Photo: Galella/WireImage
On December 8th, 1980, Annie Leibovitz photographed John Lennon and Yoko Ono at what would become the Beatle’s last-ever photo session. Hours later, he was shot and killed outside his New York City apartment building at the age of 40. One of the images from that final shoot became the iconic cover of our January 22, 1981 issue.
As we remember Lennon today, on the 29th anniversary of his untimely death, his music is perhaps more alive than ever: thanks to the digital remastering of the Beatles’ full catalog and the release of The Beatles: Rock Band, a new generation is discovering Lennon anew.
Earlier this year, Rolling Stone investigated the Beatles’ last days with a fresh look at the demise of the world’s greatest group. Flip through an illustrated guide to the band’s breakup and read writer Mikal Gilmore’s thoughts about the Fab Four’s fall, along with the rest of our essential Beatles coverage here.
Celebrate Lennon’s immeasurable contributions to rock history by looking back at all our special interviews and photos:
• Photos: John Lennon’s NYC Years
• Hear John Lennon’s historic 1970 interview
• The Rolling Stone Interview: John Lennon, Part 1
• The Rolling Stone Interview: John Lennon, Part 2
• The Immortals: John Lennon
• 50 Moments That Changes Rock and Roll: The Death of John Lennon
Article Source: Rolling Stone : Rock and Roll Daily