Music legend Ringo Starr celebrated his 85th birthday on July 7, receiving an outpouring of love from fans, friends, and family. Among the many tributes, a touching message came from fellow Beatle and longtime friend Paul McCartney.
McCartney posted a rare photo of the two, taken by his late wife Linda McCartney, showing them smiling with their heads together. The caption read:
“A very happy birthday to my dear friend, Ringo (or should I say, Sir Richard). I hope you have a wonderful day full of love. Paul.”
“Sir Richard” refers to Starr’s real name, Richard Starkey, and his 2018 knighthood by Prince William—53 years after The Beatles were awarded MBEs.
Fans flooded McCartney’s post with birthday wishes, praising both Ringo and the enduring friendship between the two Beatles. The Beatles’ official Instagram also marked the occasion with video tributes, joined by posts from the estates of George Harrison and John Lennon, and messages from Olivia Harrison and Sean Lennon.
Leading up to his birthday, Starr made a now-annual request to fans:
“On my birthday, at noon your local time, give Peace and Love. That’s my gift from you.”
He added thanks to Peace & Love Ambassadors worldwide and even gave a shout-out to space agencies helping spread his message to the moon.
Across social media, fans shared tributes to the beloved drummer. One summed it up best:
“Ringo said he was an only child with three brothers. How lucky we are that he’s still here to remind us of the only two important things in life: peace and love.”
