Ringo Starr Jokes 'It's About Time' For His Hall of Fame Induction
Also, see who told him about his induction.
— -- On Saturday at Cleveland's Public Hall, Ringo Starr will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist, thereby becoming the last of The Beatles' four members to be honored individually by the institution.
Starr initially was inducted into the Rock Hall as a member of the Fab Four in 1988, then saw his band mates John Lennon, Paul McCartney and George Harrison recognized for their solo careers in 1994, 1999 and 2004, respectively.
So how does the famed drummer feel about finally being acknowledged by the hallowed Hall?
"Well, it's about time," Starr told ABC News with a laugh. "I think it's beautiful. I do. I really think it's beautiful, and it's something for me to look forward to."
Starr revealed that it was McCartney who informed him that he was getting the honor.
"He called, and he said, 'They want to induct you into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and I'll induct you. And will you accept?'" Starr recalled. "So I said, 'Sure. Sure. We can have a night out.'"
Unbeknownst to Starr, his Rock Hall induction came about thanks to a little help from his old friend.
"I've found out…that [McCartney] was out to dinner sitting 'round with a couple of other musicians, and no one could believe I wasn't in it," he said. "So they worked on it to get me in."
McCartney himself has admitted in recent interviews that when he told Rock Hall organizers that he would do the honors and induct Starr, that helped seal the deal for the drummer. In conjunction with his induction, Starr will be honored with the Award for Musical Excellence.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's other 2015 inductees are the late Lou Reed, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, the late Stevie Ray Vaughn and his band Double Trouble, Green Day, The Paul Butterfield Blues Band, Bill Withers and The "5" Royales. No word yet on whether Starr will be performing at the ceremony.
