Ringo Starr announced his 20th studio record, What’s My Name, to be released on UMe October 25, 2019. What’s My Name is the latest in a series of heartfelt and homespun records that Starr has produced in his home studio and a distinguished, ever-changing yet often repeating cast of musical characters and friends playing along with Ringo. Those friends include Paul McCartney, Joe Walsh, Edgar Winter, Dave Stewart, Benmont Tench, Steve Lukather, Nathan East, Colin Hay, Richard Page, Warren Ham, Windy Wagner, Kari Kimmel and more.
For Ringo, recording at home, known as Roccabella West, has become a welcome and productive way of life. “I don’t want to be in an old-fashioned recording studio anymore, really,” Starr explains. “I’ve had enough of the big glass wall and the separation. We are all together in here, whoever I invite over. This is the smallest club in town. And I love it, being at home, being able to say hi to Barb, it’s just been good for me and the music.”
What’s My Name is filled with other stand out collaborations and inspirations – starting with the opening track, the rocking “Gotta Get Up To Get Down”, which Starr co-wrote with his brother in law and long-time musical partner Joe Walsh. “I’ve been making music with Joe long before we became brothers, “Ringo said. “And we were having dinner with Klaus Voorman months ago, and for whatever, I said, “Well, you’ve got to get up to get down.” Joe and looked at each other and said, “We know that’s the title, so let’s write a song about it. “That’s how it is. Edgar Winter’s part on this track is just incredible. Edgar’s always incredible, but he outdoes himself in my book.”
Additional tracks include: “It’s Not Love That You Want;” “Magic” co-written with his long-time All-Starr Steve Lukather “I wrote that with Steve Lukather, who is magic. I made a mistake of telling Steve, “You’re my last best friend,” and so that how we’re live now. And he’s a beautiful guy. He sometimes puts out a hard shell, but he is so soulful. We work well together. And he’s even better when he’s not playing a thousand notes a minute – which he can. He’s the man. I love the man. Don’t tell him. Sometimes Steve’s so happy playing with me, I say, “You’re having too much fun.”
In the spectacular and singular case of Ringo Starr, what’s in his name is an endearingly fabulous lifetime of music & meaning, and yes, Peace & Love that all comes through loud and clear on Ringo’s latest album, What’s My Name.
Yes, there’s more than half a century of illustrious history in Ringo’s name. Yet what makes all that mean so much here and now is that the artist formerly known as Richard Starkey keeps earning his excellent and beloved name all over again, every time that he takes the stage with one of his All-Starr Bands and whenever he releases new music.
In the best way possible, drumming remains Ringo’s madness, and keeps him moving forward in time. As Starr remembers affectionately, “When I was a teenager, my mom always said, “Son, you’re at your happiest when you’re playing.” And it’s still true to this day. I’m blessed. I had a dream back when I was thirteen, and just last night I played with all my friends at the Greek, and I’ve been putting together All-Starr bands for 30 years. And it’s still a thrill.”
Starr also has a new book coming out October 15, Another Day In the Life (Genesis Publications) reflects his love of music, travel and nature and shows us the world as seen through Ringo’s eyes. Originally published as a limited edition, this hardback version will be widely available and can be pre-ordered here.