Ringo Starr was in Niagara Falls, Ont., today to greet the media, introduce his new All-Starr Band lineup, and launch his summer tour, which commences Thursday evening at the Fallsview Casino.

The former Beatles drummer and revered solo artist greeted reporters with his usual affable, laid-back manner, fielded questions, and led his band through abbreviated versions of songs the ensemble will be performing throughout the summer.

Throughout his appearance this morning, Starr gave off the air of a man who, as he puts it, "feels like he's 24."

Gallery: Photos from Wednesday's news conference performance

On Friday, Starr and his band will return for a second show at the Avalon, where the band has been ensconced for the past week, fine-tuning the set of revered Beatles songs, solo Ringo faves, and assorted hits from All-Star Band members.

For this 11th All-Starr Band tour, Starr has enlisted '70s progressive funk legend Edgar Winter; keyboardist/vocalist Gary Wright ("Dream Weaver," "Love Is Alive"); guitarist/vocalist Rick Derringer ("Rock 'n' Roll Hoochie Koo"); bassist/vocalist Richard Page of 80s pop band Mr. Mister ("Broken Wings"); guitarist/vocalist Wally Palmar of the Romantics ("What I Like About You"); and renowned session drummer Gregg Bissonette.

"Whenever we play, the audience loves us, and they know that I love them," Starr deadpanned when queried on what he hopes to take away from these All-Starr Band shows.

The All-Starr Band was conceived as an oldies act, and nearly a quarter century later, it remains one. However, the constantly rotating lineup of "All-Starrs" has meant that the jukebox is restocked with a new selection of favorites every two years or so. That's exactly how Starr wants it.

"I just love playing the drums, and I've loved it from the time I was 13 years old," he said. "I'm not one of those people who always wanted to learn other instruments. I wanted to be a drummer forever, and as long as I can still hold a pair of drum sticks, I'll keep doing it.

Read more on Ringo in Thursday's Buffalo News.

jmiers@buffnews.com