Compilation Record.

Ringo Starr, who'll bring his All Star Band to New Zealand next month, spoke to Fairfax Newspapers' Stuff.co.nz website:

• He uses a bit of Beatle-esque humor to describe his ensemble -- which includes Santana's Greg Rolie and Toto's Steve Lukather: "You know how you sometimes buy a great compilation record? Well, we are that compilation!"
• He has no desire to retire: "I get to play with a lot of great players, and tour and have fun. I love playing live; I come from that school. When I started we played live, at weddings, clubs and theaters, and then we played stadiums, and then, eventually, we played New Zealand. I'm doin' what I love to do and I feel blessed that I can still do this."
• He admires some -- but not all of today's music: "You can't deny Lady Gaga or Justin Bieber, or all the rap acts out there. And in amongst it all somewhere, there are always bands. I'm not so excited by the boy bands, you know, who just dance around and sing; I prefer to see a band play."'