Ringo awarded honorary doctorate on 86th birthday

A special delegation travelled to Beverly Hills Park to present Richard ‘Ringo’ Starkey with the prestigious accolade during an intimate ceremony.

The presentation took place just before Ringo’s annual birthday celebration at the Los Angeles park, which drew family, friends, and hundreds of devoted fans. The public festivities featured live sets from several of Ringo’s favourite musicians, culminating in a collective “peace and love” message broadcast across the cosmos via the Dove Satellite Network.

During the event, the legendary Beatles drummer officially received an Honorary Doctor of Music degree from University Chancellor Wendy Beetlestone.

University of Liverpool Chancellor and United States District Judge, Wendy Beetlestone, 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.”

Ringo Starr 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 & 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.”

The iconic musician is one of six distinguished leaders from the worlds of medicine, music, athletics, law enforcement, and pharmaceuticals being recognised by the institution. The remaining five honorees will receive their degrees at the university’s upcoming summer commencement ceremonies, scheduled for July 13–17.

University of Liverpool Vice-Chancellor, Professor Tim Jones, said:

“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.”

The University of Liverpool’s 2026 honorary degree recipients include:

Dr. Amir Khan, a university alumnus, practicing GP, television personality, and bestselling author. He first gained widespread recognition for his medical work in inner-city Bradford and his appearances on GPs: Behind Closed Doors. Today, he is a regular fixture on British TV and radio, hosting wellness programs, publishing books, and championing local environmental and community projects.

Peter Moore, a Liverpool native who forged a prominent global career across the sports and gaming sectors. His background includes executive roles at Microsoft, where he spearheaded the expansion of Xbox, before he returned to his roots to serve as the Chief Executive Officer of Liverpool FC.

Jon Shave, a university alumnus and heavily streamed music producer and songwriter. The Grammy and Brit Award winner—who was also nominated for an Ivor Novello—has contributed to tracks pulling in over 23 billion streams and millions of global sales, collaborating with major pop icons like Charli XCX, Britney Spears, Miley Cyrus, and Little Mix.

Sir Andy Marsh QPM, an esteemed British law enforcement leader and the current CEO of the College of Policing. Born in Liverpool, he earned a degree in Physical Geography from the university before launching his policing career in 1987.

Professor Sir Christopher Evans, a globally celebrated scientific entrepreneur who has built medical enterprises valued at more than $18 billion over the past 45 years. His life’s work has centred on driving medical breakthroughs and fostering the expansion of the biotechnology sector across Great Britain and Europe.

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