UK album release: Vertical Man by Ringo Starr – 3 August 1998

August 4, 2026

Monday 3 August 1998 | UK album release

On 3 August 1998, Ringo Starr's eleventh solo studio album Vertical Man was released in the United Kingdom. The album peaked at number 85 on the official UK albums chart. It had previously been released in the United States on 16 June 1998, where it reached number 61 on the Billboard 200. The lead single La De Da had followed in the US on 20 July 1998.

About Vertical Man

Vertical Man was produced by Mark Hudson, who would go on to become one of Ringo Starr's most frequent collaborators. The album featured an impressive array of guest appearances, including Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and a number of other rock luminaries — making it one of the most star-studded solo releases of Starr's career.

Despite the high-profile contributions, the album was not a commercial success in either the UK or the US. It remains, however, a notable entry in Starr's solo catalogue for its collaborative spirit and the presence of two fellow Beatles on the same record.

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Ringo Starr Colour Peace T-Shirt in black.

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Key Facts

UK release date	Monday 3 August 1998
US release date	16 June 1998
Album number	Eleventh solo studio album
UK chart peak	Number 85
US chart peak	Number 61 (Billboard 200)
Lead single	La De Da (US release: 20 July 1998)
Producer	Mark Hudson

Liverpool, England — birthplace of Ringo Starr, who released Vertical Man in the UK on 3 August 1998.

Ringo Starr Peace Red Circle T-Shirt Grey

Peace & Love — officially licensed Ringo Starr merch

Ringo Starr Peace Red Circle T-Shirt in grey.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When was Vertical Man released in the UK?

Vertical Man was released in the United Kingdom on 3 August 1998. It had previously been released in the United States on 16 June 1998.

How did Vertical Man chart in the UK?

Vertical Man peaked at number 85 on the official UK albums chart. In the United States it reached number 61 on the Billboard 200.

Did any other Beatles appear on Vertical Man?

Yes. Both Paul McCartney and George Harrison contributed to Vertical Man, making it one of the few post-Beatles solo albums to feature three of the four Beatles.

Who produced Vertical Man?

Vertical Man was produced by Mark Hudson, who became one of Ringo Starr's most frequent and long-standing collaborators following the album's release.