August 25, 1989 : Ringo In Edmonton!

Yes, you read that right kids. On Friday, August 25, 1989, Beatle drummer Ringo Starr and His All-Starr Band played our Northlands Coliseum. The band included Joe Walsh, Clarence Clemons, Dr John, Nils Lofgren, Billy Preston,drummer Levon Helm and bassist Rick Danko from the Band. Ringo both sang his own songs, and drummed on everyone else's. He was backed up on drums by legend Jim Keltner, and also his son Zak.

All on one stage

And it absolutely rocked.

To understand what a big deal this was 25 years ago, you have to know that in 1989, Edmonton was not really known as a town where any Beatle would normally play, let alone his high-caliber players.

In mid-1980s Edmonton, a Kenny Rogers-Dolly Parton double bill was a big deal.

So was Bryan Adams.

So was Platinum Blonde.

And very occaisonally a megastar like Neil Diamond would come through.

The show played out exactly as in the video. I wish I could tell you that the Coliseum was sold-out to the rafters.

Unfortunately it was a concert-bowl size crowd of 7,000.

Oh well...it was still great! And we're now one of the busiest concert cities in North America! Paul played two sold-out shows in 2012!

Paul who, you ask?

Shame on you!


MTMG