MILLIONS OF FANS AROUND THE WORLD ARE REMEMBERING JOHN LENNON ON WHAT IS THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF HIS DEATH.

Fans Mark 30th Anniversary Of Lennon's Death

4:21am UK, Wednesday December 08, 2010

Lulu Sinclair, Sky News Online

Millions of fans around the world are remembering John Lennon on what is the 30th anniversary of his death.

John Lennon as part of the Fab Four in the Beatles' heyday

The former Beatle was shot dead in front of his wife outside the Dakota building in New York, two months after his 40th birthday.

Leading the tributes, his wife Yoko Ono asked for Lennon to be remembered "with deep love and respect".

The world was still learning from his messages of peace, she said.

"In his short-lived life of 40 years, he has given so much to the world," she said.

"The world was lucky to have known him. We still learn so much from him today."

The musician was killed shortly after his 40th birthday

The focus of the memorials in the UK will be in Liverpool, where hundreds of people are expected to attend a vigil, with local musicians leading the wellwishers and Beatles' fans as they celebrate the life of one of city's best-loved sons.

They will gather in the evening to light candles and sing songs around the Peace and Harmony monument in Chavasse Park, unveiled earlier this year by Lennon's former wife Cynthia and their son, Julian, and dedicated to the singer.

Lennon's half-sister Julia Baird said: "This will be a very emotional evening, not only for our family, but I'm sure it will be a very special night for the other performers on stage and for the audience, as we all unite in our love for John and his wonderful, immortal music."

Jerry Goldman from The Beatles Story, a museum dedicated to the band, said: "Although the monument has only been on public display for just over a month it's already taken on a global significance of its own.

"People from all over the world are coming to the city to pay their respects and consider Lennon's message of peace through his music.

"The city is very excited that we finally have a focal point at which to remember Lennon and look forward to a vigil that will reach out to people the world over."

Fans on the other side of the Atlantic are expected to remember Lennon.

They will pay their respects at the Strawberry Fields memorial garden in Central Park, directly opposite the spot where he was gunned down by Mark Chapman, who remains in jail.