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Ringo Starr and his band coming to DPAC

In the now-distant 1970s, many Beatles fans longed for even the briefest reunion of what time has proved to be the most innovative and important band of the rock era. The hoped-for Beatles reunion never happened, of course, but local fans can come close when Ringo Starr and his All-Starr Band come to the Durham Performing Arts Center in July.

Tickets for the July 11 DPAC date go on sale Feb. 19 at 10 a.m. Ticket prices start at $59 and can be purchased at the DPAC Ticket Center, 680-2787, and online at DPACnc.com. Tickets are also available through Ticketmaster outlets: FYE and Lowes Foods.

Since the Beatles' breakup, Starr's solo output has been prolific. His first solo record, "Sentimental Journey, " was a collection of song standards. He followed it with "Beaucoups of Blues, " which reflected Starr's longtime interest in country music and the blues. Other solo recordings are "Ringo's Rotogravure, " "Goodnight Vienna, " and "Choose Love." Earlier this month, he released "Y Not, " which includes a performance with Paul McCartney.

The Beatles were known for having eclectic musical influences. Starr brought to the band his love of country music, which led to the band recording the Buck Owens tune "Act Naturally, " as well as tunes from rockabilly pioneer Carl Perkins. Starr's song "Don't Pass Me By" from the 1968 "White Album" release also reflects country influences.

In 1989, he formed the first All-Starr Band, whose personnel lineup has changed over the decades. In 2008, Starr toured the 10th edition of the All-Starr group.

The current All-Starr tour lineup that will play at DPAC reads like a history of rock music of the past 40 years. Edgar Winter - singer, songwriter, keyboardist and saxophonist - is probably best remembered for his work with the Edgar Winter Group. Rick Derringer is one of the veteran guitarists of rock and blues. Two of his most famous solos are on the The McCoys' radio hit "Hang On Sloopy" and Derringer's song "Rock and Roll Hoochie Koo."

Other band members are Gary Wright, whose hits include "Dream Weaver, " "Love is Alive", and "Really Wanna Know You." Richard Page was the lead singer and bassist in 1980s pop rock band Mr. Mister. Wally Palmer was the guitarist, harmonica player, singer, songwriter for The Romantics.

Several local percussionists were influenced by Starr's work with the Beatles. John Hanks, a member of Duke University's music faculty and a staff musician for the dance program, said he listened to the Beatles growing up. "His style of drumming influenced a whole lot of people, " Hanks said. "It had a texture to it as well as a rhythmic style, " he said. "He never was known as a technical wizard, but he had a good feel, and he looked right."

The Starr tour is the latest announcement DPAC has made in a season lineup that features several veteran rock musicians. Other artists who will visit DPAC are Steve Winwood, Chicago, The Moody Blues and the Experience Hendrix tour.



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