Legendary musician Paul McCartney took to social media to wish his longtime friend and former Beatles bandmate, Ringo Starr, a heartfelt happy birthday on Sunday. The emotional tribute came as the iconic drummer turned another year older on July 7, a day he annually dedicates to his global message of “peace and love.”
McCartney, now 83 years old, shared a vintage black-and-white photograph of the duo on his official Instagram account. The nostalgic image, credited to his late wife and acclaimed photographer Linda McCartney, captures a timeless moment of the friendship and musical bond the two Beatles legends have shared for over six decades.
In his caption, McCartney wrote:
“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.”
The use of “Sir Richard” was a nod to Ringo Starr’s real name, Richard Starkey, and his knighthood, awarded in 2018 for his services to music. McCartney himself received the honor in 1997. The birthday post resonated with fans worldwide, who took to the comments section to share their love for the legendary drummer and the enduring legacy of The Beatles.
McCartney and Starr remain the only two surviving members of the Beatles, the band that revolutionized music and culture in the 1960s. Despite the absence of John Lennon, who was tragically assassinated in 1980, and George Harrison, who passed away in 2001, the spirit of the Fab Four continues to live on through their music—and moments like these.
Adding a poignant layer to the celebrations, Sean Ono Lennon, the son of John Lennon and artist Yoko Ono, also took to Instagram to wish Ringo a happy birthday. Sharing a photo of Starr on his Instagram Stories, Sean simply wrote:
“Happy Birthday Ringo!”
Though brief, the message served as a powerful reminder of the enduring connections among the families of the Beatles. Sean Lennon, himself a musician and artist, has frequently paid tribute to his father’s legacy and continues to support the Beatles’ surviving members in their personal and professional milestones.
But Ringo Starr’s birthday isn’t just a personal celebration—it’s become a global tradition of peace. For several years now, the drummer has commemorated his birthday with a worldwide initiative called the “Peace and Love” moment. Every year on July 7 at noon, Ringo invites fans, fellow musicians, and anyone who believes in peace to pause, wherever they are in the world, and say or post “peace and love.”
The initiative began in 2008 and has since become a tradition for Beatles fans and peace advocates around the globe. Events are often held in various cities, and musicians from across the world join in to spread the simple yet powerful message. Ringo himself usually hosts a birthday event—whether virtual or in-person—where he gathers with friends, fans, and fellow artists to promote unity, love, and non-violence.
This year’s celebration was no different. Musicians and celebrities took to social media to share their messages of peace and wish Starr a happy birthday. Ringo’s influence on drumming, rock music, and global peace movements remains unmatched, and his annual tradition has helped turn his birthday into a beacon of positivity.
As fans reflect on the lasting legacy of the Beatles, moments like these—McCartney’s affectionate post, Sean Lennon’s acknowledgment, and the global peace movement led by Ringo—serve as reminders of a band that was always about more than just music. They were, and remain, about connection, love, and a belief in a better world.
Even as the world changes rapidly, the message that once echoed through the lyrics of “All You Need Is Love” still rings true. And on July 7, with millions around the world joining in a chorus of “peace and love,” Ringo Starr’s birthday becomes a celebration not just of a music icon, but of a timeless ideal.
