John Lennon 31st Death Anniversary: Remembering a Legend [PHOTOS]

By Cavan Sieczkowski | December 08 2011 1:59 PM

Photo: Flickr via Creative Commons

John Lennon

John Lennon died 31 years ago today. He is one of the most popular artists in the history of music. But fame was not his life's purpose. "It was like being in the eye of a hurricane. You'd wake up in a concert and think, Wow, how did I get here?"

Photo: Reuters

John Lennon

Mementos and flowers left by fans lay around the Imagine mosaic in the Strawberry Fields section of Central Park on the 30th anniversary of the death of former Beatle John Lennon in New York, December 8, 2010.

Photo: Reuters

John Lennon

John Lennon Wall in Prague, displaying an array of colorful artwork. The collage of images is relative to Lennon's life and impact on the world. "Image" will remain one of the most powerful songs of all time.

Photo: Reuters

John Lennon

A original photo showing John Lennon and Yoko Ono printed in The Chicago Tribune on May 27, 1969, is displayed at an exhibition in Buenos Aires, October 4, 2011. The picture is part of Raul Blisniuk's collection of 122 items from the The Beatles that will be auctioned in Buenos Aires on October 13. The memorabilia includes photographs, posters, records, guitars, drawings and original autographs.

Photo: Reuters

John Lennon

Glasses worn by John Lennon. These glasses have since become a fashion statement. They can be seen on the likes of Lady Gaga and Mary-Kate Olsen.

Photo: Wikipedia

John Lennon

John Lennon married Yoko Ono on March 20, 1969. "Love is the answer, and you know that for sure; Love is a flower, you've got to let it grow."

Photo: Rolling Stone

John Lennon

Posing for the cover of Rolling Stone magazine with Yoko Ono. The cover shot was supposed to only include Lennon, but he insisted Ono be in it with him. Shot by famed photographer Annie Leibovitz, this issue was released soon after Lennon's death on Jan. 22, 1981. The couple first appeared naked on the first anniversary issue of the magazine. That issue was the first one to ever completely sell out on newsstands.

Photo: Flickr via Creative Commons

John Lennon

John Lennon quoted, "I believe in everything until it's disproved. So I believe in fairies, the myths, dragons. It all exists, even if it's in your mind. Who's to say that dreams and nightmares aren't as real as the here and now?"

Photo: Reuters

John Lennon

A drawing a Lennon and Ono displayed in 2001. "Surrealism had a great effect on me because then I realised that the imagery in my mind wasn't insanity. Surrealism to me is reality."

Photo: Wikipedia

John Lennon

Recording "Give Peace a Chance" during the Bed-In for Peace at the Queen Elizabeth Hotel, Montreal.

Photo: Flickr via Creative Commons

John Lennon

John Lennon's Wall in the historical center of Prague. People light candles and write messages on the wall to commemorate his legend.

Photo: Flickr via Creative Commons

Three ever time records on the markets today

Three worlds records or ever time high today. Is today the black Friday or just the start of the world economy crisis? On the market this morning there are three new records. The record level of EURUSD that is in progress at the moment as still is not known where will stop at 1.4370, 1.44 or 1.50. The second the oil prices so fast break above $90 that this level $90 is so low as many investors will buy for the expecting jump to $100. At the moment the Light Crude Oil in New York is at $92 and it seems would not stop easy. $100 for the barrel forecasting for the New Year probably will happen earlier and for the New Year and the start of 2008 the Crude Oil will be trading at $105-$110. The third all time record on the markets today is the Gold at $778 and is in progress for levels above the psychological level of $800.

Photo: Reuters

John Lennon

John Lennon's son, Sean Lennon. He is a musician himself and a social activist. In October, Sean joined the Occupy Wall Street movement to support the protesters.

Photo: Reuters

John Lennon

Lennon's Manhattan apartment at the Dakota Hotel, the place of his murder. Lennon was shot from behind five times by a crazed fan.

Photo: Reuters

John Lennon

Mug shot of Lennon's killer, Mark David Chapman. Lennon died on Dec. 8, 1980.

I'm not claiming divinity. I've never claimed purity of soul. I've never claimed to have the answers to life. I only put out songs and answer questions as honestly as I can... But I still believe in peace, love and understanding. - John Lennon

On the thirty-first anniversary of his death, John Lennon's spirit still soars.

Now that John's a spirit, he has a different effect on people than when he was alive, said Yoko Ono, 78, to the Vancouver Sun during a call from Tokyo. Tonight, musicians will perform to honor her husband who died many years ago and still lives on as one of the greatest musicians in history. There will also be another tribute concert in New York at (Le) Poisson Rouge featuring Steve Forbert and Marshall Crenshaw.

Spirits talk on a pure level and don't get distracted by people saying things like, 'That's nice, but why's he wearing that?' she says in a slightly weary voice that betrays the midnight hour. Of course, it would still be better if John was around.

On Dec. 8, 1980, John Lennon was shot and killed outside of his New York City apartment by crazed fan, Mark David Chapman. I thought by killing him, I would acquire his fame, Chapman said to Barbara Walters.

Lennon was known for his social activism and anti-war rhetoric. He was a praised figure, full of wit and wisdom.

After the Beatles broke up, and Ono gave birth to their son Sean, Lennon was about to start a new chapter in his life with the 1980 album Double-Fantasy. Alas, he was murdered just weeks after the release.

Here is a look at some photos in memory of John Lennon.