Get tickets early for the "intimate" venues. Ringo is playing some smaller spots this year, like Humphreys in San Diego. These sell out instantly because seeing a Beatle in a 1,400-seat outdoor venue is a bucket-list experience.
4. Follow the "Peace and Love" tradition. If you’re at the show on July 7th (Ringo’s birthday), be ready for the noon celebration. Even if there isn't a show that night, fans across the world post the "Peace and Love" salute. It’s a whole thing.
The All Starr Band isn't just a nostalgia act. It’s a masterclass in how to age gracefully in rock music. Ringo realized decades ago that he didn't need to be the only star on stage to shine the brightest. By surrounding himself with "All Starrs," he created a show that stays fresh because the talent pool is bottomless.