Ringo Starr helped by his friends -- including a Beatle

Ringo Starr, the former Beatles drummer, is releasing his first self-produced album, Y Not on January 12.

The 10-track album includes a guest appearance by Paul McCartney who sings on the first single, "Walk With You," a song written with Van Dyke Parks about the power of friendship. The ex-Beatle also plays bass on "Peace Dream." Other contributors include Joe Walsh (Eagles), Dave Stewart (Eurthymics) Benmont Tench (Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers), Edgar Winter, Joss Stone, Ben Harper, Richard Marx, and Gary Wright.

Starr will perform during "An Evening With" event at the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles with Ben Harper and the Relentless 7, after an interview session before an intimate audience of 200. The event was sold out in 15 minutes to museum members.

Ringo and his 10th All-Starr band will embark on a 31-date North American tour this year featuring Colin Hay (Men at Work), Billy Squier, Hamish Stuart (Average White Band), Edgar Winter, and first timer Gary Wright and on drums. The tour starts in June in Niagara Falls, Ontario, and ending at the Greek Theater in Los Angeles.

www.ringostarr.com/

RC