Ringo Starr is supported by famous pals Mel C, Eric Clapton and Ronnie Wood as he launches new country album with star-studded London bash

Ringo Starr was supported by a host of his famous pals as he launched his new album in London on Monday. 

The Beatles drummer, 84, has made a move into country music as of late and held a party at Jack White's store Third Man Records.

Among the celebrities at the star-studded early listening session of Ringo's new album Look Up included Spice Girl Mel C, 50, who was seen engrossed in a chat with the music legend.

In another snap, Ringo cosied up to English singer-songwriter Eric Clapton, 79, as he was seen enthusiastically greeting the star on arrival. 

Other stars who made an appearance for the country music launch included Led Zeppelin guitarist and founder Jimmy Page, 80, as well as Rolling Stones bass guitarist Ronnie Wood, 77, and Irish singer and activist Bob Geldof, 73.

After the playback session, Jools Holland hosted a Q&A with Ringo, joined by T Bone Burnett via Zoom. 

Ringo's country album Look Up is set to be released on January 10, 2025. 

The musician has delved into his new music move with Mojo magazine, as he said: 'I love my voice on this. I love all the tracks actually, and you know, they're all in my key. 

'T Bone took care to put it in this great range for me and he organised all that. I just did it, you know. He is the best.'

Ringo later joked that he had been offered numerous tracks by songwriters over the years - but many were way out of his vocal range. 

'Y'know, I'd have to lose my legs to reach that high but these are all, like, the right key, they're really great.'

On recording with T Bone, Ringo added: 'A lot of new guys, which I love, you know, hanging out with the new crowd and a lot of other good players. 

'So he's done a great job for me. I like a lot of different music, but I've always loved country.'

His new album comes after Ringo confirmed Barry Keoghan will play him in an upcoming Beatles biopic - after much speculation. 

Speaking about the project with Entertainment Tonight last month, Ringo said: 'I think it's great. I believe he's somewhere taking drum lessons, and I hope not too many.'

Barry has soared to stardom in recent years thanks to The Banshees of Inisherin and Saltburn but this may prove his most ambitious part yet.

Director Sam Mendes is producing four films from each of the Beatles' perspectives as Ringo, John Lennon, Paul McCartney and George Harrison experiences are retold.

Mendes said: 'I'm honoured to be telling the story of the greatest rock band of all time and excited to challenge the notion of what constitutes a trip to the movies.'

The rights to the music and lives of the band have been provided by the surviving band members and the estates of their deceased bandmates.

Although the band members and families have been involved, producer Pippa Harrison has insisted there is 'nothing off limits and no sense of the band wanting him to tell a particular 'authorised' version of their rise to success'. 

Fellow Irish actor Paul Mescal has also been attached to the film and is reportedly set to play Paul McCartney.

Gladiator II star Paul recently told GQ magazine: 'I would love to be involved, but there's nothing set in stone.'

Harris Dickinson is rumoured to be cast as John Lennon, but refused to confirm or deny the speculation in a recent Dazed magazine interview.