The Beatles legend turned 86 on Tuesday with a special celebration in Los Angeles
10:58, 08 Jul 2026Updated 10:58, 08 Jul 2026
Ringo Starr was presented with the award ahead of his birthday party in LA(Image: Kevin Winter/Getty Images for ABA)
Ringo Starr has sent a message to Liverpool after receiving an honorary degree. The Beatles star turned 86 on Tuesday and was presented with the prestigious award from the University of Liverpool at a private ceremony held in L.A. Chancellors from the university travelled across the Atlantic to mark the special occasion.
Sir Richard “Ringo’” Starkey was joined by family and friends at Beverly Hills Park, where he was conferred as an Honorary Doctor of Music by the University’s Chancellor Wendy Beetlestone. The public event saw live performances from some of Ringo’s favourite artists.
The Liverpool-born music legend took the opportunity to give thanks to his home city. He grew up in Dingle before he honed an incredible career as part of the Fab Four.
Speaking about receiving the award, Ringo said: “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.
“Today is my birthday, and as everyone knows, I was born in Liverpool. It is my hometown and I’ll always love it. 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.
“So to all the graduates back in Liverpool – I send peace and 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.”
Ringo Starr has received an honorary degree from the University of Liverpool(Image: University of Liverpool)
University of Liverpool Chancellor and United States District Judge Wendy Beetlestone said it was a “privilege” to present the award.
She said: “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.
“His contribution has played a key role in making the city a place that inspires people to visit and to 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.”
University of Liverpool vice-chancellor, Professor Tim Jones, added: “The University of Liverpool is a renowned authority on the academic study of The Beatles and this honorary degree expresses our sincere respect for the contribution Ringo has made to music and to Liverpool’s heritage and culture. I’m delighted to welcome him into the university community.
“As we approach our summer graduation ceremonies, Ringo joins our list of remarkable honorary graduates, all of whom play an important role in inspiring our graduands as they take their next steps in shaping their futures.”
Ringo joins five other esteemed figures from across music, medicine, sport, policing and pharmaceuticals who will receive honorary degrees from the University of Liverpool during summer graduation ceremonies later this month.
Other recipients are TV star Dr Amir Khan, Liverpool-born Peter Moore, who has built a global career spanning sport and gaming, Grammy and Brit Award winning music producer Jon Shave, Chief Executive Officer of Policing Sir Andy Marsh QPM and scientific entrepreneur Professor Sir Christopher Evans.
Ringo is the second member of the Beatles to hold an honorary degree. Sir Paul McCartney was conferred as an honorary Doctor of Music by Yale University in May 2008.