Ringo Starr plays 20th Humphrey’s San Diego show beside All Starr Band

There’s the Beatles… and then there’s everything else. This is the mantra I have lived by my entire life. With two of the Fab Four already taken from this planet, Paul and Ringo are all that’s left for me to catch a glimpse of a band that changed music history—and parts of US history—as we know it. I say this preface because:

I feel wholly honored—and extremely privileged—to photograph Ringo Starr.

Returning to Humphrey’s By The Bay in San Diego (for the 20th time!!) on September 7th with his All Starr Band, Ringo announced how much he enjoys playing this smaller, yet more intimate venue. Before my Beatle-mania truly set in, I glanced around the grounds, watching the merch line grow and checking out autographed hand-painted original art by Ringo displayed at the front gates. How I wish I had the money to buy that signed drumhead…

Luckily, the heatwave of the day had mellowed off for the evening, making the waterfront venue of Humphrey’s fee way more like a tropical resort than normal. And, right at 8pm, Richard Starkey (aka, the one-and-only Ringo Starr) joined his colleagues onstage for what ultimately turned out to be one long intimate jam session.

For his 2024 tour, Ringo has enlisted, once again, some of classic rock’s greatest hits: Steve Lukather (of Toto), Buck Johnson, Colin Hay (of Men At Work), Warren Ham, Hamish Stuart (of Average White Band), and Gregg Bissonette (of Spinal Tap). You can’t ask for a more talented bunch! Taking the stage, Ringo was all smiles and peace signs as he sang and performed in perfect form. Going from his solo work to songs from the rest of his players, like “Pick Up The Pieces” and “Rosanna”, the concert never had a dull moment from start to finish.

As a Beatles fan and being my first Ringo show, I didn’t know what to expect. I’m actually really appreciative to see Ringo’s solo numbers live, as well as his ability to just jam — with a little help from his friends. I was crying into my viewfinder the entire time as I photographed from the balcony… and happy that I was able to get some good shots between the tears! Cheers to a surreal night and one of the best of my life.

Photography by Kristy Rose

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