Starr celebrates Liverpool culture

With a little help from his friends, ex-Beatle Ringo Starr returned to his hometown Friday to kick-start Liverpool’s year in the spotlight as a European Capital of Culture.

Starr joined the Eurythmics’ Dave Stewart in headlining a huge outdoor concert, featuring hundreds of local musicians, aerial performers and children.

The Fab Four’s drummer will star again today in “Liverpool, the Musical,” a showcase of the city’s rich musical heritage that also features the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.

The yearlong festivities are seen as an important step in attempts by the northwest England port to shake off its image of economic deprivation, social unrest and gang violence.