Ringo Starr celebrated his 86th birthday on Tuesday with his annual "Peace and Love" celebration held in Beverly Hills. The event drew hundreds of fans and featured appearances from several rock music figures, including guitarist T-Bone Burnett, drummer Jim Keltner, and actor Ed Begley Jr., who attended with his wife, Barbara Bach.
Starr, who turned 86 on Tuesday, led the traditional "Peace and Love" chant at noon, an event he has organized annually since 2008. The celebration has grown from its humble beginnings in Chicago with about 40 people to a large gathering at Beverly Gardens Park.
Upon arrival, Starr posed beside the 800-pound stainless steel "Peace and Love" statue he donated to the city. He then participated in cutting a large birthday cake adorned with his image. The event included a performance by the band The Texans, fronted by Molly Tuttle, who played songs from The Beatles' catalog, including "Drive My Car" and "Octopus's Garden."
Musicians in attendance, such as T-Bone Burnett, serenaded Starr with "Happy Birthday." Burnett commented on Starr's enduring qualities, stating, "I think of Ringo as a great singer. I love his voice, I love his storytelling. He has this beautiful generosity; he’s just getting better as he gets older."
Fans displayed signs referencing iconic Beatles albums like "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" and "Yellow Submarine," evoking the spirit of Beatlemania.
Chris Carter, host of the long-running Beatles radio show "Breakfast With The Beatles," was also present and spoke with fans. He recently announced that his show's runtime on KLOS was reduced, which had caused listener concern.
Following the festivities, Starr and Bach were escorted by security through the crowd and departed in a waiting SUV, with Starr offering a final "Peace and love" to his well-wishers. An adoring fan responded with "All You Need is Love, Ringo. Happy Birthday!"
