Paul McCartney finally receives star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

Paul McCartney is the only member of the Beatles to be knighted, but was also the only member of the Beatles to not have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. That changed Thursday when he finally received that honor, following John Lennon, George Harrison and Ringo Starr. The honor comes the same week that McCartney released his new solo album, Kisses on the Bottom.

According to The Los Angeles Times, the busy ceremony was held in front of Capitol Records on Vine Street and he brought several of his many friends in tow. Neil Young, Jeff Lynne, Joe Walsh, Elvis Costello, Diana Krall, Herbie Hancock and Don Was were all in attendance. McCartney’s wife, Nancy, and son James also attended.

Young introduced McCartney, telling a humorous story about how, when he was in high school and the Beatles came out, he and his friends could never figure out how McCartney was playing bass. “...I loved the Beatles and I tried to learn how to play like them, and no one could figure out what Paul was doing on the bass. Not only was he playing differently because he plays left-handed, he played notes that no one had put together before -- in a way that made us stand in awe of this great musician,” he said, reports the LA Times.

McCartney gave a short speech, acknowledging how much of his success is owed to “...three other guys -- so thanks, John, George and Ringo." He also talked about how he never thought he would receive such an honor when growing up in Liverpool. He referenced his album as he finished his speech, telling fans “around the world that I send you all hugs and kisses on the bottom.”

Reuters reports that Starr, the only surviving Beatle, was not in attendance, even though he lives in Southern California, because he was sick.

McCartney’s star is close to the stars for Harrison, Lennon and Starr. Both Lennon and Harrison were honored posthumously in 1988 and 2009, respectively, notes the New York Times. The Beatles as a group received a star in 1998, while Starr received his in 2010.

McCartney performed a live show at Capitol Records that was streamed live on iTunes Thursday night. Friday, he will receive the Recording Academy’s MusiCares Person of the Year award and will perform at the Grammys on Sunday.