20 January 1988, Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, New York, USA
I don’t have to say much because I’m the Quiet Beatle. It’s unfortunate Paul’s the one who’s not here because he’s the one who had the speech in his pocket.
We all know why John can’t be here, and I’m damn sure he would be. It’s hard really to stand here supposedly representing the Beatles. It’s what’s left I’m afraid. But we all loved him so much and we all love Paul very much.
I suppose basically the reason we became a band was [because] of all the other people in the Hall of Fame already, including Leadbelly because actually they stole his tunes and turned it into skiffle and we all became skifflers when we were 13.
We just wanted to get guitars, get in a band, because we didn’t really have proper jobs at the time. Anyway, it sort of turned out fine and it’s gotten a bit bigger than any of us expected. It’s certainly wonderful to be here and certainly a thrill. {Sgt Peppers nod]
Thank you very much, especially all the rock and rollers, especially Little Richard, it’s all his fault really.
Ringo: And don’t forget Muhammad Ali!
We won’t forget Muhammad Ali , he picked us up in Miami beach one day, Anyway, thank you all very much And on behalf of John I’m sure he’s well covered here with Yoko, Sean and Julian. Thank you all very much God bless.