Paul McCartney pays sweet tribute to John Lennon with unseen photo to mark 80th birthday

9 October 2020, 15:00 | Updated: 13 October 2020, 15:07

Paul McCartney took to social media to share a poignant snap to pay tribute to the late John Lennon.

The Beatles star wrote a post to his fellow bandmate who would have celebrated his 80th birthday on October 9, 2020.

Sharing a black and white photo of the pair looking at a book, Paul captioned the image: "I love this picture, it reminds me of the bond between us. Happy 80th John. Love Paul. #JohnLennon #LENNON80."

John was shot dead aged 40 in New York in 1980, but his music has continued to be adored around the world.

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Beatles drummer Ringo Starr also remembered his friend John with an Instagram post.

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He posted: "Let’s celebrate John‘s 80th birthday with come together Friday, 9 October I still miss you man peace and love to Yoko Sean and Julian."

John's widow, Yoko Ono, posted a short video showing New York’s Empire State Building lit up in blue, and with a peace sign.

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Yoko captioned the post: "HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOHN! It's lit! The @empirestatebldg is lit up sky blue with a white peace sign - to kick off the celebrations for @JohnLennon's 80th Birthday #JOHNLENNON80."