Sir Paul McCartney became the last solo Beatle to get a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Thursday.

The singer unveiled the 2,460th star outside the Capitol Records building on Vine Street, where he was rehearsing for a free live iTunes streaming performance of his new album Kisses on the Bottom.

Elvis Costello and McCartney's wife Nancy Shevell were among the familiar faces who joined hundreds of fans for the brief ceremony, but former Beatles bandmate Ringo Starr was a no-show.

During his speech, McCartney explained that Starr was "under the weather" and too ill to attend, but he insisted the drummer remains a "really good friend".

It took 19 years for Macca to get his star - he was first selected for the honour in 1993 but never found the time to set a date for the unveiling, until now.

It's a big week for McCartney - as well as unveiling his star and releasing a new album, he is also celebrating the 48th anniversary of the Beatles' famous 1964 performance on America's The Ed Sullivan Show.

He will also perform at the Grammy Awards on Sunday.