Ringo Starr is back with something totally unexpected—and honestly, brilliant. The Beatles legend is set to drop Look Up, a pure country album produced and co-written by the Grammy-winning T Bone Burnett. Mark your calendars for January 10, 2025, because this will be Starr’s first full-length album in six years. Leading up to it, today marks the release of the album’s first single, “Time On My Hands”—and it’s a vibe. You can stream it now to get a taste of what’s in store, and trust us, it’s everything you didn’t know you needed from Ringo in 2025.
Ringo is kicking off Look Up with a dream team lineup, from the unmistakable strings of Alison Krauss to Nashville’s finest like Billy Strings, Molly Tuttle, and Larkin Poe. This album is no throwback to Beatles-era rockabilly; it’s a refined, heartfelt dive into country music, layered with soul and roots that Starr’s fans will feel all the way down. Out of the 11 tracks, nine are Burnett’s brainchild, with one by Billy Swan and a special one, “Thankful,” co-written by Starr himself with longtime collaborator Bruce Sugar, featuring the one-and-only Krauss.
Why a country album, though? Starr’s connection to country music goes way back. He’s woven bits of the genre into his work with The Beatles (think “Act Naturally” and “Don’t Pass Me By”) and his 1970 solo album, Beaucoups of Blues. In fact, as a teen in Liverpool, Starr dreamed of moving to Texas after being blown away by bluesman Lightnin’ Hopkins. That same passion has led him back to the genre now, following a serendipitous meeting with Burnett at a 2022 event in L.A. Starr initially asked for just one song for an EP, but Burnett came back with nine tracks, giving Starr a clear sign: this wasn’t going to be an EP—this was going to be his next full-length album.
Ringo’s excitement for Look Up shines in his own words: “I’ve always loved country music. And when I asked T Bone to write me a song, I didn’t even think at the time that it would be a country song—but of course it was, and it was so beautiful.” Ringo continues, “I had been making EPs at the time and so I thought we would do a country EP—but when he brought me nine songs, I knew we had to make an album! I want to thank, and send Peace & Love, to T Bone and all the great musicians who helped make this record. It was a joy making it, and I hope it is a joy to listen to.”
Burnett, too, can’t say enough about working with Ringo: “He changed the way every drummer after him played, with his inventive approach to the instrument. And, he has always sung killer rockabilly, as well as being a heartbreaking ballad singer. To get to make this music with him was something like the realization of a 60-year dream I’ve been living.”
And the best part? Ringo is bringing this country flavor to the iconic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville for a two-night show on January 14 and 15, 2025. This is the concert event Nashville’s been waiting for—an intimate night with Ringo Starr & Friends performing a new side of his artistry that’s sure to make the historic Ryman come alive. Tickets drop October 25, 2024, and they’re bound to go fast.
Here’s a look at the tracklist for Look Up:
- Breathless (feat. Billy Strings) – T Bone Burnett
- Look Up (feat. Molly Tuttle) – Daniel Tashian, T Bone Burnett
- Time On My Hands – Paul Kennerly, Daniel Tashian, T Bone Burnett
- Never Let Me Go (feat. Billy Strings) – T Bone Burnett
- I Live For Your Love (feat. Molly Tuttle) – Billy Swan, T Bone Burnett
- Come Back (feat. Lucius) – T Bone Burnett
- Can You Hear Me Call (feat. Molly Tuttle) – T Bone Burnett
- Rosetta (feat. Billy Strings and Larkin Poe) – T Bone Burnett
- You Want Some – Billy Swan
- String Theory (feat. Molly Tuttle) – Daniel Tashian, T Bone Burnett
- Thankful (feat. Alison Krauss) – Richard Starkey, Bruce Sugar
Legendary Ringo Starr
With a legendary career spanning decades, Ringo Starr has been honored with nine GRAMMY® Awards and twice inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame — once as a member of The Beatles and again as a solo artist. Since 1970, he has released 20 solo albums, with four consecutive EPs released in 2020, 2021, and 2023. Beyond music, Ringo has starred in over 15 films, earned an Academy Award®, and received an Emmy® nomination. His creative work extends into publishing with eight books, a brief stint as a male fashion model, and work as a photographer for a Foo Fighters PR campaign.
As a visual artist, he has held numerous exhibitions, and his “Peace Sculpture” has a permanent place in Beverly Hills Park. Ringo has made his birthday, July 7, a worldwide celebration of “Peace and Love,” a movement that has reached global audiences with support from NASA. In 2018, he was knighted, and in 2019 celebrated 35 years of touring with his All Starr Bands. Recognized for his contributions to music, he received an honorary Doctor of Music degree from Berklee College of Music in 2022 and was earlier inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame with the Joe Chambers Musicians Legacy Award.
Ringo Starr with T Bone Burnett
T Bone Burnett
T Bone Burnett’s 50-year career in music and entertainment is marked by his roles as an artist, songwriter, producer, and advocate for musicians. Collaborating with iconic artists like Bob Dylan, Elton John, Robert Plant, Alison Krauss, Ringo Starr, and B.B. King, Burnett has shaped projects across various genres. His distinguished contributions to film include partnerships with the Coen Brothers on The Big Lebowski, O Brother, Where Art Thou?, Inside Llewyn Davis, and Crazy Heart, which he also produced. Burnett’s accolades include an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, a BAFTA, and 13 Grammy Awards, further solidifying his reputation as an industry visionary.
Whether you’re a country fan, a lifelong Beatles fanatic, or just someone who appreciates music’s limitless possibilities, Ringo Starr’s Look Up promises to be a stunning addition to his discography. It’s bold, it’s classic, and it’s the kind of unexpected turn that only a legend like Ringo can pull off.
