Ringo Starr flashed peace signs in front of his “Peace and Love” sculpture in Beverly Gardens Park. (photo by Tabor Brewster)

One quarter of The Beatles, Liverpudlian drummer, singer and songwriter extraordinaire Sir Richard Starkey – better known as Ringo Starr – celebrated his 85th birthday in Beverly Hills on July 7, with a little help from his friends.

Hundreds of Beatlemaniacs came together in Beverly Gardens Park to wish one of two living members of the Fab Four a happy birthday, and join Starr as he broadcast his emblematic motto of “Peace and Love” to the world.

Starr was joined by his family – including his wife, actress Barbara Bach, and son, drummer Zak Starkey – in addition to members of his All Starr Band and fellow musicians, who performed cover versions of tracks by Starr and The Beatles.

Molly Tuttle – a singer and songwriter from Palo Alto – performed “Octopus’s Garden,” a tune penned by Starr for The Beatles’ 1969 album “Abbey Road.” Tuttle was joined onstage by “Doctor My Eyes” singer Jackson Browne and members of the pop group Lucius, who delivered cheery covers of Beatles classics including “Yellow Submarine,” “With a Little Help from My Friends” and, fittingly, “Birthday.”

Rock ‘n roll icon Ringo Starr was in a joyful mood on his 85th birthday. (photo by Tabor Brewster)

Starr – sitting front row and donning his signature sunglasses – clapped along with a bright smile before jumping to the mic following the performance.

“Paul thought it was great,” he said, turning around his cell phone to reveal his fellow Beatle Paul McCartney on the other line, listening in from England.

The celebration was emceed by record producer and musician T Bone Burnett, who attested to Starr’s legacy as a drummer, songwriter and icon for peace.

“There is a controversy about Ringo’s drumming,” Burnett said. “Is he a great drummer, or is he the greatest drummer?”

Burnett, along with everyone in attendance, agreed on the latter.

Eagles guitarist Joe Walsh described hearing “I Want to Hold Your Hand” for the first time as a teenager, a moment that inspired him to pursue a career in music.

“Since 1963, the entire world has had somebody to love, and that is Ringo,” Walsh said. “Thank you, Ringo.”

Starr was also presented with a proclamation from the city by Beverly Hills Mayor Sharona Nazarian, who declared July 7 Ringo Starr Day in Beverly Hills.

“In a world that feels so divided, how beautiful it is that we can come together right now to celebrate peace, love and Ringo Starr,” Nazarian said.

Starr is the longest-living member of The Beatles, a band whose impact on music and culture is immeasurable. Though the band was only together for 10 years, it is widely regarded as the most influential in history, and each member found success as solo artists. John Lennon’s life was tragically cut short in 1980, when he was murdered at the age of 40. George Harrison died of lung cancer in 2001 at the age of 58.

When asked what he would say to his two late bandmates if they were there to celebrate his 85th birthday, Starr – invoking his untroubled sense of humor, quipped, “what are you doing here?”

Starr laughed, before adding, “I’d say I love you man, and I miss you man, that’s what I’d say.”

Starr was joined by family and friends to broadcast a message of “Peace and Love” to the world on July 7. (photo by Tabor Brewster)