The former Beatle usually marks his birthdays with a public get-together in Hollywood but was forced inside by the coronavirus pandemic.

He hosted an online event - from behind his drum set - with cameos from the likes of Elvis Costello, Dave Grohl and Sheryl Crow, who performed Beatles and Ringo covers from home.

And there were a number of throwback moments from Starr's concerts of years gone by, including a performance of Helter Skelter with Paul McCartney.

Money raised from the livestream went to four charities; Black Lives Matter, the David Lynch Foundation, MusiCares and WaterAid.

Starr reflected on how the Beatles were influenced by black artists as he praised the Black Lives Matter movement.

"There's no greater act any of us can make than to stand up and be counted when you see injustice," he said.

"I don't have to tell you that the Beatles' early success had a lot to do with the influence we found in American artists.

"We loved listening to Ray Charles, Little Richard is my hero, Stevie Wonder, Sister Rosetta Tharpe - I saw her live at the cabin - and my stepdad's favourite, Billy Eckstine. The list goes on and on."

"Black lives matter. Stand up and make your voice heard."

This year, the digital event featured well wishes from the likes of 22-year-old rapper Jaden Smith, highlighting Starr's generation-spanning appeal.

After joking he still feels 24 years old, video from throughout Starr's life played alongside his hit song Photograph.

He signed off the stream with his trademark call for "peace and love".

Australian Associated Press