Sir Ringo Starr rang in his milestone 85th birthday on Monday with a star-studded bash in Beverly Hills.
The former Beatle looked in brilliant health as he was joined by other big-name celebs, including Eagles guitarist Joe Walsh.
Paul McCartney, 83, checked in for the singer’s annual Peace and Love event. Ringo was all smiles as he called up his former Beatles bandmate and he was put on put speakerphone to offer his well-wishes.
Ringo and Paul are the only two Beatles still alive after John Lennon was murdered in 1980 and George Harrison died of cancer in 2001.
Ahead of the event, Ringo thanked fans for their support over the years and said his only birthday wish, as ever, was for ‘peace and love’.
The star’s desire for peace was also notably reflected by the stainless steel Peace and Love sculpture, which he personally designed and donated to the city in 2019.
Ringo took the opportunity to pose in front of the statue, making peace signs at the bash.
It was not the only artwork present and the former Beatle was snapped in front of a life-size Indian elephant sculpture from the Great Elephant Migration Art Exhibition, which exists to raise awareness of conservation efforts.
Ringo, whose real name is Richard Starkey, was still echoing the swinging 1960s in his choice of outfit and wore a peace sign necklace and tinted oval sunglasses.
He added a modern twist to the outfit with a white denim jacket and black jeans, keeping himself on theme with a black T-shirt with a peace and love theme.
A concert was held in honour of the legendary musician at the event and he could be seen happily singing along with his wife, Barbara Bach, 77, at his side.
Ringo began his Peace and Love event back in 2008 and now annually encourages those present and fans around the world to pause for a moment and reflect and post the message at noon on his birthday.
The event began after a journalist asked the iconic musician what he would like for his birthday when he turned 68 and Ringo simply replied, ‘Peace and love’.
Ringo’s first Peace and Love birthday bash took place in Chicago and is typically an opportunity for him to meet with fans as well as friends.
Even the pandemic did not get in the way of Ringo’s desire for Love and Peace and he simply held the event online, inviting fans to join in globally.
Dubbed ‘Ringo’s Big Birthday Show’, it was filled with unseen concert footage and performances from Ringo himself, Paul McCartney and many more.
Ahead of his 85th birthday, Ringo admitted that despite his advancing age, he doesn’t feel any older than 24.
He told The New York Times of his age: ‘It blows me away.
‘I look in the mirror and I’m 24. I never got older than 24.’
Ringo said he credits his youthful appearance and continued lust for life to simply doing what he loves.
He added: ‘When I first started… my mother would come to the gigs. She would always say, ‘You know, son, I always feel you’re at your happiest when you’re playing your drums.”So she noticed. And I do.’
