Ringo Starr touring in Niagara Falls

Ringo Starr kicked off his 10th edition of his All-Starr Band last night (June 19th) in Niagara Falls.

Joining Starr on the road are veteran All-Starrs Colin Hay of Men At Work, Billy Squier, Hamish Stuart of the Average White Band and Paul McCartney's band, and Edgar Winter. Starr is joined on the drums by Gregg Bissonette.

Starr spoke about the tour's latest All-Starr, Gary Wright, who has never toured with Starr before, but is a veteran of many recording sessions by Starr and George Harrison: "Gary's great. You know, Gary is a great presence there, he's very calming and he's always smiling so that helps. We were talking -- because he's on some of my early tracks through George and he was a great friend to George, so, you know, I've known him or bumped into him all these years and now we've got the opportunity to play together, so it's really good."

Gary Wright is best known for his 1976 Top Two hits "Dream Weaver" and "Love Is Alive."

Starr said at Wednesday's press conference that turning 68 in only a few weeks hasn't fazed him in the least, explaining "(I feel about 68 the) same as I felt about 28. It's another birthday. I love birthdays. I love gifts."

He says that any criticism or praise for the All Starr tours is weighed with a grain of salt: "I've been laughed at for doing it. I've been praised for doing it. But as long as you do it..."

When asked about fellow Beatles-bandmate Paul McCartney, Starr said, "He's doing a lot better now. It's been a hard year. Divorce is difficult for everybody. But when it's so public, it's harder."

Ringo Starr and his All Starr Band perform tonight (June 20th) in Niagara Fall. Ontario at the Niagara Fallsview Casino.