A New Chapter on a Long Road
Music legend and former Beatles drummer Sir Ringo Starr has announced the upcoming release of a brand-new studio album, Long Long Road. The 10-track project, set for release on April 24, continues his fruitful creative partnership with acclaimed producer T Bone Burnett and follows his 2025 UK country chart-topper, Look Up.
Star-Studded Collaborations and a New Single
The album promises a host of exciting collaborations, featuring contributions from renowned artists across the musical spectrum, including Sheryl Crow, St. Vincent, and bluegrass phenom Billy Strings. The announcement was accompanied by the release of the album’s first single, “It’s Been Too Long,” which debuted on Tuesday and showcases the talents of Sarah Jarosz and Molly Tuttle.
Recorded in the musical hubs of Nashville and Los Angeles, Long Long Road delves deeper into the country and Americana sounds that defined its predecessor. It features many of the same band members, creating a cohesive and evolved sonic journey.
The Creative Synergy with T Bone Burnett
Sir Ringo, whose real name is Richard Starkey, spoke enthusiastically about his collaboration with Burnett, an Oscar and Grammy-winning producer known for his work on films like O Brother, Where Art Thou? and Walk the Line.
“I’m blessed to have T Bone in my life right now and working with me on these records,” Starr remarked. “After we did the last record, which I love listening to, this one just sort of happened. One of the right moves was hooking up with T Bone for Look Up, and now for this one, which I’m calling Long Long Road, because I’ve been on a long long road.”
Honoring Musical Roots and Influences
The album also serves as a tribute to Starr’s deep musical roots. He revealed that the record includes a nod to the influence of rock and roll pioneer Carl Perkins, with whom The Beatles recorded two songs.
“Both T Bone and I wanted one [a Perkins song] on this record,” Starr explained, “and he found this beautiful track I’d never heard before, I Don’t See Me In Your Eyes Anymore.”
A Producer’s Praise
For Burnett, who played with Bob Dylan in the 1970s, the collaboration is a full-circle moment. He expressed deep admiration for the Liverpool-born artist, praising him as being of the “highest calibre.”
“I’ve loved Ringo’s playing and his singing for my whole life,” Burnett said. He described the creative spark for the album igniting after the pair attended a poetry reading together. “I wrote him a Gene Autry-type song because I always heard Ringo as a Texas artist; the way he played felt just like Texas music to me.”
Long Long Road is poised to be a significant release for the 85-year-old icon, blending his timeless charm with fresh musical direction and a roster of esteemed collaborators. Mark your calendars for April 24.
