Ringo Starr New Album Long Long Road and 2026 Tour Dates

Published: 24 April 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

In a career defined by impeccable timing, the world’s most famous drummer is looking back at the moments he got it wrong—and why he wouldn’t change a thing. Speaking ahead of his 86th birthday and the release of his latest studio album, Sir Ringo Starr has offered a refreshingly honest take on his musical education, or lack thereof. “I never studied anything, really,” the former Beatle admitted in a wide-ranging interview. “I didn’t study the drums. I joined bands and made all the mistakes on stage.”

The sentiment, reflecting a lifetime of “learning by doing,” coincides with today’s official launch of his twenty-second studio album, Long Long Road (24 April 2026). The 10-track record, his second major collaboration with legendary producer T Bone Burnett, sees Ringo leaning further into the Americana and Country roots that have characterized his recent output. Featuring guest spots from the likes of St. Vincent, Sheryl Crow, and Billy Strings, the album is being hailed as an “aural mosaic” of Starr’s enduring legacy.

Ringo’s admission that his “schooling” happened in the smoky clubs of Hamburg and Liverpool rather than a classroom has long been part of his charm. While critics and fellow musicians—including Dave Grohl and the late George Martin—have frequently cited him as the “king of feel” and the most influential drummer in rock history, Ringo remains characteristically humble about his technical prowess.

“I’m probably the best rock ’n’ roll drummer on earth,” Ringo quipped, “but I say that now because I used to be embarrassed to speak up for myself. The truth is, I just sat in with the band and figured it out. If a stick flew out of my hand or I missed a beat, that was my lesson.”

The new album, Long Long Road, is a direct successor to last year’s chart-topping country effort, Look Up. Recorded across Nashville and Los Angeles, the project includes a standout cover of Carl Perkins’ “I Don’t See Me In Your Eyes Anymore,” a track Ringo says he had never heard until Burnett unearthed it for him.

The “Texans” Return: The record features the same core group of elite Nashville session players from his previous album, whom Burnett affectionately dubbed “The Texans.”

A Family Affair: The album also features songwriting contributions from Ringo’s long-time collaborator Bruce Sugar, alongside a new single, “It’s Been Too Long.”

Fans won’t have to wait long to hear the new material live. Ringo also confirmed he is returning to the road next month with his All Starr Band for a 12-date spring tour across the US. Kicking off on May 28 in Temecula, California, the jaunt will feature his current lineup including Steve Lukather (Toto), Colin Hay (Men at Work), and Gregg Bissonette.

Despite his age, Ringo’s “Peace and Love” energy remains undiminished. As he prepares to take the stage once again, his philosophy on mistakes remains his guiding light. For Ringo, the stage isn’t just a place to perform—it’s the only classroom he ever needed. “I’ve been on a long, long road,” he reflected, “and I’m still making moves. You can go left or you can go right at any point. I think I made a right move hooking up with T Bone, and I’m happy to still be out there, making mistakes and making music.”

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