The former Beatle, George Harrison, has died after a long battle with cancer. The 58-year-old died yesterday at a friend's home in Los Angeles. Mr Harrison's wife, Olivia, and his 24-year-old son Dhani where both with him when he died.
George Harrison announced that he had throat cancer in 1998. He was treated for lung cancer in May. However, he denied, in July of this year, that he was losing his battle against the disease, saying that he was "feeling very well".
A statement released by George Harrison's family reads: "He left this world as he lived in it, conscious of God, fearless of death, and at peace, surrounded by family and friends".
Fellow Beatle Paul McCartney said that he was devastated by George Harrison's death. "We knew he'd been ill for a long time. He was a lovely guy and a very brave man and had a wonderful sense of humour," he said. Speaking to the BBC, Paul McCartney added that Harrison would be "sorely missed by everyone".
Paying tribute to George Harrison, Yoko Ono said: "George has given so much to us in his lifetime and continues to do so even after his passing, with his music, his wit and his wisdom." She added: "Thank you George, it was grand knowing you."
Flags are flying at half-mast in Liverpool to mark the passing of one its sons. Harrison was awarded the freedom of the city in 1984.
Liverpool Lord Mayor Gerry Scott said to the Reuters news agency: "George Harrison was once of the great Liverpudlians. He was a warm, peace-loving man who was much more than just a talented musician".
Mr Scott added that a memorial service is being planned to mark his "exceptional and gifted life". A book of condolence has been opened at council offices.
Paying tribute to George Harrison, An Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said: "It is sad, and I think they contributed so much to music and they're probably nearly as popular now 30 years later as they were then. It is regrettable and I'm sure a lot of people this morning will feel very sad".
George Harrison is the second Beatle to die. John Lennon was murdered by a crazed fan in 1980. Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr are still alive.
While he was overshadowed by Paul McCartney and John Lennon during his time with the Beatles, Harrison was responsible for the Beatles' hits "While my guitar gently weeps", "Here comes the sun" and "Something".
George Harrison was the first of the Fab Four to score a solo number one. "My Sweet Lord" from the album "All Things Must Pass" topped the charts in 1970.
While he continued to record into the 1970s, Harrison also branched into film production. His company, Handmade Films, was responsible for cult films such as Monty Python's "The Life of Brian" and "Withnail and I".
Harrison's life was threatened in 1999 when a stalker broke into his English country home and stabbed him, puncturing a lung.
