Ringo Starr Talks Black Lives Matter During Virtual 'Big Birthday Show'

While Ringo Starr couldn’t celebrate his birthday with his usual party at the Capitol Records building in Hollywood, the former Beatle brought the fun online on Tuesday (July 7) to celebrate the big 8-0 safely and socially distanced.

Proceeds raised during the show benefited four organizations, including Black Lives Matter Global Network, the David Lynch Foundation, MusiCares and WaterAid.

On the Black Lives Matter movement, Starr took some time to note how influential Black music was to creating the Beatles’ sound. “There’s no greater act than any others can make than to stand up and be counted when you see injustice,” he said during the livestream. “I don’t have to tell you that the Beatles’ early set had a lot to do with the influence we found in American artists. We loved listening to Ray Charles, Little Richard is my hero, Stevie Wonder, Sister Rosetta Tharpe–I saw her live at the cabin–and my stepdad’s favorite, Billy Eckstine. The list goes on and on.”

The show also had a number of throwback onstage moments, including a dynamic “Helter Skelter” performance with Ringo’s former bandmate Paul McCartney, who took to social media earlier in the day to wish his pal a happy birthday.

Guitarist Joe Walsh, Gary Clark Jr., Sheryl Crow, Sheila E., Dave Grohl and Ben Harper also took part in the event, performing Beatles covers at home.

Watch the full “Big Birthday Show” below.