Filmed in 2005 for the American television series Soundstage, this sold out, one-night-only performance at the Genesee Theatre in Waukegan, Illinois features the Beatles' sticksman Ringo Starr backed by The Roundheads. This is no three hour plus Green Day gig; the skilled rockers wrap up their 14-song set in a swift 56 minutes and unfortunately the DVD offers absolutely no extras to allow you to prolong your engagement with the experience.
The Roundheads kick off the gig with Starr's first UK solo single, It Don't Come Easy, comfortably outshining the attention-drawing frontman's average lead vocal parts with tightly-knit, confident backing vocal harmonies and instrumental performances. The set immediately makes a move to please any Beatles fans that would have been tuning in, diving into Octopus's Garden with lead guitarist Steve Dudas' faultless performance matched by a perfect guitar tone that miraculously transports you back to the summer of '69. It is moments like these throughout the set that really have the potential to take your breath away, because despite the relatively simplistic instrumental composition of a plodding bass line and basic drum beat, the song radiates undeniable character.
As can be expected, Starr takes numerous opportunities to promote the recent release of his new album Choose Love, mixing in a couple of fresh tracks amongst the selected numbers from the musician's hefty back catalogue. Starr and co.'s choice of songs is well-spread, not forcing too much new material on the audiences watching live and at home. An unanimated Colin Hay makes a special guest appearance on the track Who Can It Be Now but sadly the song is only really kept alive by the raspy tone of saxophonist James Perkins. Back to business as usual for you, I'm afraid, Hay.
Eager to flaunt his ability to do more than sing and drum, Starr takes to a hideously-coloured piano to play the introduction to Don't Pass Me By, but thankfully the harmonica-topped full band performance of the song is much more slicker than the shakily amateurish solo start. Let's face it though, if you're in a band with Ringo Starr, you'd just let him do whatever he wants. The Liverpudlian's contributions from behind his drum kit (which of course has to be positioned on a riser higher than his fellow drummer Greg Bissonette) are far from essential, but when you're paying to see the Beatles' drummer, you're unlikely to complain that you're witnessing the iconic musician in a role that he perceptively appears to still be most comfortable in.
Music DVDs always seem to pose a tough challenge, with the technical team tasked with the job of capturing the indescribable buzz that is experienced at live concert for those unable to experience the Soundstage show live at the Genesee. Not only is the recorded sound crisp and vibrant, but the filming and the editing of the set has been done superbly well, capturing the colourful setting of the venue that magnificently complements the bright and upbeat nature of the music.
For the age of 64 (at the time of recording), I suppose we shouldn't really expect too much from Mr Starr. He may require a monitor screen to ensure that he remembers his lyrics, but the Brit still has a lovable, care-free charm about him. At under an hour in duration, those looking to invest in this DVD may doubt its value for money, but it's very difficult to convey how magical it is to still see Ringo Starr performing songs like Yellow Submarine and finale With A Little Help From My Friends. He may only be one quarter of the nation's most iconic band, but don't pass him by, especially when given the opportunity to see him in the company of such a tightly-gelled ensemble as The Roundheads.