Ringo Starr has been awarded an honorary degree by the University of Liverpool.
The legendary Beatles drummer received the doctorate in a private ceremony at Beverley Hills Park on Tuesday (July 7) to commemorate his 86th birthday.
Starr was conferred an Honourary Doctor of Music by the university’s chancellor Wendy Beetlestone for his contribution to the city’s music reputation globally.
He is one of six recipients of an honourary degree from the University of Liverpool this year with the rest set to be awarded at graduation ceremonies later this month.
“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,” said Starr.
“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.
“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 & 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.”