McCartney Times

It’s nearly time for Iowans to hop on a Yellow Submarine and head to Ames.

Ringo Starr, the former Beatle and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame drummer brings his All Starr Band to Stephens Auditorium on Sept. 5, a one-night only show in Cyclone country. The longtime purveyor of peace and voice behind tracks such as “Octopus’s Garden” and “Photograph” plays Stephens for the first time in his 50-plus touring years.

Here’s a look at what you need to know ahead of spending an evening with the iconic drummer.

New music: Richard “Ringo Starr” Starkey’s most notable solo work comes via the 1973 full-length “Ringo,” a studio effort featuring co-writes from each of his former Beatle bandmates. The album brought to life Starr staples: “You’re Sixteen,” “I’m The Greatest” and the previously-noted “Photograph.”

And he’s released a slew of music since. Starr’s delivered 19 studio albums since 1970, the latest being 2017’s “Give More Love.” The album features an all-star (pun only slightly intended) cast of co-writes and collaborators, including Joe Walsh, Peter Frampton and Paul McCartney, who provided guest vocals and bass for the single “We’re on the Road Again.”

Starr plays Iowa for the first time since being knighted by Prince William in March. Starr was previously granted an MBE (Member of the British Empire) as a member of the Beatles in 1965. He previously played central Iowa in 1992, a headlining show at the Iowa State Fair Grandstand.

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The All Starr Band: Launched in 1989, Starr regularly tours with a rotating cast of rock ‘n’ roll favorites, coined the All Starr Band. The band crafts a classic rock cocktail each night, mixing Starr favorites — such as “With A Little Help From My Friends,” with famed numbers from the All Starr ensemble.

The All Starr Band invading Ames includes Colin Hay (Men At Work), Steve Lukather (Toto), Gregg Rolie (Santana and Journey) and Graham Gouldman (10cc).

All Starr band contributions Iowans could hear on Sept. 5 include Toto’s “Africa,” 10cc’s “The Things We Do For Love,’ Men at Work’s “Down Under” and Santana’s “Black Magic Woman.”

On that day in Beatles history: Starr plays Ames on the 50th anniversary of the day he rejoined the Beatles in studio following a brief hiatus, according to a number of Beatles history websites.

He quit the band briefly on Aug. 22, 1968, during the tension-filled recording sessions that would produce the “White Album.” It wouldn’t stick, though. Starr reconciled with the group on Sept. 4, returning to the studio Sept. 5 to a drum kit decorated with flowers and a sign from his bandmates reading “Welcome back, Ringo.”

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Tickets and parking: A limited number of tickets remain available at the time of publication, cost $175, $150, $89.50 or $69.50 before fees. Tickets can be purchased via ticketmaster.com, by phone at 1-800-745-3000 or at the Iowa State Center box office, 1805 Center Dr., Ames.

Free parking is available just south of Stephens Auditorium, at the Iowa State Center. Doors to the show open at 7 p.m., with music set to kick off at 8 p.m.

Security: Concert attendees are subject to bag checks, metal detection wanding and “visual searches” before entering the venue, organizers said — including jackets, pant legs and hats. Prohibited items include firearms, knives, chains, professional cameras and outside food and beverage. See a full list of prohibited items at center.iastate.edu.

Ringo Starr in Ames

When: Sept. 5 at 8 p.m.

Where: Stephens Auditorium, 1805 Center Dr., Ames

Cost: $69.50-$175 before fees

More information:center.iastate.edu.

Source: What you need to know before Ringo Starr returns to Iowa next week