Millions of Beatles fans began marking the 30^th anniversary of John Lennon’s death in the early hours this morning.

The singer would also have turned 70 earlier this year (October 9) had he not been shot dead outside his home in New York on December 8, 1980.

Lennon’s widow, Yoko Ono also paid tribute, saying:  “The world was lucky to have known him. We still learn so much from him today. John, I love you."

Ono will be performing a concert in Japan called Dream Power John Lennon Super Live.

Lennon’s home town of Liverpool is set to stage a vigil for the former Beatle at the recently unveiled Peace and Harmony memorial. There are expected to be hundreds in attendance.

Watch Yoko talking about her late husband, below: