Ringo Starr Plans 80th Birthday With Some Help From Pals

Jul 08, 2020

The coronavirus pandemic has affected the way we live our lives. Everyday people and world-famous musicians alike have had to adjust to life at home. Fans have been treated to at-home performances and interviews by their favorite singers and musicians. Even legendary Beatles drummer Ringo Starr celebrated his birthday a little differently in 2020.

Starr turned 80 on July 7th, but there couldn't be a big party to ring in this milestone birthday. Instead, the octogenarian planned an at-home concert with a little help from his friends. Fellow Beatle Paul McCartney joined Joe Walsh and others on YouTube for a musical celebration. According to the BBC, many fans joined from around the world in helping Starr and friends usher in his eighth decade on the planet by logging on to witness “Ringo’s Big Birthday Show.”

Like many celebrities, Ringo Starr usually spends his birthday wishing for more peace and love at the Capitol Records Tower in Los Angeles. Every year, the drummer holds a “Peace and Love” birthday fest where he encourages everyone to say, post or think #PeaceandLove at noon their time to cause a wave of, well, peace and love to spread around the world. His eightieth birthday is no exception. Like most other events, the lockdown has altered the setting of the celebration, but not the sentiment behind it.

So, what does a legendary musician's 80th birthday look like this year? While he can't join his famous friends in person, Ringo asked them to either submit new performances or footage from past concerts. Starr will show a version of “With a Little Help from My Friends” that he performed with his All-Starr Band. The band was forced to cancel a tour planned for 2020.

Starr has expressed his disappointment in not being able to celebrate this milestone birthday in his usual style. However, he can console himself by spending time–virtually–with Gary Clark Jr., Sheryl Crow, Ben Harper, and Sheila E. The online birthday show will benefit the Black Lives Matter Global Network, MusiCares, the David Lynch Foundation, and WaterAid.

Even if you couldn't join Ringo and friends in celebrating this major milestone, you can wish for #PeaceandLove. Spread the word–and the love–by letting us know what you think of this celebration in the comments.