Ringo’s 70th B-Day Bash

A few of Ringo Starr’s friends dropped by New York’s Radio City Music Hall last night to help the former Beatle celebrate his 70th birthday. But the most famous friend of all didn’t show up until the party was almost over.

Of course, Starr already had a few friends on stage. Billed as an appearance by Ringo Starr & His All Starr Band, the evening began with the drummer performing with Rick Derringer, Edgar Winter, Gary Wright, Mr. Mister’s Richard Page and Wally Palmar from The Romantics.

Photo: AP Photo

Performing with his All Starr Band at Radio City Music Hall in New York.

In what appeared to be the night’s grand finale, Starr was joined by Yoko Ono and a who’s who of classic rockdom, including Joe Walsh, Jeff Lynne,AC/DC’s Brian Johnson, Foreigner’s Mick Jones and E Street band members Steve Van Zandt, Max Weinberg and Nils Lofgren for a rendition of “With A Little Help From My Friends.”

At one point the night’s festivities appeared to be ending with Starr walking off stage singing “happy birthday to me.” However, there was one more guest that had yet to make an appearance.

That would be his former Beatle comrade, Paul McCartney. According to Rolling Stone, the audience was already exiting and the house lights were about to rise when a roadie walked out with Macca’s famed Hofner bass. Fan hysteria soon followed as McCartney ran out onstage and performed The Beatles’ “Birthday.”

Can’t wait to see how Ringo celebrates his 71st birthday. But you gotta admit, it’s going to be tough topping last night.

Click here for the account posted on RollingStone.com.