Still loving Ringo when he's 64
BY MAC MONTANDONDAILY NEWS WRITER Ringo Starr, who turns 65 next month, proved last night he's not too old for rock 'n' roll. The Beatles star drew a 1,100-person capacity crowd to Irving Plaza, luring them with songs from his new album, "Choose Love." The CD is full of the innocently sunny pop music that helped him reach stardom as the affable but least charismatic Beatle. But it didn't take him long to ditch the solo songs in favor of his still-meaningful Fab Four card. After one song from the new album, Ringo and his backing band, the Roundheads - led by legendary '70s rocker Mark Hudson - launched into "Octopus' Garden." Wearing all black, an earring and sunglasses, the world's most famous drummer gripped a wireless mike and swayed from foot to foot, flashing peace symbols. The soldout house erupted in applause and joined in, singing the classic lyrics with gusto. The crowd quieted slightly as Ringo jumped into the title track to his new record. The Roundheads found enough chunky soulfulness to give the boomer rock number an electric nudge, with Hudson's guitar ringing especially brightly. The adoring audience swelled with aging A-list celebrities - Springsteen sidekick Steve Van Zandt, Monkee Micky Dolenz and Corey Feldman. Paul Thomson, drummer for the indie rock band Franz Ferdinand, attended with his wife. "Ringo's my favorite Beatle," Thomson said. "He's funny and he's a drummer as well." Halfway through the show, Ringo took a moment to point out several luminaries, singling out Van Zandt and drummer Max Weinberg. Later, bouncing youthfully behind the drum kit, Ringo was clearly getting along just fine - with a little help from his friends, of course. Originally published on June 20, 2005 

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