Ringo Starr Returns with New Album Long Long Road: Country, Legend, and the Modern Scene
Legendary British musician and former The Beatles drummer Ringo Starr has announced the release of his new studio album titled Long Long Road. The album is set to be released on April 24, 2026 and will mark the artist’s 22nd full-length record, continuing his exploration of country music and collaboration with contemporary American producers.
For this project, Starr reunited with renowned producer T Bone Burnett, who previously worked with him on the 2025 album Look Up. Burnett contributed not only as a producer but also co-wrote six tracks on the album, with Starr actively collaborating alongside him and sound engineer Bruce Sugar. According to Starr, this partnership allowed him to explore new creative horizons while maintaining fresh sounds after decades in music.
Along with the album announcement, the first single “It’s Been Too Long” was released. The track features prominent contemporary American roots musicians Molly Tuttle and Sarah Jarosz, highlighting the quality and relevance of the material. Other contributors include Billy Strings, Sheryl Crow, and St. Vincent, adding depth and variety to the album’s sound.
Recording took place in studios in Nashville and Los Angeles, which influenced the characteristic country sound of the album. Long Long Road continues the direction of the previous release Look Up, which became Starr’s first full country album in decades and charted highly, including on the Billboard 200 and UK country charts.
The album contains 10 tracks, including I Don’t See Me in Your Eyes Anymore, originally performed by rockabilly musician Carl Perkins, who significantly influenced The Beatles. Other songs, such as Returning Without Tears, Baby Don’t Go, Choose Love, and the title track Long Long Road, showcase Starr’s ability to blend classic and modern musical trends.
Even at 85 years old, Ringo Starr continues to actively record music, collaborate with younger artists, and experiment with genres. In February 2026, he began posting teasers for the upcoming album on social media, and on March 3, he officially announced the release date and opened pre-orders for vinyl, CD, and digital platforms.
Long Long Road promises to be a vibrant chapter in Ringo Starr’s career, combining the experience of a legendary rock musician, contemporary country sounds, and contributions from star collaborators. This album is appealing both to Beatles fans and new listeners seeking high-quality, current country and American roots music.
