What did Paul McCartney say about learning of John Lennon's death?

Paul McCartney described learning of John Lennon's 1980 assassination as a "horrific moment" that he "couldn't take in" and still hasn't fully processed.

How did the Beatles members respond after hearing about Lennon's death?

According to McCartney, he and other Beatles bandmates Ringo Starr and George Harrison went to the studio to "just had to keep going" and be with people they knew after hearing the news.

What did Paul McCartney say about reconciling with John Lennon before his death?

McCartney is grateful that he and Lennon were able to have an amicable final phone call before Lennon's death, calling it "one of the great blessings" in his life despite their past arguments.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Paul McCartney Reflects on John Lennon's Tragic Death 45 Years Later

Paul McCartney Reflects on John Lennon's Tragic Death 45 Years Later

4 Nov

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Summary

Paul McCartney discovered Lennon's death from his manager in 1980
McCartney and other Beatles bandmates went to the studio to "keep going"
McCartney grateful for final amicable call with Lennon before his death

Paul McCartney Reflects on John Lennon's Tragic Death 45 Years Later

In November 2025, Paul McCartney, now 83 years old, is reflecting on the tragic death of his former Beatles bandmate John Lennon. In his new book "Wings: The Story of a Band on the Run," McCartney recounts the fateful day in December 1980 when he learned of Lennon's assassination by Mark David Chapman in New York City.

McCartney says he received the news from his manager early that morning, describing it as "just too crazy" and comparing it to the "same horrific moment" as the assassination of John F. Kennedy Jr. in 1963. He admits he still hasn't fully processed Lennon's death, writing, "You couldn't take it in. I still haven't taken it in. I don't want to."

Despite the heartbreak, McCartney and his other Beatles bandmates Ringo Starr and George Harrison didn't want to stay home after hearing the news. Instead, they went to the studio to "just had to keep going" and be with people they knew. McCartney says this "shock" fueled him to do a full day's work.