On his 86th Birthday (7th July 2026), Ringo Starr has received an honorary degree from the University of Liverpool.
Welcoming a University delegation at Beverly Hills Park, Richard 'Ringo' Starkey was presented with the prestigious award in a private ceremony ahead of his annual birthday party at the LA park where family, friends and hundreds of fans gathered. The public event saw live performances from some of Ringo's favourite artists and he was joined by friends, family and fellow musicians in a 'peace and love' message that was also sent to the Universe and beyond via the Dove Satellite Network.
The Beatles drummer was conferred as an Honorary Doctor of Music by the University's 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."
Ringo Starr joins five other esteemed figures from across music, medicine, sport, policing and pharmaceuticals who will receive honorary degrees from the University of Liverpool during summer graduation ceremonies later this month (13 - 17 July).
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."
University of Liverpool 2026 honorary degree recipients are:
Dr Amir Khan is an alumnus, full-time GP, media personality and best-selling author who rose to prominence through his work in inner-city Bradford and appearances on shows like GPs: Behind Closed Doors. He is now a familiar face on UK television and radio, presenting health programmes, writing books, and supporting a range of environmental and community initiatives.
Liverpool born Peter Moore, who has built a global career spanning sport and gaming, including senior roles at Microsoft where he helped drive the growth of Xbox. He later returned to his hometown as CEO of Liverpool FC.
Grammy & Brit Award winning plus Ivor Novello nominated songwriter and music producer, Jon Shave. A graduate of the University, his work has generated more than 23 billion cross-platform streams and millions of record sales worldwide and he's worked with global artists including Charli XCX, Britney Spears, Miley Cyrus, and Little Mix.
Distinguished British police leader and the current Chief Executive Officer of Policing, Sir Andy Marsh QPM. Born in Liverpool, he studied Physical Geography at the University before beginning his policing career in 1987.
Professor Sir Christopher Evans, an internationally renowned scientific entrepreneur who has created over $18 billion of medical-based companies over the last 45 years. Throughout his career his focus has been on new advances in medical science, pioneering and leading growth in the biosciences sector in Great Britain and Europe.
