What do you buy a Beatle for his birthday? Ringo Starr, who turns 70 (impossible!) today, has conquered the world a zillion times and been adored/adopted by five generations of Beatlemaniacs. He’s even otherworldly -- there’s an actual planet spinning 'round the universe under his name. And even if he spent his golden years filming sequel after sequel to “Caveman,” the fact that he kept time behind three of the greatest songwriters in the finest group of all time gives him an eternal pass. He’s so lovable we’ve even forgiven his crankypuss “I ain’t gonna answer your mail anymore” outburst in 2008.

Luckily, shoppers, Ringo’s a simple, affable chap. When the New York Times’ Dave Itzkoff asked the drummer for his birthday list, it was surprisingly short and simple: “You know what I’m asking for: peace and love.” (A tall order, perhaps, but not beyond a Beatle’s grasp.)

As is tradition, he asks that all of his fans make the same request at the noon hour. Later this evening he’s scheduled to rock Radio City Music Hall with his All-Starr Band, which this milestone year consists of the former Mr. Starkey, Rick Derringer, Edgar Winter, Gary Wright, Wally Palmar, Richard Page, and Gregg Bissonette.

Who’s your favorite Beatle?

When confronted with the sizable number attached to his chronology, Ringo waved it off. “As far as I’m concerned, in my head, I’m 24,” he said. “That’s just how it is. The number, yeah, it’s high. But I just felt I’ve got to celebrate it. I’m on my feet and I’m doing what I love to do, and I’m in a profession, as a musician, where we can go on for as long as we can go on. I’m not hiding from it, you know.”

Peace and love, Ringo, and may you go on for a very long time.

Follow Us On Twitter!