The ECHO has been in attendance to hear a special message from the legendary drummer ahead of the release of his new album, Long Long Road
18:38, 21 Apr 2026Updated 20:10, 21 Apr 2026
Sir Ringo Starr shared an exclusive message to the people of Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
Sir Ringo Starr has shared an exclusive message to the people of Liverpool ahead of the release of his new album. Long Long Road is the legendary Beatles drummer’s 22nd solo album and will be released on Friday, April 24. In celebration of the release, a listening party of the new album has been held at The Jacaranda this afternoon (Tuesday, April 21).
The famous Slater Street venue played a vital part in The Beatles story as the Fab Four honed their live skills in the city centre bar before they went on to change the world with their music. Sir Ringo’s face was back in the club on Tuesday as a satellite message was beamed in for fans who had attended the listening party.
The ECHO was in attendance at the event as the 85-year-old was “amazed” The Jacaranda is “still there and happening”. The venue has been firmly cemented in Liverpool’s music history since it opened in 1958.
Speaking to the crowd via a video message on Tuesday, Sir Ringo said: “Hi there everybody, Ringo here. I believe you are there for a listening party, I hope you enjoy it.
“But I am still amazed that The Jacaranda club is still there and happening. How great! It was such a thing when I was a lad, it was a step up and it’s great that you’re still doing it and you’re letting the new bands in. Peace and love to all of you, have a great night.”
The ECHO was in attendance for the listening party at The Jacaranda(Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool ECHO)
Long Long Road is the second album with Sir Ringo’s collaboration with T Bone Burnett after last year’s Look Up. Speaking ahead of the album, the iconic musician said how proud he was to reprise the partnership with the American producer.
He said: “I’m blessed to have T Bone in my life right now and working with me on these records. After we did the last record, which I love listening to, this one just sort of happened.
“I like to say sometimes I make the right moves, like you can go left or right at any point, and 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.”
Recorded in Nashville and Los Angeles, the album has a country and Americana sound and features some of the same band members from Look Up.. T-Bone Burnett labelled the band the Texans in honour of Sir Ringo’s roots as his first group was a skiffle group named The Texans.
Even though he is in his mid 80s, Sir Ringo is showing no signs of slowing down as he will also feature on the upcoming album from Sir Paul McCartney. The two will duet on a song called Home To Us from The Boys of Dungeon Lane, which will be released on May 29.
The ECHO spoke to people in attendance at the listening party tonight, who explained what it is that makes the iconic drummer’s legacy so special.
Chris Wood, from Broad Green, was attending with his son Tom, who paid tribute to how the drummer’s music has transcended generations. The dad said: “It’s surreal that he’s still releasing albums. I’m 49. [My son is] 15 and he’s more into him than I am to be honest with you.
“I wasn’t born until 77. The Beatles were long gone by the time I was even born and here we are now with [my son] 15 and a new fan, so he must be doing something right.”
Emma Louise is originally from Durham and recently moved to Liverpool. The 22-year-old was thrilled to be able to listen to Sir Ringo’s new music in a venue that played such a significant part in The Beatles journey. She said: “He’s a real character. He’s got a lot of energy. It’s so great that he’s releasing new music and collaborating with young artists and new producers.
“I love his energy with these new albums. I’ve always loved The Beatles. My grandparents have always loved The Beatles. They met them when they were filming the Magical Mystery Tour. With Ringo, he’s such a personality. His optimism is great and that really comes through with his music.”
Amelia Thorpe and Joshua Fields bonded through their love of the Beatles and stumbled upon the listening party during their Fab Four inspired trip to Merseyside. The couple, who live in London, were visiting Liverpool for the first time this week as Amelia told the ECHO: “I’m so excited, I’ve been a Beatles fan for six or seven years now and it’s so amazing. The Beatles singularly are still releasing music for us fans to have and it’s going to live on forever, especially in young people like us.
Joshua, who is originally from California, added: “The Beatles are transcending all age groups and still enjoying their music and still feeling the vibes they brought originally. To be in Liverpool where it all began is so special.”