For those who don’t know what an icon John Lennon was, all they would have to do was look at the scenes around New York City and the world both on Dec. 8, 1980, and in the hours and days that followed.
As hard as it is to believe, Tuesday marks the 40th anniversary of Lennon being shot and killed outside his residence in New York City’s Dakota Apartments.
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A legendary figure of The Beatles, Lennon, as he was walking into the apartment building, was gunned down by Mark David Chapman, a one-time fan who had plotted to kill the musician for months after being angered by what he said were public statements and lifestyle choices made by Lennon.
Ironically, Lennon signed an album for Chapman hours before Chapman returned to the gate of the apartment building and opened fire, after Lennon left his limousine and was walking inside.
News of Lennon’s death was announced live on “Monday Night Football” by Howard Cosell, and both that night and in the days after, Lennon’s fans took to the streets to memorialize him.
It’s a good bet that fans will be visiting the Dakota building and Lennon memorials in New York City throughout Tuesday, but below are some photos expressing the grief, shock and anger many felt on and after that fateful night 40 years ago.
All photos are copyright Getty Images.
