Former Beatle Ringo Starr has given songs off The Zutons' new album his approval, according to saxophonist Abi Harding.

Starr visited the band, who are still in the process of recording the as-yet-untitled record, in the Studio last Friday (February 15th).

“I was sitting outside when my jaw dropped 'cos Ringo had just pulled up in front of me,” Harding said. “I was proper shocked and ran over to him and gave him a big hug.”

“He came in and talked to us a bit and had a listen to a couple of songs that he seemed to like, he said he liked the way I played sax so I was made up all day.”

Harding added that the group are coming to the end of the recording process and are looking forward to listening back to the material.

(by Jason Gregory)