Ringo Starr Unveils New Album ‘Long Long Road’ Featuring Billy Strings, Sheryl Crow & St. Vincent

Ringo Starr’s new album ‘Long Long Road’ embraces his return to country vibes, backed by stellar collaborations and the magic touch of producer T Bone Burnett.

The Road Back to Country: Ringo Starr’s 22nd Solo Album

If there’s one thing about Ringo Starr, it’s that his musical journey is as winding and rich as his career itself. The Beatles legend has just announced his 22nd solo album titled ‘Long Long Road’, and fans are in for a real treat. This new release sees Ringo immersing once again in a country-infused sound, much like his last album, Look Up, which dropped last year.

What’s exciting here is that he’s teamed up again with the acclaimed producer T Bone Burnett, who’s been instrumental in shaping the sound of this new record. You don’t just get Ringo on this project—there are notable guest appearances from the likes of St. Vincent, Sheryl Crow, and the bluegrass virtuoso Billy Strings. The album is set to drop on April 24 via UMe, and pre-orders are open for the eager fans.

Ringo Starr continues to evolve his sound with ‘Long Long Road’.

First Listen: The Melancholic Charm of ‘It’s Been Too Long’

The lead single from the album, ‘It’s Been Too Long’, offers a tender, wistful vibe, blending Ringo’s signature charm with that warm Americana twang. The song was penned by T Bone Burnett and Daniel Tashian, adding a fresh yet familiar layer to Ringo’s voice, which takes the lead here with heartfelt emotion.

Adding to the vocal richness are harmony contributions from Molly Tuttle and Sarah Jarosz, two renowned figures in the Americana and bluegrass scenes. Their voices lace the track beautifully, creating a soundscape that feels both intimate and expansive.

You can watch the official visualizer for It’s Been Too Long here:

Behind the Scenes: The Creative Partnership of Starr and Burnett

Ringo Starr reflects fondly on his collaboration with T Bone Burnett, sharing,

“I’m blessed to have T Bone in my life right now and working with me on these records. After we did the last record, which I love listening to, this one just sort of happened.”

He playfully adds that sometimes life offers choices, and teaming up with Burnett for Look Up was definitely one of those “right moves.” He calls this new album ‘Long Long Road’ because it metaphorically reflects his long musical journey.

Producer T Bone Burnett shares his thoughts on working with Ringo, emphasizing the drummer’s unique musical persona.

“I’ve loved Ringo’s playing and his singing for my whole life. One night we were at a poetry reading together, and he said, ‘Why don’t you write a song for me?’ So I wrote him a Gene Autry type song because I always heard Ringo as a Texas artist, the way he played felt just like Texas music to me.”

Burnett continues to praise Ringo’s artistry:

“Ringo Starr is a recording artist of the highest caliber, and I wanted to surround him with these young masters, bringing in some of this extraordinary young energy that’s happening around Nashville for both of these records.”

His decision to blend Ringo’s classic style with fresh Nashville talent has clearly paid off.

The album cover for ‘Long Long Road’ reflects Ringo’s reflective journey.

Tracklist for ‘Long Long Road’

Here’s what to expect from the full album, with ten tracks that weave through love, reflection, and the passage of time:

1. Returning Without Tears
2. Baby Don’t Go
3. I Don’t See Me In Your Eyes Anymore
4. It’s Been Too Long
5. Why
6. You And I (Wave Of Love)
7. My Baby Don’t Want Nothing
8. Choose Love
9. She’s Gone
10. Long Long Road

This collection continues to showcase Ringo’s knack for blending heartfelt storytelling with catchy melodies, all drenched in that warm, Americana sound.

Ringo Starr Hits the Road: US Tour Dates Announced

For those who like to see legends live, Ringo is gearing up for a 12-date tour across the United States this summer. The tour kicks off on May 28 in Temecula, California, and wraps up on June 14 at the iconic Greek Theatre in Los Angeles. It’s a chance for fans to catch Ringo bringing both his classic hits and new material from Long Long Road to life on stage.

The Beatle’s Legacy on Screen: Upcoming Beatles Biopics

Ringo is not just making waves musically; he’s also in the spotlight through cinema. In a fascinating turn, actor Barry Keoghan has been cast to play Ringo Starr in the upcoming Beatles biopic series directed by the renowned Sam Mendes. The film project is actually a quartet of movies, each focusing on a different Beatle.

In the series: - Paul Mescal steps into Paul McCartney’s shoes - Harris Dickinson portrays John Lennon - Joseph Quinn takes on George Harrison - And Mia McKenna-Bruce plays Ringo’s wife, Maureen Starkey

The first glimpses of these actors in character have fans buzzing, with the films scheduled for release in April 2028.

Barry Keoghan shared a touching moment about meeting Ringo to prepare for the role, admitting,

“When I was talking to him, I couldn’t look at him. I was nervous, like right now. But he’s like, ‘You can look at me. My job is to observe and kinda take in mannerisms and study him. I want to humanise him and bring feelings to it and not just sort of imitate.”

Family Perspective: Zak Starkey on Portraying His Dad

Ringo’s son Zak Starkey, an accomplished drummer who played with The Who and Oasis, offered some light-hearted advice for Barry Keoghan. Jokingly, he said,

“Get a big rubber nose. I don’t know what else to say. He doesn’t look anything like my dad, does he? You can fix anything, can’t you? You can certainly give someone a big rubber nose.”

More seriously, Zak highlighted the essence of his father’s charm:

“The thing about my dad is his personality. He sold The Beatles to America, he’s the one with the charisma. Pulling that off will be hard. He’s just himself.”

It’s a reminder that beyond the music, it’s Ringo’s genuine spirit that has made him timeless.

Wrapping it all up, Ringo Starr’s ‘Long Long Road’ is not just another album — it’s a heartfelt journey back to his roots with an infusion of fresh, young energy. With brilliant collaborators, a masterful producer, and a commemorative spirit, this album promises to resonate with longtime fans and new listeners alike.

Are you ready to take this long, long road with Ringo once again? What’s your favorite era of his solo work? Drop your thoughts below!

FAQ

• What genre influences ‘Long Long Road’?
  The album leans heavily into Americana and country, continuing the sound Ringo explored on his previous album Look Up.
• Who produced the album?
  Legendary producer T Bone Burnett oversaw the production, lending his experience and Nashville connections to the project.
• Which artists feature on the album?
  The album includes appearances by St. Vincent, Sheryl Crow, and bluegrass guitarist Billy Strings.
• When is ‘Long Long Road’ released?
  The album is set for release on April 24 via UMe.
• Is Ringo Starr touring to promote the album?
  Yes, he has announced a 12-date US tour running from late May to mid-June 2026.

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