McCartney Times

Yoko Ono thinks it’s fab that the British royal family is finally recognizing former Beatles drummer Ringo Starr for his “services to music.” The widow of late Beatle John Lennon tweeted out her kind thoughts to Starr on Tuesday morning (Jan. 2), following Friday’s (Dec. 29) official announcement that Starr, 77 (born Richard Starkey) would be knighted in the 2018 New Year’s Honors.

“Dear Sir Ringo,” Ono wrote. “I am very happy that you have received this honour from the Queen. It’s about time! Huge congratulations! I am delighted for you and your family. It is an honour for everyone in the Beatles family and I love you very much.”

Sir Paul McCartney Congratulates Fellow Beatle Ringo Starr on His New Year’s Honor Knighthood

Ono’s note comes a few days after Starr’s former bandmate, Sir Paul McCartney posted congratulations on Saturday (Dec. 30). “Huge congrats Sir Ringo! Sir Richard Starkey has a nice ring to it. Best drummer, best pal! X Paul,” he wrote. Ringo’s knighthood comes 20 years after McCartney was knighted, in 1997. Starr will be given his honor in the list of annual honorees that pay tribute to those recognized for high achievements to the U.K. In a statement, Starr said, “It’s great! It’s an honor and a pleasure to be considered and acknowledged for my music and my charity work, both of which I love. Peace and love.”

Barry Gibb is also being knighted this time around, with honors for his services to music and charity. He and his fellow Bee Gees Maurice and Robin Gibb were named Commanders of the British Empire (CBE) in 2002. Also being honored this year but with an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) is Soft Cell leader Marc Almond, for services to art and culture. Other musicians given the high honor of knighthood in recent years include Ray Davies of the Kinks, who was knighted last year, and Mick Jagger, Elton John, Van Morrison and Rod Stewart.