Ringo Starr, the former drummer of The Beatles, delivered a performance in San Jose and Los Angeles on June 15, 2026, that underscored his enduring influence as a musician and curator of rock history. The concerts, reported by Rolling Stone, featured a setlist that blended his own classics with covers of songs by artists ranging from The Velvet Underground to Fleetwood Mac, illustrating his role as a cultural bridge between eras. The event marked a rare public showcase of Starr’s musical tastes, which have long shaped the careers of collaborators and fans alike.
How Ringo’s Setlist Reflects a Lifetime of Musical Curiosity
Starr’s performance included a 20-song set that highlighted his eclectic preferences, including a rendition of Lou Reed’s “Walk on the Wild Side” and a stripped-down version of Fleetwood Mac’s “Go Your Own Way.” According to The New York Times, the choice of “Go Your Own Way” — a song written by Stevie Nicks — was particularly notable, as it aligned with Starr’s long-standing advocacy for female songwriters. “Ringo doesn’t just play songs; he plays the stories behind them,” said Dr. Emily Carter, a music historian at the University of California, Los Angeles. “His selections often reveal a deeper engagement with the artists’ intentions than the average fan.”
The setlist also featured a cover of The Kinks’ “You Really Got Me,” a track that helped define the British Invasion in the 1960s. Starr, who has frequently credited The Kinks as an influence, performed the song with a rhythm section that included drummer Steve Gadd, known for his work with John Lennon and Paul Simon. “Ringo’s ability to reinterpret these tracks is part of his legacy,” said Gadd in a 2025 interview with Pitchfork. “He brings a sense of playfulness that honors the original but makes it his own.”
The Musicians Behind the Magic: A Legacy of Collaboration
Starr’s tour featured a rotating lineup of musicians, including guitarists Dave Mason and Joe Walsh, as well as keyboardist Benmont Tench of The Heartbreakers. This ensemble, according to Billboard, reflected Starr’s history of collaborating with artists across genres. “Ringo’s band isn’t just a backing group; it’s a microcosm of the rock world,” said music critic Ken Tucker. “He’s worked with everyone from Elvis Costello to Bruce Springsteen, and his concerts often feel like a greatest hits of 20th-century rock.”
The Los Angeles show included a special guest appearance by singer-songwriter Sheryl Crow, who joined Starr for a cover of “The Chain” by Fleetwood Mac. Crow later told Rolling Stone that the collaboration was a career highlight. “Ringo has this way of making you feel like you’re part of something bigger,” she said. “He’s not just a legend; he’s a mentor to the next generation.”
Ringo’s Cultural Impact: Beyond the Drum Kit
Starr’s decision to perform covers rather than solely his own material aligns with his broader career as a producer and advocate for other artists. In the 1970s, he championed the work of Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band, a project that allowed him to spotlight musicians like Todd Rundgren and Bob Dylan. “Ringo’s All-Starr Band wasn’t just a nostalgia act; it was a platform for rediscovering underappreciated talent,” said Dr. Carter. “His concerts today continue that tradition.”
The 2026 performances also coincided with the 50th anniversary of Starr’s solo album *Ringo*, which featured contributions from The Beatles’ former bandmates and other rock icons. According to Rolling Stone, the tour’s setlist included a reimagined version of “Photograph,” a song that remains one of Starr’s most enduring hits. “Ringo’s music has always been about connection,” said music journalist Mark Coleman. “Whether he’s playing his own songs or someone else’s, he’s reminding us why rock ‘n’ roll matters.”
The Business of Nostalgia: How Legacy Acts Shape the Music Industry
Starr’s concerts, which sold out venues in both San Jose and Los Angeles, reflect a broader trend in the music industry: the economic
