UK Labor spokesman says Ringo should be given a knighthood

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Beatles legend Ringo Starr should be given a knighthood as 'he's waited too long'
BY VINCENT MOSS
26 SEP 2015

All the Beatles were appointed mbes in 1965 and Paul McCartney was made a Sir in 1997 – but not drummer Ringo


Beatles legend: Could it soon be 'Arise Sir Ringo'

Music legend Ringo Starr should be awarded a knighthood, says Labour’s culture spokesman.

All the Beatles were appointed MBEs in 1965 and Paul McCartney was made a Sir in 1997 – but not drummer Ringo.

Shadow Culture Secretary Michael Dugher said the Beatles’ drummer had waited far too long and should finally get a top honour.

Sir Paul McCartney was tapped on the shoulder by the Queen for his honour in 1997.

But Ringo, who is the only other surviving Beatle, just has the MBE he received in 1965 to show for his hugely successful career.




Mr Dugher said: “ The Beatles changed the course of popular music forever and they continue to bring massive benefits to the UK in terms of trade and tourism.

“Ringo’s unique drumming was intrinsic to the music of the Beatles - just listen to A Day in the Life or Strawberry Fields Forever - and his charisma and personal charm was an intrinsic part of their act as entertainers.


Michael Dugher: He has called for Ringo Starr to be given a knighthood

“Ringo is a legend and has made a massive contribution to our country. It’s been over 50 years since he got his MBE.

“At the age of 75, it’s time for Ringo to get a knighthood for services to music. No other country in the world would take so long to properly honour one of its music legends.”


Musical legend: Ringo with his Harmony guitar

Ringo, who was born Richard Starkey, gained worldwide fame as part of the band, but continued to have huge commercial success following the Beatles’ break-up in 1970.

In 2011, Sir Paul was asked why Ringo had not been knighted yet.


The Beatles: Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Ringo Starr and John Lennon of The Beatles in 1967

He replied: “Yeah, well don’t look at me.”

Asked whether he could make a request on behalf of his former bandmate to the Queen, he said: “The last time I went by she was out.

“Otherwise, I would have popped in and said: ‘Look love, Sir Richard Starkey’. Because I do think it’s about time, but she was probably a bit busy with Sir Brucie.”

Should Ringo Starr be awarded a knighthood?

• YES
• NO