Photo by Linda McCartney via @paulmccartney on IG


40 years ago today – Dec. 8, 1980 – John Lennon was shot outside of the Dakota in New York City. He died later that night. He was 40 years old.

Naturally, Lennon’s former bandmates/creative collaborators have spent some of today reflecting on his passing, most notably fellow Beatles Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr.

“A sad sad day but remembering my friend John with the great joy he brought to the world,” McCartney wrote via Twitter, alongside a photo of the iconic songwriting duo. “I will always be proud and happy to have known and worked with this incredible Scouser!”

(In 1980, McCartney was scorned for his first public statement after Lennon’s death – “It’s a drag” – but he later clarified the statement was made out of shock, not callousness.)  

Added Ringo, “Tuesday, 8 December 1980 we all had to say goodbye to John peace and love John. I’m asking Every music radio station in the world sometime today play Strawberry Fields Forever. Peace and love. [sic.]”

Lennon’s sons Julian and Sean also posted photos of their late father.

Check out tributes to Lennon below: