Paul McCartney Remembers How He Found Out John Lennon Had Died

Paul McCartney Remembers How He Found Out John Lennon Had Died

 

Paul McCartney has often reflected on his years with John Lennon, their partnership in The Beatles, and the tragic day when he learned of Lennon’s death. Recently, McCartney shared a detailed account of how he found out about his friend and bandmate’s untimely demise, offering a poignant glimpse into his immediate reactions and the profound impact it had on him.

 

On December 8, 1980, John Lennon was shot and killed outside his apartment in New York City. The news of his death sent shockwaves across the world, and for McCartney, it marked the loss of not just a collaborator but a cherished friend with whom he shared some of the most transformative years of his life.

 

McCartney recounted that he was at home in Sussex, England, when he first heard the news. It was early morning in the UK when he received a call from his then-manager, breaking the devastating news. “I was at home, and I got a phone call. It was early in the morning. It was just so horrific, you couldn’t take it in,” McCartney recalled. “I couldn’t believe it. I still can’t believe it. It was just a shocker.”

 

The initial shock left McCartney numb, struggling to comprehend the reality of Lennon’s murder. “I just remember the silence, hearing the news and feeling this void. It was like the world had just come to a standstill,” he said. “We’d been through so much together, and to have it end like that was just devastating.”

 

McCartney shared that after receiving the call, he was at a loss for what to do next. In a state of disbelief and grief, he went out to clear his mind. “I had to get out, just to get some air and try to make sense of it all. So, I went to the studio. It sounds weird, but that’s what I did. I needed to be somewhere familiar, doing something that felt normal,” he explained.

 

During his drive to the studio, McCartney was swarmed by reporters, eager for his reaction. “The press was there, and they wanted to know how I felt. What could I say? I was shattered. I just said, ‘It’s a drag,’ because I couldn’t express what I was feeling. It was too deep, too personal,” McCartney recalled. His understated response drew criticism at the time, but he has since explained that he was grappling with emotions too complex to articulate.

 

Over the years, McCartney has often reflected on Lennon’s legacy and their unique bond. He emphasized that while they had their differences, their mutual respect and love never wavered. “We were like brothers. Sometimes we fought, sometimes we didn’t see eye to eye, but there was always a deep affection. Losing John was like losing a part of myself,” he said.

 

In the aftermath of Lennon’s death, McCartney found solace in the memories of their time together and the music they created. He often revisits their songs, finding comfort and inspiration in the melodies and lyrics they crafted. “The music is what keeps him alive for me. Whenever I play one of our songs, I feel like he’s still here, still with me,” McCartney shared.

 

Reflecting on the impact Lennon had on his life and the world, McCartney expressed gratitude for the time they shared. “John was an extraordinary person, and I’m grateful for every moment we had. His spirit lives on in the music, and that’s something no one can take away.”

 

As the years pass, McCartney continues to honor Lennon’s memory, ensuring that the legacy of their partnership endures. “John will always be a part of me, and I’ll keep celebrating his life and our friendship through the music we made together,” he concluded.