John Lennon Remembered on 30th Anniversary of His Death

NEW YORK (CBS/AP) Thirty years ago today, John Lennon was gunned down outside his New York apartment by Mark David Chapman, as he was returning from a recording session. He was 40 years old.

Three decades after his death (and in the same year he would have turned 70 in October), fans and music lovers are paying tribute to the former Beatle.

His wife, Yoko Ono, released a statement on Tuesday, saying, "On this tragic anniversary please join me in remembering John with deep love and respect," Ono said. "In his short lived life of 40 years, he has given so much to the world. The world was lucky to have known him. We still learn so much from him today. John, I love you!"

Fans around the world honored Lennon on the Internet, posting messages and song lyrics on Facebook and Twitter. Others will gather in person, at locations like Strawberry Fields in New York's Central Park, to pay tribute and sing his songs.

Lennon is also being remembered in print. Rolling Stone magazine has published Lennon's final interview in its entirety, in an issue that will hit newsstands on Friday.

While brief excerpts of Jonathan Cott's interview with Lennon were released for a 1980 Rolling Stone cover story days after Lennon's death, this is the first time the entire interview has been published.

"His words are totally joyous and vibrant and hopeful and subversive and fearless," said Cott in an interview on Tuesday. "He didn't mince words."

In the interview, Lennon reflected of what he had accomplished so far in life, and remained committed to his goal of peace and love on earth.

"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," he said.