Ringo Starr takes 80th birthday bash online due to coronavirus pandemic

Ringo Starr is taking his 80th birthday bash online.

The Beatles musician, who usually stages a major street party in Los Angeles to mark his July 7 birthday each year, will instead be doing a virtual celebration for 2020.

The event will be streamed on YouTube and Starr promises a lot of star power, including Jackson Browne, Elvis Costello, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Kenny Loggins, Michael McDonald, Keb Mo and Willie Nelson. Some contributed fresh clips, while others offered up footage from shows that took place prior to the coronavirus pandemic and the related shutdowns.

"I called a few friends," Starr said on a conference call Tuesday, with a laugh.

He's also asking, as he does each year, for fans worldwide to stop what they're doing at noon on July 7 and flash the peace sign.

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"Wherever you are, you can go peace and love at noon," he said.

Starr says he's been hunkered down at home for 11 weeks, trying to stay safe. The only time he ventures out is for an early morning dog walk on weekends.

"This year and the beginning of this year have been really tough," he said. "I am disappointed and I've had a few down days."

Follow Gary Dinges on Twitter @gdinges

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ringo Starr: Beatle takes 80th birthday bash online due to coeonavirus