Photo Credit: Stevo Rood
The music industry’s proprietor of peace and love, Ringo Starr, celebrated his birthday on Monday, July 7, at Beverly Gardens Park in Beverly Hills, Calif., with a little help from his friends.
The 18th annual “Peace & Love Birthday Celebration” was a semi-private gathering, with some fans and members of the media in attendance, as well as friends and collaborators, who offered musical tributes to the esteemed backbeat.
The occasion was MC’d by Starr’s Look Up producer, T Bone Burnett, whose presence supported Starr’s announcement, informing the audience that the follow-up to last year’s country-leaning set is already in the works and once again, will be overseen by Burnett. The latter served another role during the event, helping to curate carefully chosen material, selected for its significance in the musician’s storied career.
The event’s backing band consisted of guitarists Colin Linden and David Mansfield (and violin), double bassist Dennis Crouch, and drummer/ musical director Gregg Bissonette. The aforementioned group supported Molly Tuttle’s arrival on “Octopus’s Garden,” before handing over duties to Sam Phillips. Notably, Tuttle appeared on Starr’s 21st studio record, contributing to four tracks, including the title cut, “I Live For Your Love,” “Can You Hear Me Call,” and “String Theory.”
Phillips performed “Photograph” before Starr’s other Look Up contributors, Lucius, received the honor of leading “Yellow Submarine.” Jackson Browne’s stage time resulted in a rendition of “Act Naturally,” a cover of The Beatles’ treatment of the Buck Owens original. A majority of the musical guests went on to deliver a collective take on fan favorite, “A Little Help From My Friends,” with drummer Bissonette filling in lyrics.
Also on deck for parts of the afternoon’s output was Starr’s longtime friend and brother-in-law, Joe Walsh, who shared a story on the birthday boy’s influence on his Eagles career. All roads led to noon PT, when Starr and family took the stage for the apex of his livestreamed celebration. It wasn’t just an earthly affair, as Starr’s message of unity was shared from the International Space Station.
Starr’s power was then recognized by Beverly Hills Mayor Sharona Nazarian, who presented the musician and longtime 90210 resident with a certificate proclaiming July 7 as “Ringo Starr Day” in B.H.
The occasion allowed Starr’s friends and musical colleagues to pay respect to his 68-year career through song and spirit, underscoring his signature message of peace and love. Starr will take the summer off, ahead of his fall run, which begins on September 10, 2025, at The Chicago Theatre. Tickets remain on sale. Read about the impending tour here.
Starr appeared on Relix’s March 2025 cover, speaking about his 2024 release, Look Up. Read more. Order a copy of the magazine now.
In attendance was photographer Stevo Rood, who shared his shots from the celebration. Scroll down to view a photo gallery.
Content shared from relix.com.