Paul McCartney has congratulated Beatles bandmate Sir Ringo Starr on his knighthood for services to music.
The musician, who received his own honour in 1997, shared a snap of the pair on Twitter, writing: ‘Huge congrats Sir Ringo! Sir Richard Starkey has a nice ring to it. Best drummer best pal!’
And Ringo – real name Richard Starkey – looked understandably delighted as he arrived at the Los Angeles International Airport on Friday just hours after receiving the honour.
Superstars: Paul McCartney has congratulated Beatles bandmate Sir Ringo Starr on his knighthood for services to music
Ringo was once jokingly described as ‘not even the best drummer in the Beatles’.
The quip is often attributed to John Lennon but never verified. In 2011, Rolling Stone readers named him the fifth-greatest drummer of all time.
The drummer had been tipped for a knighthood several times, including by Paul, who said in 2011 that it was ‘about time’.
After he was missed off the Queen’s Birthday Honours in 2011, Sir Paul told Absolute Radio it was ‘about time’ Starr was knighted, joking that he would have told the Queen ‘look, love, Sir Richard Starkey – it’s got a ring’.
Loving life: Sir Ringo looked understandably delighted as he arrived at the Los Angeles International Airport on Friday
Happy: The 77-year-old musical icon, who dubbed the award an ‘honour’, beamed and flashed a peace sign as he strolled out of the terminal
Ringo, real name Richard Starkey, joined the Beatles as a replacement drummer for Pete Best in 1962 and occasionally sang lead vocals, notably in ‘Yellow Submarine’ and ‘With a Little Help from my Friends.’
The 77-year-old musical icon, who dubbed the award an ‘honour’, beamed and flashed a peace sign as he was seen for the first time since being recognised with the gong.
He warded off the December chill with a khaki parka jacket and completed his look with simple black jeans and trainers.
Come a long way: Ringo was once jokingly described as ‘not even the best drummer in the Beatles’. The quip is often attributed to John Lennon but never verified. In 2011, Rolling Stone readers named him the fifth-greatest drummer of all time
Well deserved: The drummer had been tipped for a knighthood several times, including by Paul, who said in 2011 that it was ‘about time’. Pictured, Ringo receiving the Insigne de Commandeur de l’ordre des Arts et Lettres medal in 2013
He appeared to be in high spirits as he landed in the city, grinning widely and waving at the cameras as he headed outside.
He acknowledged his knighthood with a short message, signed off with his trademark phrase ‘Peace and love’.
He said: ‘It’s great! It’s an honour and a pleasure to be considered and acknowledged for my music and my charity work, both of which I love.’
Keeping it casual: The musical icon warded off the December chill with a khaki parka jacket and completed his look with simple black jeans and trainers
Icon: The drummer had been tipped for a knighthood several times, including by his former bandmate Sir Paul McCartney, who said in 2011 that it was ‘about time’
Gracious: He said: ‘It’s great! It’s an honour and a pleasure to be considered and acknowledged for my music and my charity work, both of which I love=’
He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a Beatle in 1988 and again in 2015 for his solo career after the group split up.
Starr maintained a high public profile through his narration over 1984–86 of the popular TV children’s series Thomas & Friends, based on the Thomas the Tank Engine series of books.
Also knighted in the honours list was Bee Gees singer Barry Gibb and author Michael Morpurgo, while ballet dancer Darcey Bussell becomes a dame.
The New Year’s honours have been awarded since Queen Victoria’s reign in the 19th century and aim to recognise not just well-known figures but those who have contributed to national life through often selfless and unsung contributions over many years.
Legends: Ringo, real name Richard Starkey, joined the Beatles as a replacement drummer for Pete Best in 1962 and occasionally sang lead vocals, notably in ‘Yellow Submarine’ and ‘With a Little Help from my Friends