I can vividly remember hearing the news of John Lennon's death. I was listening to Radio 1 before getting ready to go to school and was just stunned at the announcement. "Who would want to shoot a Beatle?" I thought in my 13-year old innocence. It didn't make any sense back in 1980 and doesn't make much more sense now.
As ever in these cases it's a strange thing to feel sadness at the death of someone you've never met but John was... well, he was John Lennon. He was a Beatle. The band had become so woven into the fabric of our lives that even a decade after their split the Fabs still had a huge importance. And now it's another four decades since even that fateful day and the world still mourns John Winston Ono Lennon.
He was no angel, true - indeed, he was a mass of contradictions, like most great artists - but he was surely one of the greatest songwriters and singers in popular music. And let's not forget John Lennon was also a loving husband and father.
His old bandmate Paul McCartney Tweeted the following today: "A sad sad day but remembering my friend John with the great joy he brought to the world. I will always be proud and happy to have known and worked with this incredible Scouser! x love Paul"
And love, light and peace from us all - RIP John
