Although Ringo Starr was unable to travel to his hometown of Liverpool to receive his honorary degree, the University of Liverpool made sure the celebration came to him instead.
Ahead of his 86th birthday celebrations, the university sent a delegation to Beverly Hills Park in Los Angeles to officially present Starr with an Honorary Doctorate of Music.
Presenting the award was Wendy Beetlestone, Chancellor of the university and a United States district judge. She praised Starr’s extraordinary impact on music and on the city that shaped him.
“It is a great privilege to recognise Ringo, whose influential musical work, particularly in The Beatles, has helped shape the identity and global reputation of Liverpool,” Beetlestone said.
She added that Starr’s contribution has played a major role in making Liverpool a city that inspires people from around the world to visit and study.
“I was deeply honoured to have the opportunity to present Ringo with his award today and witness, first hand, the power of peace, love, and music,” she said.
The honour carries extra significance, as Starr became the first member of The Beatles to receive a degree from the university.
Accepting the award, Starr expressed his gratitude, saying, “I want to thank the University of Liverpool for this Honorary Degree and for coming all the way to LA to bestow it. I’m really honoured.”
The moment was especially emotional for the legendary drummer, who reflected on his lifelong connection to his hometown.
“Today is my birthday, and as everyone knows, I was born in Liverpool,” Starr said. “It is my hometown and I’ll always love it.”
Looking back on his early years, he revealed that his decision to pursue music full time was not initially supported by his family.
“I’ve been thinking back on my life a lot lately — and when I chose to become a drummer full time, my family discouraged me. And they could have been right! But they weren’t — it all worked out,” he shared.
Starr also offered words of encouragement to graduates back in Liverpool, urging them to follow their ambitions wherever they may lead.
“To all the graduates back in Liverpool, I send Peace & Love and want to say don’t be afraid to follow your dreams — or take that right turn and see where it goes. It could lead to an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Liverpool.”
The celebrations come during another busy year for Starr. Alongside turning 86, he recently announced a new East Coast tour of the United States scheduled for September and October.
The ten-date run begins on September 24 at the State Theatre in Easton and wraps up on October 7 at the Palace Theatre in Albany.
One of the tour’s highlights will be Starr’s return to Forest Hills Stadium on October 1. The performance marks his first appearance at the historic venue since The Beatles last performed there in 1964.
Earlier this year, Starr released his latest album, Long Long Road, continuing a remarkable musical journey that now spans more than six decades.
As Starr celebrates another birthday and another milestone, his message remains as simple and enduring as ever: peace, love, music, and never being afraid to chase your dreams.