Paul McCartney, Yoko Ono Mark 40 Years Since John Lennon Was Killed

On Dec. 8, 1980, the world lost one of music’s greatest souls as John Lennon, a member of the Fab Four and an activist who sought peace and love around the globe, was tragically murdered in New York City.

John Lennon — 40 Years Later

The singer was 40 years old at the time, living in New York City, and was killed outside the archway of The Dakota, where he lived. Fellow Beatle legend Paul McCartney took to social media to mark the somber anniversary.

“A sad sad day but remembering my friend John with the great joy he brought to the world,” McCartney wrote. “I will always be proud and happy to have known and worked with this incredible Scouser! X love Paul.”

Underneath he posted a photo, taken by his late wife Linda McCartney, of the former bandmates in happier days.

Lennon’s wife, Yoko Ono, posted her own emotional reminder on Twitter, showing a graphic of John’s iconic glasses (still in the same state they were when found beside his body), with stats showing that over 1,436,0000 people have been killed by guns in the U.S. since Lennon was shot and killed on that fateful day.

“The death of a loved one is a hollowing experience,” Ono wrote. “After 40 years, Sean, Julian and I still miss him. ‘Imagine all the people living life in peace.’ Yoko Ono Lennon.” John Lennon had son Sean with Ono and Julian with ex-wife, Cynthia.

McCartney and Lennon founded The Beatles in Liverpool back in 1960 and along with George Harrison and Ringo Starr, the Fab Four changed the music industry forever, reaching heights never before seen.

A gifted songwriter, guitarist, and singer, Lennon was responsible for some of the group’s most popular songs, including Strawberry Fields Forever, Across the Universe, and I am the Walrus.

After leaving the Beatles, he went on to a successful solo career and performed with his wife in the Plastic Ono Band.

John Lennon was murdered by Mark David Chapman, who claimed to be a big Beatles fan, upset about Lennon’s lifestyle and public statements, especially his saying the Beatles were “more popular than Jesus.” The music world has missed Lennon’s gift.