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Paul McCartney Reflects on John Lennon's Tragic Death 45 Years Later
4 Nov
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
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.
The book also touches on McCartney's efforts to make amends with Lennon before his death, following the public breakup of the Beatles in 1970. While they had arguments that included "name-calling," McCartney is grateful that their final phone call was amicable and didn't end in a "blow-up." He calls this reconciliation "one of the great blessings" in his life.
