HITCHED TO THEIR STARR RINGO RETURNS WITH FAMOUS BANDMATES - AND HE'S HAVING MORE FUN THAN EVER.

Byline: Gerry Gittelson Staff Writer

There aren't many chances to catch a member of the Beatles in concert. So Los Angeles rock fans should be primed and ready for the return of Ringo Starr & His All Starr Band, which comes to the Universal Amphitheatre on Saturday.

Starr figures to perform such Beatles classics as ``With a Little Help From My Friends'' and ``Yellow Submarine,'' along with selections from his successful solo career such as ``Photograph'' and ``It Don't Come Easy.''

Starr, touring in support of his recent release ``Ringo Rama,'' turned 63 in July. But he swears he's not ready to turn in his drumsticks.

``This tour has been going for seven weeks, and it's been great. I'm just having a lot of fun,'' said Starr, calling in before an Albuquerque show last week. ``It's just good music, and that's what it's all about.''

Starr's backing band is led by bassist/singer John Waite (the Babys/Bad English), along with Paul Carrack (Squeeze), Colin Hay (Men at Work), Sheila E and Mark Rivera. They'll all take turns performing their hits, giving the show sort of an advanced talent-contest feel.

This is Starr's eighth All Starr configuration since he started in 1989. His past touring ensembles have included Joe Walsh, Todd Rundgren, John Entwistle, Billy Preston, Peter Frampton, Dave Edmunds and Ian Hunter. He last toured through Southern California in August 2001.

The format gives Starr a chance to stretch out, something he's always found rewarding. The basic premise will remain the same Saturday.

``Everyone has hit songs and hit records. Sometimes I'll be out front, and sometimes I go to the drums,'' Starr said.

Waite, for instance, has been playing the Babys' classic ``Isn't It Time,'' along with former chart toppers ``Missing You'' and ``When I See You Smile.''

``It's interesting because there's just a huge amount of songs, and every other song we change styles,'' Waite said. ``It's fun, and it's rocking. It's just a great experience. I mean, for me it's pretty unreal playing a song like 'I'm Your Man,' and looking over and there's Ringo Starr.''

The Beatles selections should provide the evening's biggest highlights.

``I don't look at it like I'm trying to keep the Beatles legacy alive. It really has a life of its own,'' Starr said. ``I just love to play, so come out to the Universal Amphitheatre and have fun with us.''

RINGO STARR & HIS ALL STARR BAND

Where: Universal Amphitheatre, 100 Universal Plaza, Universal City.

When: 8:15 p.m. Saturday.

Tickets: $45 to $95. Call [phone] or go to tickemaster.com

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no caption (Ringo Starr)