Hamish Stuart: Average White Band, Solo Career & All-Starr Band

Q: Who is Hamish Stuart?

Bassist, guitarist, and vocalist of the Average White Band, known for Pick Up the Pieces (1974) and Cut the Cake (1975). Also a member of Paul McCartney's touring band 1989–1993 and a frequent All-Starr Band member.

Q: Is Hamish Stuart in Ringo Starr's All-Starr Band?

Yes — on multiple tours including 1992, 1995, 2006, and 2026. Performs Pick Up the Pieces, Cut the Cake, and Work to Do.

Q: Was Hamish Stuart in Paul McCartney's band?

Yes — from 1989 to 1993, on the Flowers in the Dirt World Tour and the New World Tour.

Q: What is Pick Up the Pieces?

An instrumental funk track by the Average White Band (1974), reaching number 1 in the US. One of the defining funk recordings of the 1970s.

Q: What happened to the Average White Band's drummer?

Drummer Robbie McIntosh died of a heroin overdose in Los Angeles in September 1974. The band continued with Steve Ferrone, who later joined Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.

Hamish Stuart (born 8 October 1949, Glasgow, Scotland) is the bassist, guitarist, and vocalist of the Average White Band, one of the most celebrated funk and soul groups of the 1970s. He is also one of the most frequent members of Ringo Starr's All-Starr Band, having appeared on multiple tours since 1992.

→ Ringo Starr: Beatles History, Solo Career, Songs & Legacy
→ Ringo Starr and his All-Starr Band: 2026 US Tour

Average White Band

The Average White Band was formed in Scotland in 1972. Despite their name — a self-deprecating joke about a group of white Scottish musicians playing Black American funk — they became one of the most respected funk and soul acts of the decade. The classic lineup included Hamish Stuart (guitar, bass, vocals), Alan Gorrie (bass, vocals), Onnie McIntyre (guitar, vocals), Roger Ball (keyboards, saxophone), Malcolm Duncan (saxophone), and Robbie McIntosh (drums).

Their most celebrated recordings include:

'Pick Up the Pieces' (1974) — from the album AWB, reaching number 1 in the US. An instrumental funk track built around a tight horn riff, it became one of the defining funk recordings of the 1970s and remains a staple of radio and live performance.
'Cut the Cake' (1975) — the title track of their third album, reaching number 10 in the US. A driving funk track featuring Stuart's bass and the band's characteristic horn arrangements.
'Work to Do' — a cover of the Isley Brothers track, performed regularly in the Average White Band's live sets and a fixture of Stuart's All-Starr Band showcase.

The band's career was marked by tragedy when drummer Robbie McIntosh died of a heroin overdose at a party in Los Angeles in September 1974, just as 'Pick Up the Pieces' was breaking in the US. The band continued with replacement drummer Steve Ferrone, who later joined Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.

Session and Solo Work

Hamish Stuart has been a prolific session musician and collaborator throughout his career. He was a member of Paul McCartney's touring band from 1989 to 1993, appearing on the Flowers in the Dirt World Tour and the New World Tour — a direct connection to the Beatles world that preceded his All-Starr Band appearances. He has also worked with Chaka Khan, Diana Ross, and many others.

Ringo Starr's All-Starr Band

Hamish Stuart first joined Ringo Starr's All-Starr Band for the 1992 tour and has returned on multiple occasions, making him one of the most frequent All-Starr Band alumni. His tours with Ringo include 1992, 1995, 2006, and 2026. His showcase songs have consistently been 'Pick Up the Pieces', 'Cut the Cake', and 'Work to Do'.

His All-Starr Band appearances on 14 June:

→ Ringo Starr and his All-Starr Band live: Casino Rama, Rama – 14 June 2006
The opening show of the ninth All-Starr Band's 25-date North American tour.

→ Ringo Starr and his All-Starr Band live: Greek Theatre, Los Angeles – 14 June 2026
The finale of the 16th All-Starr Band's 12-date 2026 US tour.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Hamish Stuart?

Hamish Stuart is the bassist, guitarist, and vocalist of the Average White Band, best known for 'Pick Up the Pieces' (1974) and 'Cut the Cake' (1975). Born in Glasgow, Scotland, he has also been a member of Paul McCartney's touring band and a frequent member of Ringo Starr's All-Starr Band.

Is Hamish Stuart in Ringo Starr's All-Starr Band?

Yes — Hamish Stuart has been a member of Ringo Starr's All-Starr Band on multiple tours including 1992, 1995, 2006, and 2026. He performs 'Pick Up the Pieces', 'Cut the Cake', and 'Work to Do' as his showcase songs.

Was Hamish Stuart in Paul McCartney's band?

Yes — Hamish Stuart was a member of Paul McCartney's touring band from 1989 to 1993, appearing on the Flowers in the Dirt World Tour and the New World Tour.

What is 'Pick Up the Pieces'?

'Pick Up the Pieces' (1974) is an instrumental funk track by the Average White Band, reaching number 1 in the US. Built around a tight horn riff, it is one of the defining funk recordings of the 1970s and a staple of Stuart's All-Starr Band showcase.

What happened to the Average White Band's drummer?

Drummer Robbie McIntosh died of a heroin overdose at a party in Los Angeles in September 1974, just as 'Pick Up the Pieces' was breaking in the US. The band continued with replacement drummer Steve Ferrone, who later joined Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.

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