RINGO STARR: Joined Sir Paul McCartney in knighthood
Last week, Queen Elizabeth announced her 2018 New Year Honours list, to be knighted as an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire this year including Ringo Starr and Barry Gibb of The Bee Gees.
Ringo said of the honor: "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."
Ringo, along with the other Beatles, was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire in 1965. Paul McCartney was knighted in 1997.
Barry Gibb, who with his late brothers Robin and Maurice was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2002, says, "This is a moment in life to be treasured and never forgotten. I want to acknowledge how responsible my brothers are for this honor. It is as much theirs as it is mine. The magic, the glow and the rush will last me the rest of my life."
Sir Paul sent his congratulations, tweeting:
"Huge congrats Sir Ringo! Sir Richard Starkey has a nice ring to it. Best drummer best pal! X [Love,] Paul."
McCartney also tweeted his fans, "Happy New Year! Should auld acquaintance be forgot... I hope that everyone has a really brilliant new year. And that all the things they wish for happen, and that they have love and peace in all their relationships."
Ringo echoed Macca's theme in his own New Year's tweet, a selfie in which he wears a crown. He writes, "Happy new year everybody. Let's look forward to more peace and love."
Yoko Ono tweeted about Ringo Starr’s knighthood, saying, "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."
Why were neither John Lennon or George Harrison were so honored? Knighthood is an honor limited to living people.
Paul McCartney became first Beatle to be knighted in 1997 -- 17 years after John's death. And in case you're curious, British rock pioneer Cliff Richard was the first rock and roll artist to be knighted. He was honored in 1995 -- two years before McCartney.
TEARS FOR FEARS: Plans for 2018
Expect more new music from Tears for Fears in 2018. The '80s hitmakers included a pair of new tracks on last year's greatest hits package. Now, founding member Curt Smith says a new album, tentatively titled Tipping Point, is in the works.
Fellow original Roland Orzabal said taking on new management pushed them to go back in the studio. "We were manager-less for so long we were pretty much doing what we wanted."
After spending the summer of 2017 opening for Hall and Oates, Tears for Fears will tour Europe during April and May, but have yet to announce any U.S. plans -- even though Smith is a longtime California resident. (Belfast Telegram)