If you happened to be near the Capitol Records building in Beverly Hills on July 7th, chances are you heard it before you saw it: hundreds of voices, in unison, calling out the phrase that’s become the personal mantra of Ringo Starr:
“Peace and love! Peace and love!”
This wasn’t just any birthday. This was Ringo’s 85th. And true to form, the drummer who helped change the face of music decided to celebrate the way he always has: surrounded by friends, fans, and good energy.
The courtyard outside Capitol Records, a landmark forever tied to Beatles history, was buzzing with music, hugs, and shared memories. Ringo showed up wearing his signature black shades and a T-shirt with: you guessed it, a peace sign front and center. The mood wasn’t stiff or overly polished. It felt more like a backyard gathering with an old friend, which, for a lot of people there, is exactly what it was.
“What we need more than anything is peace and love,” Ringo Starr told the crowd, flashing his familiar grin. It wasn’t a speech. It wasn’t rehearsed. Just a simple reminder from someone who’s spent decades preaching that very message, and living it.
Back in 2008, Ringo Starr started this tradition, asking fans around the world to stop at noon on his birthday and say peace and love out loud. A small, personal wish that somehow turned into a worldwide moment each year. And it’s only grown since.
This year’s celebration had all the usual highlights: music, stories, and a steady stream of friends from every corner of the music world. But it wasn’t flashy. It was warm. It was real. The kind of gathering where people didn’t show up to be seen, they came because they wanted to stand beside a man who’s spent his life keeping things simple: play drums, spread kindness, and never take yourself too seriously.
At 85, Ringo has no plans to retire. His All Starr Band just announced more tour dates, and he’s still recording music, releasing EPs in recent years that show he’s far from finished.
“I love making music,” he said casually, like it’s the most obvious thing in the world. “And as long as I can keep doing it, I will.”
For fans, whether they first heard him back in Liverpool or discovered him on a streaming app last week, Ringo remains more than just the guy behind the kit. He’s proof that optimism can be cool, that joy can have rhythm, and that sticking to your values is never out of style.
As the afternoon wound down, Ringo gave one last wave, flashed his signature peace sign, and left the crowd with the words they came to hear, not because they’re new, but because they matter.