Event

CBS Special of Ringo Starr’s Star-Packed Country Concerts at the Ryman Auditorium to Debut in the Spring

Published January 15, 2025

Ringo Starr is set to perform two exciting concerts at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville on January 14 and 15. These shows celebrate the release of his new country album, Look Up. Recently, Starr shared that the concerts will be recorded for a special television program.

The upcoming special, titled Ringo & Friends at the Ryman, is scheduled to air on CBS and will also be available for streaming on Paramount+ this spring. This two-hour program will showcase performances from Starr and a fantastic lineup of special guests, including songs from Look Up, famous Beatles tracks, and hits from Starr's solo career.

Among the artists joining Ringo are notable names like Sheryl Crow, Emmylou Harris, Jack White, Jamey Johnson, Brenda Lee, Rodney Crowell, Mickey Guyton, The War and Treaty, Sarah Jarosz, Billy Strings, Molly Tuttle, and Larkin Poe. Some of these artists contributed to the making of Look Up.

A highlight of the concerts will be an all-star performance of the Beatles' classic song, “With a Little Help from My Friends.” This special rendition will be released to raise funds for the American Red Cross and support those affected by California wildfires.

In addition to concert highlights, the special will feature Starr discussing the impact of country music on his life, as well as talking about The Beatles' music and his solo work. Various guest artists will also share how Ringo and The Beatles have influenced their music.

Production Team and Starr's Excitement

The production of Ringo & Friends at the Ryman is led by T Bone Burnett, who was behind the creation of Look Up and contributed significantly to the songwriting.

Starr expressed his enthusiasm about performing at the iconic venue, saying, "It is always a thrill to play the Ryman and this time we are going country!" He added, "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."

Burnett praised Starr's musical impact, stating, "There is not a single person in the world who has generated more goodwill than Ringo Starr…. An extraordinary group of artists is coming together to help demonstrate that at the Ryman Auditorium." He also noted that Ringo has been influenced by country music since before his time with The Beatles, mentioning songs like “Matchbox” and “Honey Don’t.”

Concert Recaps and Setlist Information

Several media outlets have shared recaps of the concert held on January 14, and fan-captured video clips have surfaced online. Setlist.fm has provided details of the performances from the concerts, showcasing the range of music enjoyed by attendees.

Ringo Starr & Friends, Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, TN, 1/15/2025, Set List:

Set 1:

  1. “Matchbox” (with Jack White)
  2. “It Don’t Come Easy”
  3. “Time on My Hands”
  4. “Octopus’ Garden” (with Molly Tuttle)
  5. “Don’t Pass Me By” (with Jack White)
  6. “Thankful”
  7. “Honey Don’t” (with Billy Strings)
  8. “Without Her” (with The War and Treaty)
  9. “I Don’t Want to Spoil the Party” (with Sheryl Crow and Molly Tuttle)
  10. “Boys”

Set 2:

  1. “Have You Seen My Baby” (with Jamey Johnson)
  2. “You Don’t Know Me at All” (with Mickey Guyton)
  3. “Act Naturally” (with Rodney Crowell and Sarah Jarosz)
  4. “I Wanna Be Your Man” (with Larkin Poe)
  5. “What Goes On” (with Billy Strings and Molly Tuttle)
  6. “Look Up” (with Molly Tuttle)
  7. “Photograph”
  8. “Yellow Submarine” (with Jack White)
  9. “With a Little Help from My Friends” (with Emmylou Harris, Sheryl Crow, Brenda Lee, Billy Strings, and Jack White)
Ringo, Concerts, Special