Story by Shawn Perry
Photos by Joe Schaeffer
On Sunday, July 7, Ringo Starr showed up at the Capitol Records Tower in Los Angeles for his birthday party. As in years past, a throng of fans gathered on Vine Street, in front of the musical shrine, ready to join the Beatles drummer and his friends for the annual noon-time #PeaceandLove celebration that began in 2008. After last year’s event at the Hard Rock Cafe in Nice, France, it was nice to have it back in Los Angeles.
The event included performances of Ringo Starr songs by Ben Kyle and Sara Watkins, (“It Don’t Come Easy ,” “Act Naturally”) and The Jacks (“You’re Sixteen,” “Speed of Sound”). A premiere of an original song about peace and love composed for the occasion was performed by students of the John Lennon Educational Tour Bus in partnership with the South Central LA Fernando Pullum Community Arts Center. The song will later premiere online as a video featuring music students as well as guest artists and friends.
Prior to coming out on stage, Starr, his wife Barbara Starkey, David Lynch, Sheila E, Nils Lofgren, Jim Keltner, Gregg Bissonette, Ed Begley Jr, Richard Lewis, T-Bone Burnett, Benmont Tench, Gary Wright, Peter Asher, Denny Seiwell, met with the media for photos and a couple of questions. When asked about reuniting former All-Starr members for a big show, Starr said, “We’re trying to get as many we can on the first of September at the Greek. Nils Lofgren is here today, and he’s going to come back and get up. I’m not going to tell you who’s going to come. It’s a surprise. Not even a hint.”
On stage in front of the Capitol Tower, Starr praised David Lynch, who introduced the drummer, for his altruistic deeds.
“It’s great to be here in Southern California,” Starr called out. “It’s great to have your support.”
Responding to random calls from fans, he answered, “I love you too” and “Ringo, that’s my name baby.”
When it came time to do the countdown to noon for the #PeaceandLove chant, the 79-year-old musician joked: “We’ll go by my watch. It’s probably the most expensive.”
And with that, it was “Peace and Love,” followed by rubber wrist bands thrown out to those savvy enough to catch one, and then a birthday cake for Ringo to cut.
Introducing his friends on stage, Starr remarked, “They’re all here. This would be a good band.”
As for who will be at the Greek in September, perhaps the mystery is solved.
