CLEVELAND, (Reuters) – Former Beatles drummer Ringo Starr was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist last week – the last of the four bandmates to earn the honor in a ceremony in Cleveland celebrating some of the biggest stars of rock music.
Among the 2015 honorees joining Starr, inducted by onetime band mate Paul McCartney, were singer Bill Withers, punk-pop band Green Day and Lou Reed, the primary force behind the Velvet Underground, who was among the most influential rock musicians in history.
“After the things I’ve sat through tonight…” Starr joked as he took the stage as the night’s final inductee. “Blah, blah blah. I’ve got some stories.
“Finally, I’m invited and I love it,” he said.
The event, which sold out in minutes and is due to air on HBO on May 30, marks the 20th anniversary of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, where the ceremony is being held, and the 30th induction ceremony.