Ringo Starr Celebrates 84th Birthday on Stage with Message of ‘Peace and Love’

Sir Ringo Starr danced and clapped on stage to live music after spreading a message of “peace and love” as he celebrated his 84th birthday.

The former Beatle was joined by friends including rock star Joe Walsh, comedian-turned-actor Fred Armisen and musician Diane Warren – as well as a limited number of fans – to mark the occasion in Beverly Hills, California, on Sunday.

Sir Ringo held his annual “peace and love” moment at noon local time, during which the drummer led the crowd in chants of his iconic catchphrase and was serenaded by a happy birthday chorus.

Speaking about why the moment resonates with the world, Sir Ringo told the PA news agency: “I think a lot of it is a throwback to the 60s, I was in that band and then a lot of it is still 60s, but people love it.

“People appreciate moments of peace and love, that’s what it’s all about and that’s all I do, peace and love.”

Sir Ringo launched the event in 2008 and it has expanded to include gatherings around the world.

“I’m overwhelmed, there are so many of you now, we started with about 50 people in 2008,” he said on stage.

“I am truly grateful that you all came today, otherwise I would be alone. All I do is say peace and love.

“That’s all I do and we go around the world, now we’re in 35 countries, most of them have gone back to bed.”

After his speech, Walsh sang “It’s Ringo’s birthday, happy birthday Ringo, we’re going to have a great time” as Sir Ringo danced and clapped on stage to the live music.

Sir Ringo joked to the crowd: “You can dance if you want too,” and concluded by saying: “I’ll be in my room eating cake.”

The Liverpool-born rock star, whose real name is Richard Starkey, also took pictures next to the shiny steel sculpture of his hand making the peace sign in the Beverly Hills garden.

Musicians celebrated Sir Ringo’s music with tribute performances by Ben Harper, Gabe Witcher, Willie Watson, Greg Leisz, Don Was, Ben Dickey and Gregg Bissonette with Steve Dudas.

American guitarist Walsh, who played in the rock band Eagles and Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band, took to the stage to tell the crowd how the couple first met at the Record Plant in 1973.

“I had the privilege of first meeting Mr. Ringo Starr at a good old late night jam session. Or so the legend goes, for neither Ringo nor I remember much of that evening, but people who were there said that we instantly became the best of friends.

“It must be true, because more than 50 years later, here I am standing in the hot California sun next to a statue of his fingers – his hand is much smaller than that, by the way – surrounded by a veritable who’s who of who to wish my best friend, now Sir Ringo Starr, a very happy 84th birthday.

“The world loves Ringo Starr because how could you not, he was the Beatle you wanted to hang out with, the beating heart of the most beloved musical group in history, the drummer by whom all drummers will forever be measured, and a man with a very simple message for the world, peace and love.

“Think of the power we can harness when so many of us, from so many corners of this vast world, can all come together at one time…turn to our neighbor and openly declare peace and love.”

Among those paying tribute, Sir Paul McCartney wished his long-time friend and former bandmate a “fabulous” birthday.

Alongside a photo of the smiling couple, Sir Paul said: “Happy birthday to Ringo and my dad!

“I hope Sir Richard Starkey has a fabulous day.”

American actress and Tom Hanks’ wife, Rita Wilson, also wished her husband a happy birthday, writing: “Happy birthday, Ringo and happy heavenly birthday, Mr. McCartney!”