The Beatles legend Ringo Starr will follow in the footsteps of former bandmate Sir Paul McCartney by receiving a Knighthood at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday morning.
Accompanied by wife Barbara Bach, the iconic drummer, 77, offered his trademark peace-sign as he arrived ahead of the official ceremony.
He joined a string of musicians, TV personalities and political figures, amongst them Bee Gees legend Barry Gibb, presenter Eamon Holmes and former Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg in accepting his honour.
Richly deserved: The Beatles legend Ringo Starr followed in the footsteps of former bandmate Sir Paul McCartney by receiving his investiture at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday morning.
Starr, real name Richard Starkey, has been honoured for his services to music after career spanning more than half a century, during which he helped revolutionize pop and rock music with former bandmates McCartney, John Lennon and George Harrison.
It also comes 53-years after The Beatles were awarded the MBE following their inclusion in The Queen’s Birthday Honours list, and 21-years after McCartney collected his own OBE, again for services to music.
Born on July 7 1940 in Liverpool, Starr would show a keen interest in music after being captivated by the American influenced skiffle craze sweeping across the United Kingdom.
In good company: Accompanied by wife Barbara Bach, the iconic drummer, 77, offered his trademark peace-sign as he arrived ahead of the official ceremony
Main man: Starr, real name Richard Starkey, has been honoured for his services to music after career spanning more than half a century
Initially recruited by Al Caldwell’s Texan’s – later to become Rory Storm and the Hurricanes – as they looked to make the transition from skiffle to mainstream rock n’roll, Starr soon developed a reputation as one of the burgeoning Liverpool music scene’s most sought after percussionists.
But after an approach by Lennon in 1962 he was the source of controversy after quitting the Hurricanes and joining The Beatles.
On the cusp of fame after signing their first record deal with Parlophone, the band recruited Starr as they prepared to sack original drummer Pete Best – an unpopular move that prompted outrage from local fans.
But the move would be a life-changing moment, with Starr propelled to international fame and considerable fortune as the band achieved unprecedented success with groundbreaking albums including Rubber Soul, Revolver and the iconic Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Heart’s Club Band.
Honour: Ringo Starr will join a string of musicians, TV personalities and political figures, amongst them Bee Gees legend Robin Gibb, presenter Eamon Holmes and former Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg in collecting his OBE on Tuesday morning
Previously: It comes 53-years after The Beatles were awarded the MBE for services to music (pictured L-R: Paul McCartney, George Harrison, John Lennon and Ringo Starr)
Success: Starr was propelled to international fame and considerable fortune as the The Beatles achieved unprecedented success with groundbreaking albums including Rubber Soul, Revolver and the iconic Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Heart’s Club Band
While his vocal range was notably limited, Lennon and McCartney – the band’s principal songwriters – were known to reserve one song on each album for the drummer, among them Yellow Submarine and With A Little Help From My Friends.
The band split following the delayed release of Let It Be, with Starr prompting embarking on a solo career with the release of debut album Sentimental Journey.
To date he has released nineteen albums to mixed critical and commercial fortune. His most recent, Give More Love, was released in 2017.
Centre stage: To date he has released nineteen solo albums to mixed critical and commercial fortune. His most recent, Give More Love, was released in 2017
Away from music he has appeared in numerous films after cutting his teeth on Beatles musical dramas A Hard Day’s Night and Help!
Fans of a certain age will also remember his storytelling work with hugely popular children’s television show Thomas The Tank Engine.
Starr worked on the show from its launch in 1984 to 1991, when he was replaced by American comedian George Carlin.
Starr’s OBE follows his induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 2015, making him the last Beatle to win the award.
Posting a short message on social media shortly after being named in the Queen’s New Year’s Honour’s list, the musician commented: ‘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. Peace and love. Ringo.’
Old times: Fans of a certain age will also remember his storytelling work with hugely popular children’s television show Thomas The Tank Engine