Story & photos by Joe Schaeffer
Ringo Starr celebrated his 84th birthday on July 7, 2024, with his annual “Peace & Love” event in Beverly Hills. The celebration drew over 300 fans and friends, including notable guests like Joe Walsh, Barbara Bach, Edgar Winter, Stephen Stills, Linda Perry, and Diane Warren. The event featured musical tributes and a special “Peace & Love” exclamation at noon, which was echoed in 35 countries worldwide.
Ringo, looking spry in a white denim jacket and black Adidas track pants, gathered with Joe Walsh and their wives for a media photo op with the 800-pound Peace and Love Statue located at the park.
Renowned musicians helped celebrate the Beatles’ drummer’s music through tribute performances. Artists like Ben Harper, Don Was, Gabe Witcher, Willie Watson, Greg Leisz, Ben Dickey, Matt Sorum, and All Starr Band member Gregg Bissonette were on hand to honor Starr’s legacy. These heartfelt performances remind us of Ringo’s enduring influence on the music world.
Walsh then introduced Starr who addressed the attendees. “We started doing this celebration with about 50 people in 2008. And now we’ve got people waving and smiling at me from all over,” Starr said from the stage. “All I can do is say, ‘Peace and love.'”
Ringo Starr and his guests enjoyed a two-tiered cake with a trippy blue frosty covered with stars, rainbows and Starr’s favorite emojis, broccoli, musical notes, as well as the peace sign.
The global celebrations span various time zones and include cities such as: Sydney, Seoul, Tokyo, Osaka, Yerevan, Yekaterinburg, Tallin, Ticino, Halle, Barcelona, Madrid, Brescia, Liverpool, London, Buenos Aires, Chascomús, São Paulo, Recife, Uruguay, Amherst, New York, Cleveland, Asuncion, Lima, Bogota, Panama City, Green Bay, Guatemala City, San Jose, Puebla, Mexico City, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Maui, and even NASA (outer space).
