McCartney Wants Starr Knighted

Sir Paul McCartney has expressed his disappointment after his Beatles bandmate Ringo Starr failed to land a knighthood this year (11), because "it's about time" his friend received the honour.

McCartney received the title from Queen Elizabeth II in 1997, while Starr - real name Richard Starkey - is still waiting for the privilege.

The Queen's Birthday Honours List was announced earlier this month (Jun11) and included a knighthood for veteran entertainer Bruce Forsyth, but Starr was left out - and McCartney is adamant his pal has waited long enough for the honour.

In an interview with Britain's Absolute Radio, McCartney was asked why Starr had missed out on the knighthood again and he replied, "Yeah, well, don't look at me," before adding, "The last time I went by she (the Queen) was out. Otherwise I would have popped in and said 'Look, love, Sir Richard Starkey'. Because I do think it's about time, but she probably was a bit busy with Sir Brucie (Forsyth)."

Meanwhile in related news former Wings star Denny Laine has given Beatles fans an insight into Paul McCartney's reaction to John Lennon's death in a new documentary, revealing his bandmate was "gutted" and in need of musical therapy.

Little is known about how McCartney dealt with the tragic news in December, 1980 - but now Laine has revealed his bandmate locked himself away in the studio and tried to work out his grief with music.

Appearing briefly in new film Beatles Stories, Laine recalls working with an upset and thoughtful McCartney in London in the days following Lennon's death.

He tells filmmaker Seth Swirsky, "The day he died Paul came into the studio for therapy and he says, 'I'm never going to fall out with anybody again just in case this happens.' "We were both totally gutted and in shock but we came together as a therapy to be together... and not have to be at home."

And the former Wings bandmates had an odd moment as they were contemplating Lennon's death. Laine recalls, "We were at Air Studios and we looked down and there's a removal van goes by that says 'Lennon's' on it!"