He has eye on Starr and other stars

Having the Starr who penned the foreword for "Volume 1: Through the Lens of Music Photographer Rob Shanahan" at a Minnesota book signing would guarantee a big crowd.

"That would be good," Shanahan said last week. But he's just not certain his pal Ringo Starr is up for two trips this year to the state where his photographer of choice was born.

"We're going to be there this summer," said Shanahan, although the details have not been ironed out regarding the ex-Beatle's tour stop here to promote his CD "2012," which is being released later this month. "I shot the cover and all the photos inside," said Shanahan.

Shanahan's 224-page book of photos culled from his nearly 20-year career costs $45, with a percentage of the money going to various charities. Spin magazine's review tells the story behind the Apple photo shoot for Rock Band, during which Paul McCartney was sending kisses to Starr. Apparently McCartney didn't think Shanahan would get the kissing picture; you can see it on my startribune.com/video.

"Ringo bought 30 copies [of the book]. He gave them away as holiday gifts. Very exciting," said Shanahan. "And check this out: My good friend Nathan East, the bass player who plays with everyone, got 10 books for holiday gifts, and I signed one to Quincy [Jones], Eric Clapton, Phil Collins, Oprah and one to President Obama and Michelle. Can you believe it?"

Stay tuned for details on Shanahan's upcoming Minnesota book signings. A school dear to his heart will benefit. "I'm thinking anything I do in Minnesota I want to do for my high school band. I think that would be really cool, to raise some money for the band, their next band trip, whatever, [for] Central High School in Norwood Young America."

Q How does a boy from Norwood Young America get inspired to become a rock 'n' roll photographer in Los Angeles?

A I have no I idea. I moved there and figured something's going to happen. Since I was 12, I started taking pictures [with a] Pentax ME. My mother bought it for my father for Christmas. My dad never figured it out. It sat in the cabinet, and that thing kept calling my name. It felt so good in my hand. I read the book and learned all about it and started taking pictures.

Q Who's been your most cooperative photo subject?

A Ringo. I've been working with Ringo for going on nine years. He's a good friend.

Q And your least cooperative subject?

A Ringo. That's not true. Somebody asked me who I photographed that [didn't] make it into my book. Justin Bieber. He made me wait three hours. Nobody's ever made me wait more than 10, 15, 20 minutes. It wasn't that great a photo shoot. I didn't feel any connection. In the end I just ended up editing him out of the book.

Q Anybody caused you to be starstruck?

A Probably the first time I met Ringo. It was nine years ago in Sheila E.'s dressing room....Ringo walks in. (See the video to hear Shanahan's impersonation of Starr.)

Q Is there any great photo you wish you had taken?

A Some of those old Keith Richards photos. The classic one of him leaning against the water fountain at customs where it says 'PATIENCE, PLEASE... A DRUG FREE AMERICA COMES FIRST!' And there is Keith Richards with a big Coke [as in Coca-Cola] patch on his pocket. Hilarious. Taken by Bob Gruen, a friend of mine. One of my favorite shooters of all time.

Q Does Annie Leibovitz return your calls?

A I've never met her, but I've been photographed by her. I don't think she knew who I was, but I certainly knew who she was. It was in 2008, I was on tour with Ringo, and we were staying at the Peninsula Hotel in Chicago.

Q Can you be a rock 'n' roll photographer with short hair?

A Probably not. What do you think? Bob Gruen -- has short hair.

Q Are you a frustrated musician?

A I am a drummer. I've been drumming since I was 10. I moved out to L.A. with a drum kit, my Pentax ME, and I thought, 'I'm going to make a living one way or the other.' I still drum. I've been playing with my band [the Hollywood Stones] for 17 years. Obviously, I'm busier as a photographer. It really helps being a musician working with musicians.

Q Have you ever taken a photo of yourself in the nude?

A I'll let my wife answer that. There are some floating around, so I've heard.

Q What do you think of using something like Photoshop the way Benetton used the technique for its "unHate" campaign?

A I'm for anything against hate. If they want to Photoshop two world leaders kissing to promote love and peace, I'm all for it.

Q That Benetton campaign is a good use of Photoshop, but created reality for other purposes doesn't bother you?

A If it's passed off as reality, I may have a problem with that.

Interviews are edited for space and clarity. C.J. is at 612.332.TIPS or cj@startribune.com.