Tune in to A&E on Sunday, February 3 at 9am ET/PT to watch Ringo Starr & Dave Stewart's interviews and performance on "PRIVATE SESSIONS."

Taped in a small, intimate studio in New York City, A&E's "PRIVATE SESSIONS" showcases exclusive performances and conversations with top names in entertainment with a focus on contemporary music ranging from rock ‘n’ roll to pop to country. Each Sunday morning, "PRIVATE SESSIONS" explores the body of work of a single artist or group and features current releases as well as career-building, influential or defining projects.

"PRIVATE SESSIONS" homepage

Pick up Ringo's new album in stores on January 15th or order online!

Order the CD at Amazon.com

Order the USB drive at Amazon.com

Also don't forget to check out the video to Liverpool 8!

Rolling Stone's January 24 issue features a full-page Q&A with Ringo Starr and reviews of Liverpool 8 and the album's title track.

ALBUM REVIEW EXCERPTS:
"Liverpool 8 is a celebration of everything Ringo - his musical wit, his cheer, his commitment to the Sixties ideals of peace and love."

"The music, co-produced by Dave Stewart, plays up his jolly charm. Yet the 12 songs (all co-written by Ringo) show the reflexive side of the Beatle who paradoxically grew up to be one of rock & roll's sanest adults, not to mention one of the most beloved."

SINGLE REVIEW:
"Ringo recalls his days 'with George and Paul and my friend John' on this sweet look back at his life, hometown and career."

For all those in the US, catch Ringo on CBS' The Early Show Friday January 11th live from Liverpool! Ringo will be performing three songs including "Liverpool 8". Also on the CBS' The Early Show web site you can view a video of Ringo giving a tour of Liverpool. Check that out at: http://www.cbsnews.com/sections/earlyshow/main500202.shtml

Album Launch Includes Digital Single Release, Concert Event in Liverpool, National TV Appearances and Major Promotions with AARP, Amazon.com, NPR’s “World Café,” Pinger, QuickTime, U.S. Airways, VH1Classic.com and Others

Ringo Starr’s new studio album, Liverpool 8, his first new album with Capitol/EMI since 1974's Goodnight Vienna, will be released on CD, USB wristband and digitally on January 15 (January 14 internationally). Liverpool 8’s launch is already underway, with a digital single released this month and high-profile events and promotions scheduled through January, including a concert event in Liverpool, national television and radio network interviews and performances, and major promotions with AARP, Amazon.com, Pinger, Quicktime, U.S. Airways, VH1Classic.com and others.

In addition to being released on CD and digitally, Liverpool 8 will be available as a pre-loaded USB wristband including the entire album, a personal video message, interview and track commentary from Ringo Starr, behind-the-scenes making-of footage from the recording sessions, ringtunes, photos and more.

Liverpool 8’s title track is now available as a digital single from all major digital service providers. TIME magazine’s December 24 issue features an interview with Ringo, and Pinger has launched an ongoing Ringo Starr Pingercast(sm) campaign, featuring Ringo’s own personal greetings sent directly to fans’ cell phones. Visit Ringo’s official Website or his MySpace page to register for his free custom Pingercast messages.

In January, Amazon.com will exclusively premiere the “Liverpool 8” music video, and QuickTime will feature an exclusive 12-day "Countdown To Liverpool" series beginning January 4, with Ringo interview clips and a new track from Liverpool 8 each day, leading to the album’s release . U.S. Airways will showcase Ringo and Liverpool 8 with in-flight audio, video and magazine features on all of the airline’s domestic and international flights, AARP will debut its new online video series, “AARP Sessions,” with an exclusive Ringo interview, and VH1Classic.com will premiere Liverpool 8 with “The Leak,” an exclusive full-length stream of the album one week prior to its release.

Ringo Starr will return to Liverpool for a hometown performance on January 12 with his Liverpool 8 co-producer, Dave Stewart, to commence the city’s 2008 Capital of Culture celebrations. Following that week’s international promotion, Ringo will travel to New York and Los Angeles for several national TV and radio performances and interviews, including ABC’s “LIVE with Regis & Kelly,” A&E’s “Private Sessions,” CBS’ “Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson,” NBC’s “Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” National Public Radio’s “World Café,” and VH1 Classic’s new interview series, “Inside Track.” VH1 Classic will also air Ringo’s “VH1 Storytellers” special several times around Liverpool 8’s release. Liverpool 8's 12 original tracks were all co-written by Ringo and were recorded in England and in California. "The writing of the records is always the same," Ringo explains. "It's the same group of guys and we all sit together and write about what's happening." That "group of guys" who joined Ringo on the album's songwriting and recording are (in alphabetical order): Gary Burr, Steve Dudas, Mark Hudson, Sean Hurley, Zac Rae, and Dave Stewart.

Since beginning his career in the 1960s with The Beatles, Ringo Starr has been one of the world's brightest musical luminaries. He has enjoyed a successful and dynamic solo career as a singer, songwriter and drummer, an active musical collaborator, and as an actor. Drawing inspiration from classic blues, soul, country, honky-tonk and rock 'n' roll, Ringo continues to play an important role in modern music with his solo recording and touring. His last studio album, Choose Love, was released in 2005.

Ringo has said that as time goes on there is more and more of his personality in his music, and the songs on Liverpool 8 feel personal. His candor, wit and soul are evident in the lyrics and the heartbeat of every song; I always followed my heart and I never missed a beat. Peace and love are Ringo Starr's primary life beats, and Liverpool 8 propels this universal message in each of its evocative songs, which are imbued with joy, insight, reflection and wisdom from the music icon the world knows and loves simply as 'Ringo.'



Ringo Starr: Liverpool 8 (CD, USB Wristband & Digital Album)
1. Liverpool 8
2. Think About You
3. For Love
4. Now That She’s Gone Away
5. Gone Are The Days
6. Give It A Try
7. Tuff Love
8. Harry’s Song
9. Pasodobles
10. If It’s Love That You Want
11. Love Is
12. R U Ready?

Charity Auction Begins Today For World’s Only Official Beatles Flag, Limited Edition ‘Help!’ DVD Boxed Set & Trip for Two to London; All Proceeds to Benefit The Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Foundation

Hollywood, California – November 6, 2007 – For the next 10 days, eyes raised to the skies above Los Angeles’ famous crossing of Hollywood & Vine will see something new and unusual: a giant, one-of-a-kind Beatles flag flying high atop the landmark Capitol Records tower. The unique, 12-foot by 18-foot flag was raised by Ringo Starr at 12pm PDT today.

The world’s only official Beatles flag will remain raised above Capitol Records until next Friday, November 16 to celebrate today’s release by Apple Corps Ltd./EMI of The Beatles’ classic 1965 film ‘Help!’ on DVD, digitally restored with a newly created 5.1 soundtrack.

A charitable auction, benefiting The Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Foundation, launches on eBay today at 3pm PST. The auction lot includes the ‘Help!’ flag, bearing the classic artwork of The Beatles’ 1965 movie, a luxurious trip for two to London, England and a deluxe, limited edition ‘Help!’ DVD boxed set. Beatles fans around the world can place bids now until 3pm PST on November 16, 2007, when the listing ends. All bidders will be pre-qualified through Kompolt Online Auction Agency.
In addition to becoming the proud owner of the unique flag, accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity personally signed by Ringo Starr, and a limited edition ‘Help!’ boxed set, the charity auction’s top bidder and a guest will enjoy a special VIP tour of world-famous Abbey Road Studios while on holiday in London.

Visit www.ebay.com/thebeatles for more information or to place a bid.

All proceeds from the charity auction will directly benefit The Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Foundation. For more information, visit http://steinhardt.nyu.edu/music/nordoff/.

To view video of Ringo Raising the Flag Click here

First New Solo Release with Capitol Since 1974; To Be Available On CD & Digitally

Starr to Launch Album at Liverpool Concert Event on January 12

Hollywood, California - November 5, 2007 - On January 15 (January 14 internationally), Ringo Starr will release Liverpool 8, his first new album with Capitol/EMI since 1974's Goodnight Vienna. Liverpool 8 will be available worldwide on CD and digitally, and the album's title track will debut as a digital single on December 4. Starr will launch the album with a hometown performance on January 12 to commence Liverpool's 2008 Capital of Culture celebrations.

Liverpool 8, also the title of the album's upbeat, vibrant lead track, "refers to the section of Liverpool where I used to live," explains Ringo. "The song was actually Dave Stewart's idea, as a mini autobiographical travelogue: 'I was a sailor first…' and then, 'Liverpool I left you' – because I did. 'but I never let you down,' which is true."

Although Starr and Stewart have known each other for years, this is the first time they have collaborated. It began when Dave asked Ringo to lay down some drums on a track Stewart had done with George Harrison. "After I did the drums I asked Dave to add some guitars to my album, which Mark Hudson and I were working on at Mark's Whatinthewhathe? Studio in LA. After Mark and I parted ways, Dave and I took over producing the record," Starr said. Then added in his trademark wit, "and that's why the credits say: Produced by Ringo Starr and Mark Hudson and Over-produced by Ringo Starr and Dave Stewart."

Liverpool 8's 12 original tracks were all co-written by Starr and were recorded in England and in California. "The writing of the records is always the same," Ringo explains, "it's the same group of guys and we all sit together and write about what's happening." That "group of guys" who joined Starr on the album's songwriting and recording are (in alphabetical order): Gary Burr, Steve Dudas, Mark Hudson, Sean Hurley, Zac Rae, and Dave Stewart.
Since beginning his career in the 1960s with The Beatles, Ringo Starr has been one of the world's brightest musical luminaries. Starr has enjoyed a successful and dynamic solo career as a singer, songwriter and drummer, an active musical collaborator, and as an actor. Drawing inspiration from classic blues, soul, country, honky-tonk and rock 'n' roll, Starr continues to play an important role in modern music with his solo recording and touring. His last studio album, Choose Love, was released in 2005.

Ringo has said that as time goes on there is more and more of his personality in his music, and the songs on Liverpool 8 feel personal. Starr's candor, wit and soul are evident in the lyrics and the heartbeat of every song; I always followed my heart and I never missed a beat. Peace and love are Ringo Starr's primary life beats, and Liverpool 8 propels this universal message in each of its evocative songs, which are imbued with joy, insight, reflection and wisdom from the music icon the world knows and loves simply as 'Ringo.'

Ringo Starr: Liverpool 8
1. Liverpool 8
2. Think About You
3. For Love
4. Now That She's Gone Away
5. Gone Are The Days
6. Give It A Try
7. Tuff Love
8. Harry's Song
9. Pasodobles
10. If It's Love That You Want
11. Love Is
12. R U Ready?

Former Beatle John Lennon’s widow, Yoko Ono, was joined by a former Beatle as she unveiled a light tower in Iceland October 9th.

Ringo Starr and Lennon’s son, Sean, helped to launch the ‘Imagine Peace Tower’ in Videy Island, near Reykjavik, on what would have been his 67th Birthday.

George Harrison’s widow, Olivia, was also at the unveiling – which saw a choir sing the words to Lennon’s, ‘Imagine,’ during the ceremony.

The monument will now be lit ever year between Lennon’s birthday and the anniversary of his death on December 8th, reports the BBC.

Speaking at the unveiling Starr said: "We're all here for Johnny's birthday and the big light, I love the light."

Ono – who designed the tower forty yeas ago - said that she considered herself “very fortunate to see the dream my husband and I dreamt together become reality."

Apple Corps Ltd have announced the eagerly anticipated DVD release of The Beatles' second feature film 'Help!' on October 30th (October 29th ROW) which will be marketed and distributed by EMI Music.

Directed by Richard Lester, who also directed the band's debut feature film 'A Hard Days Night', 'Help!' made its theatrical debut in 1965. The story follows The Beatles as they become passive recipients of an outside plot that revolves around Ringo's possession of a sacrificial ring, which he cannot remove from his finger. As a result, he and his bandmates John, Paul and George are chased from London to the Austrian Alps and the Bahamas by religious cult members, a mad scientist and the London police.

In addition to starring the Beatles, 'Help!' has a witty script, a great cast of British character actors and features 7 classic Beatles tracks, including:
• 'Help!'
• 'You're Going To Lose That Girl'
• 'You've Got To Hide Your Love Away'
• 'Ticket To Ride'
• 'I Need You'
• 'The Night Before'
• 'Another Girl'

The DVD will be a 2-disc set. Disc 1 will feature the original film digitally restored with a newly created 5.1 soundtrack, while Disc 2 contains an hour of extra features, including:
•The Beatles in Help! – 30 minute documentary about the making of the film with Richard Lester, the cast and crew. Includes exclusive behind the scenes footage of The Beatles on set.
•A Missing Scene – Featuring Wendy Richard
•The Restoration of Help! – An in depth look at the restoration process.
•Memories of Help! – The cast and crew reminisce
•Theatrical Trailers – 2 US trailers and 1 Spanish trailer.
•1965 US Radio Spots - Hidden in disc menus.
There will be 2 editions of the DVD - a standard digipack and a deluxe boxed set that will contain a reproduction of Richard Lester's original annotated script, 8 lobby cards and a poster, plus a 60-page book with rarely seen photographs and production notes from the movie. Both the deluxe book and the standard booklet feature an introduction by Richard Lester and an appreciation by Martin Scorsese.

Watch the 'Help!' DVD trailer here: http://emicat.edgeboss.net/wmedia/emicat/beatles/help_trailer_us.wvx
For cover art, please visit www.beautifuldaymedia.com

CAST
The Beatles:
John………..………………………………………………………...John Lennon
Paul………………………………………………………………Paul McCartney
George……….…………………………………………………George Harrison
Ringo……….…………………………………………………………...Ringo Starr
Clang………………………………………………………………….Leo McKern
Ahme…………………………………………………………………Eleanor Bron
Foot…………….........................................................................Victor Spinetti
Algernon…………........................................................................Roy Kinnear
Superintendent........................................................................Patrick Cargill
Bhuta………………......................................................................John Bluthal
Jeweller……………………………………………………………...Peter Copley
Doorman…………………………………………………………………Alfie Bass
Abdul…………………………………………………………..…Warren Mitchell
Lawnmower………………………………………………………...Bruce Lacey
Cross channel swimmer……………………………………………...Mal Evans
Women in street……………………Dandy Nichols and Gretchen Franklin

PRODUCTION
Director ……………………………………………………………Richard Lester
Producer ………………………………………………………...Walter Shenson
Screenplay…………………………………..Marc Behm and Charles Wood
Story by………………………………………………………………..Marc Behm
Director of Photography…………………………………………David Watkin
Production Manager……………………………………………….John Pellatt
Art Director………………………………………………………Raymond Simm
Colour Consultant and Titles………………………………...Robert Freeman
Costume Designer…………………………………………………….Julie Harris
Musical Director………………………………………………………Ken Thorne
Songs composed by…………………..John Lennon and Paul McCartney
and by George Harrison
Songs performed by………………………………………………...The Beatles
Songs produced by……………………………………………..George Martin

by John Soeder
Plain Dealer Pop Music Critic

Without further ado, I nominate Ringo Starr for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, in recognition of his solo achievements. And to make the case for bestowing this overdue honor, post-haste, I hereby submit Exhibit A:
"Snookeroo."

Never heard it? Your loss! Drop everything and check out this wonderful blast from the past, a slice of unadulterated rock 'n' roll bliss. You'll find it on a new compilation, "Photograph: The Very Best of Ringo Starr," in the company of such hits as "It Don't Come Easy" and "You're Sixteen (You're Beautiful and You're Mine)."

My connection to "Snookeroo" is deeply personal. It was among the very first 45s in my record collection, along with the Billy Vaughn instrumental "Raunchy" (an excellent hand-me-down from Dad) and the Elvis Presley obscurity "I've Got a Thing About You Baby."

I'm not exactly sure how "Snookeroo" came into my possession. Most likely, Mom bought it for me, back when five-and-dime stores (remember five-and-dime stores?) used to sell vinyl singles (remember vinyl singles?) next to the underwear (remember underwear?). Sigh. At least some things never go out of style.

I was 7 years old when "Snookeroo" first saw the light of day in 1974 on Starr's "Goodnight Vienna" album, arguably his finest post-Beatles hour. (John Lennon appears on the title track, which he wrote.)
"Snookeroo" tells the tale of a lovable slacker, "born on the eve of Halloween." This was my introduction to a thrilling new world beyond my Walt Disney storybook records, even if the only lyric I fully could relate to at the time was: "Mother used to cut my hair."

Elton John and Bernie Taupin wrote the song, but what really sells it is Starr's endearing performance. "I hear them gossip on the street / Most of what they say is true," he sings.

" Snookeroo' seemed to read like a Ringo song, the Ringo attitude, so we did it," Starr recalls in the "Photograph" liner notes. "There was no deep madness going on in those days. It was all like, It feels good -- let's go.' "

The feel-good vibe comes across loud and clear. Starr gets by with a little help from some distinguished friends, including the aforementioned John on piano, Robbie Robertson on guitar and longtime Rolling Stones sideman Bobby Keys in the horn section. Not too shabby, eh?

Listening to "Snookeroo" 30-plus years later, I'm struck by how familiar the sonic landscape is to me. The giddy twists and turns of John's telltale ivory-tickling; the breathtaking scenery of Robertson's bluesy licks, snaking in and out of the arrangement like swamp vines; those glorious horns and gospel-style backing vocals, whisking the listener to the mountaintop -- I whiled away many a childhood hour there, 3 minutes and 25 seconds at a time.

The song was relegated to the B-side of the Top 5 single "No-No Song," but on my portable record player, "Snookeroo" was the de facto A-side. It got heavy rotation in our cozy family room, where the gold carpet was littered with Lego blocks and Dad let me stay up late to watch staticky transmissions from NASA's Apollo moon missions on the black-and-white television. Time marches on, but when I crank up "Snookeroo," I'm a 7-year-old boy again.

The Rock Hall enshrined the Beatles in 1988. Glaringly, Starr is the only member of the Fab Four who hasn't been inducted separately for his solo work.

The "Photograph" retrospective makes a case for his worthiness. In addition to 20 tunes spanning his solo career, the CD/DVD collector's edition comes with "promotional films" (as music videos were known back in the day) for a handful of hits. The "Only You" clip is especially priceless, with Starr (dressed up like Klaatu from "The Day the Earth Stood Still") and Harry Nilsson (in a bathrobe) hamming it up atop the Capitol Records Tower in Hollywood.

It doesn't get any better than "Snookeroo," though. Sure, Lennon's "Imagine," Paul McCartney's "Band on the Run" and George Harrison's "Give Me Life (Give Me Peace on Earth)" are wonderful, but "Snookeroo" is the great "lost" gem by an ex-Beatle.

The music speaks for itself. And it says: What is the Rock Hall waiting for?