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2021 Grammy Awards ceremony includes surprise Ringo Starr appearance, Eddie Van Halen tribute

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MondayMar152021

Cliff Lipson/CBS ©2021 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.Classic-rock moments were few and far between at the 2021 Grammy Awards on Sunday night, but the evening did end with surprise appearance by one of the world's most famous living rock legends…Ringo Starr.

The former Beatles drummer took the stage to present the final Grammy, for Record of the Year.

"If you're making music in our world today, you've already won. And I thank you," the 80-year-old icon commented before cracking open the envelope and presenting the award to alternative-pop sensation Billie Eilish.

Earlier in the ceremony, Eddie Van Van Halen received a brief tribute during the "In Memoriam" segment. The homage featured an archival clip of the late guitar legend playing a solo as a spotlight shone on his signature "Frankenstrat" guitar, which was displayed on the stage. The segment also included a live tribute to late rock 'n' roll pioneer Little Richard by pop star Bruno Mars.

Meanwhile, at the Grammy Awards Premiere Ceremony, which was held during the afternoon prior to the primetime event, among the winners was the Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice documentary, in the Best Music Film category.

In addition, producer Andrew Watt, whose credits include Ozzy Osbourne's recent solo album, Ordinary Man, was awarded the Producer of the Year, Non-Classical honor.

Visit Grammy.com to check out the full winners list.

By Matt Friedlander
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