Nashville ( CNN ) -- There is a quiet hum in the air . Moments later , it 's clear why . Ringo Starr sweeps in , and it feels like a cool breeze has washed over the room despite the sweltering 100-degree Southern summer heat outside . Ringo Starr still rocking out at 72 . His apparel is basic but he exudes `` rock star '' -- strolling in wearing a pinstriped blazer , a T-shirt , dark jeans and sneakers . Two silver pendants adorn his neck : The longer of the two is a signature peace sign ; the other , fashioned from a 45 LP adapter that was immediately given to him when he remarked to its former owner how much he liked it . Such is Starr 's charm . Despite being accompanied by no fewer than 15 people , he is disarmingly self-deprecating and modest . Starr talks about his new album . Starr , one of two living members of the Beatles and winner of nine Grammy Awards , turned 72 on Saturday . He spent his birthday with fans and fellow musicians at the Hard Rock Cafe in Nashville . As he always does on his birthday , he celebrates a moment of peace and love at the stroke of noon , and encouraged everyone else to do the same . `` Wherever you are -- on a bus , in the office , in the studio , hanging out ... whatever you 're doing , at noon , just go , 'Peace and love . ' That 's all I ask for my birthday . Peace and love . '' A vegetarian , he attributes his trim physique to Pilates and a sensible diet . `` I work out quite a lot , and you know , broccoli is my main course , stuff like that . So , you know , that 's how I do it . Just keep yourself fit , '' he says . `` So as long as you do something physical , you know , keep moving . '' Starr 's life in pictures . Keep moving he does -- weaving through the crowd of well-wishers , family and friends with an easy affability . Not surprisingly , security is tight . He nonetheless radiates warmth , shaking hands cordially with strangers and exchanging affectionate hugs with friends . And it 's quite a group of friends he has . Fellow members of his ever-rotating All-Starr band are there in full force : Toto 's Steve Lukather with his signature goatee ; music producer extraordinaire Todd Rundgren and his instantly recognizable white-and-black mane ; a young-looking Richard Page from Mr. Mister ; Santana 's Gregg Rolie sporting aviators . Country star Vince Gill , Ed Roland from Atlanta-based Collective Soul , Jeff Russo of Tonic , and Roy Orbison Jr. are also on hand to pay tribute to the British icon . The Eagles ' legendary Joe Walsh pops his head in during the interview , and jokingly says he 'll interrupt and take a seat on Starr 's lap . Starr pretends to be aggrieved . `` I have to let him in . He 's the brother-in-law . It 's a family thing ! '' He 's referring to his wife of 31 years , Barbara Bach , whose sister Walsh wed three years ago . Outside the Hard Rock , hundreds are thronging for the chance to get up close and personal with their idol . Jamie Donaldson traveled from California with her husband and two kids for this moment . `` I just ca n't believe I 'm here , '' she said . `` This has just been my dream for so long to see a living Beatle in person , and Ringo is just the best ! '' She admits it 's almost unbearably hot outside , but , `` It 's worth it ! '' One woman holds a sign that reads , `` Ringo , sign my son ! '' Another holds a sign that says , `` You hugged me in 1964 , please do it again '' . The crowd breaks into an excited chatter when Starr 's inner circle lines up on the stage . When the man himself emerges from the restaurant , the screams and shouts crescendo . Starr is about to begin the countdown to shout `` peace and love '' at noon when out of nowhere a loud , monotonous tone begins to blare . Undeterred , Starr continues on , and as if listening to the intended message , the tone silences just in time as the count reaches `` one . '' `` Peace and love ! '' everyone shouts in unison . To the delight of the crowd , Starr 's friends and family , partly led by saxophonist Mark Rivera , begin to sing a John Lennon anthem . `` All we are saying , is give peace a chance . '' Starr sings the last line loudly into the microphone , waving both hands in the signature `` peace '' sign high in the air . The crowd watching is hugging , laughing and crying . Happy 72nd birthday , Ringo Starr .
Ringo Starr turned 72 on Saturday . The former Beatles drummer calls for `` peace and love '' Starr celebrates his birthday at the Hard Rock Cafe in Nashville .