Ringo Starr Once Left an Elton John Concert After 3 Songs for This Relatable Reason

Mar. 15, 2025

Ringo Starr; Elton John.

Ringo Starrskipped out on anElton Johnconcert for an understandable reason.

In an interview fromThe Sunday Timespublished on Jan. 12, theBeatlerecalled attending John’s Wembley Stadium show in London in 1975. Ringo was in the crowd withJohn’s late mother Sheila Farebrother.

At the iconic concert, John, 77, performed songs from his latest albumCaptain Fantasticand the Brown Dirt Cowboy— and only those songs.

“He came on and said, ‘I’m only going to do the new album,’ " Starr, 84, recalled. “Me and his mother left after three tracks because we didn’t know them.”

Elton John in London in June 1975.Chris Barham/Mirrorpix/Getty

Chris Barham/Mirrorpix/Getty

The album, which includes “Someone Saved My Life Tonight” and “Tower of Babel,” was nominated for two Grammy awards in 1976: album of the year and best pop vocal performance - male.

Starr, who released a country album titledLook Up,performed earlier this week at Nashville’s iconic Ryman Auditorium. His experience seeing theEGOT winner50 years ago might have influenced how much of the new album will be performed.

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

“In the late ’90s, I would put in, like, two or three from the new album, and you could feel the room empty,” he said. “It happens to everybody.”

The Nashville show was filmed on Tuesday, Jan. 14 and Wednesday, Jan. 15 for a special calledRingo & Friends at the Ryman. “It is always a thrill to play the Ryman and this time we are going country!” Starr said of the show in apress release.

“[Producer T Bone Burnett] has put together a great show. I’m excited to hear my songs done in a country vein and to play with this incredible group of musicians. It will be two nights of peace, love and country music.”

Ringo Starr in 2024.Kevin Winter/Getty

Kevin Winter/Getty

Ringo & Friends at the Rymanis set to air on CBS and stream on Paramount+ sometime this spring.

source: people.com