Sad news this morning out of England where we’re seeing reports that music producer and “fifth Beatle” George Martin has passed away at age 90.
Ringo Starr was the first to announce the news on Twitter:
God bless George Martin peace and love to Judy and his family love Ringo and Barbara George will be missed xxx ?✌️??☮
— #RingoStarr (@ringostarrmusic) March 9, 2016
And Paul McCartney later posted a statement on his website:
I’m so sad to hear the news of the passing of dear George Martin. I have so many wonderful memories of this great man that will be with me forever. He was a true gentleman and like a second father to me. He guided the career of The Beatles with such skill and good humour that he became a true friend to me and my family. If anyone earned the title of the fifth Beatle it was George. From the day that he gave The Beatles our first recording contract, to the last time I saw him, he was the most generous, intelligent and musical person I’ve ever had the pleasure to know.
The rest here:
More condolences and memories from around Twitter:
https://twitter.com/flea333/status/707435817644498944
Fuck. This one hurts. RIP to my favorite producer of all time hands down George Martin.
— WATERS (@thisisWATERS) March 9, 2016
R.I.P. George Martin. I'm so gutted I don't have many words. Thinking of Judy and Giles and… https://t.co/3Nc8sCgRpN
— Sean Ono Lennon (@seanonolennon) March 9, 2016
The legends are really going home! Visionary producer of #TheBeatles, George Martin (1926-2016). pic.twitter.com/X8sVf9iNQ7
— Lenny Kravitz (@LennyKravitz) March 9, 2016
My favorite George Martin quote, from Hollywood Bowl liner notes, about his daughter & the Bay City Rollers. pic.twitter.com/ExUP4xA2az
— Mark Halperin (@MarkHalperin) March 9, 2016
Every time I record at abbey road I geek out and play with the mics sir George Martin used. What an ear, what a life, what a legacy.
— josh groban (@joshgroban) March 9, 2016
https://twitter.com/jackantonoff/status/707441800429096961
Sir George Martin RIP LG x
— Liam Gallagher (@liamgallagher) March 9, 2016
RIP George Martin. If the rest of us could all have such a shepherd for our works, the world might just make sense. https://t.co/ui6B4BIpqd
— David Simon (@AoDespair) March 9, 2016
RIP Sir George Martin.
The 5th Beatle, producer extraordinaire & a musical genius. pic.twitter.com/Gj0IfYuuLK— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) March 9, 2016
https://twitter.com/MPenn/status/707433604318629894
Sean Lennon and Ringo saying the great George Martin has passed away. https://t.co/k1sBH6Y9B5
— Terry O'Reilly (@terryoinfluence) March 9, 2016
George Martin was not a producer …
George Martin was THE producer ..#RIPGeorgeMartin https://t.co/Vw9VKVXAd8
— Zach Myers (@ZMyersOfficial) March 9, 2016
Sorry to hear George Martin has passed away.
He is the very reason why The Beatles sound as good as they do.— Rob Smith (@robsmithireland) March 9, 2016
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