Ex-Beatle Ringo Starr is set for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, but first he plans a new album and tour of the United States and Latin America.
The drummer for the Fab Four announced on Thursday the release of his 18th studio album, "Postcards from Paradise," on March 31.
The release comes just before Starr, who is already in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Beatles, is inducted in his own right at an April 18 ceremony in Cleveland.
Starr plans a one-month tour starting on February 13 in the southern US state of Louisiana, with about half the concerts taking place in Latin America.
Starr will play two dates each in Brazil and Mexico, as well as one show each in Argentina, Chile, Colombia, the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico.
The 74-year-old songwriter said he enjoyed past performances in Latin America.
"The audiences were just great and so loving, we can't wait to go back," he said.
Starr will be joined by his "All Starr Band" of other prominent musicians including Richard Page, who fronted the 1980s pop band Mr. Mister, former Toto guitarist Steve Lukather and Gregg Bissonette, a drummer for heavy metal guitarists Steve Vai and Joe Satriani.
Starr's new album comes as the other surviving Beatle, Paul McCartney, is also productive, releasing surprise collaborations in recent weeks with rapper Kanye West and pop singer Rihanna.
Source: AFP