Ringo Starr Celebrates 68th Birthday With Peace, Love, And Cupcakes

July 8, 2008 07:46 AM EST |

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Former Beatles drummer Ringo Starr serves cupcakes during his 68th birthday celebration outside the Hard Rock Hotel in Chicago, Monday, July 7, 2008. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

CHICAGO — Ringo Starr celebrated his 68th birthday in Chicago giving out messages of peace and love, along with dessert.

Fans surrounded the former Beatles drummer Monday as he waited for the clock to strike noon the Hard Rock Hotel. Then he flashed peace signs with both hands in the air and yelled, "Twelve o'clock _ peace and love!"

The crowd of about 300 sang "Happy Birthday" to Starr, who passed out white-iced cupcakes with his wife Barbara Bach. He says his dream for the day was to spread peace and love.

Starr and his band play a concert in Chicago on Sunday.

- demfriend I'm a Fan of demfriend permalink

I am so happy there are two left and sad there are two gone. John Lennon should be here still and his murder should have never happened and George should have been healthier and also wth us today. Damn cancer and all that! hose were the days of many of our youth and never should be forgotten, The music shoul be played daily like a vitamin pill for us all to remember them.....

Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 05:39 PM on 07/08/2008

- darthdarcy I'm a Fan of darthdarcy permalink

Happy Birthday Ringo...!

Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 01:00 PM on 07/08/2008

- dwire I'm a Fan of dwire permalink

Best wishes to a wonderful person-always for love and peace. Thanks for making that message a part of your birthday celebration.

Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 11:54 AM on 07/08/2008

- pinkyboo I'm a Fan of pinkyboo permalink

God bless him and how refreshing still with his wife - hasn't dumped her for a 20 year old!

Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 11:53 AM on 07/08/2008

- BigCheese I'm a Fan of BigCheese permalink

You mean he's still with his SECOND wife. He dumped wife number one many years ago.

Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 04:40 PM on 07/08/2008

- Chrisanne I'm a Fan of Chrisanne permalink

Unfair to say he "dumped" her, you're trying to characterize him as an unfeeling cad. His first wife had an affair with George Harrison, did you know that? Even after their divorce, Ringo and Maureen remained friendly and were still a "family" for the sake of their kids. He was with her when she died from leukemia in the mid-90's and was heartbroken by her passing.

He's been married to second wife Barbara for almost 27 years. Ringo deserves more credit than you are giving him. He's a good guy.

Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 01:39 AM on 07/09/2008

- auramac I'm a Fan of auramac permalink

His wife still looks pretty good, too! Nice to hear Yoko call him when he was on Larry King and actually sang Happy Birthday- even imitating herself "Yoko-style!"

Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 12:40 AM on 07/09/2008