Paul McCartney (L) and John Lennon, 1965.Photo:CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images

Members of the British rock band The Beatles, Paul McCartney (left) and John Lennon (1940 - 1980), sing into a microphone as they play their instruments at the taping of a segment for ‘Toast of the Town,’ the CBS variety program hosted by Ed Sullivan, New York

CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images

Paul McCartneyis honoring his late bandmate and friend,John Lennon.

On Monday, the English singer-songwriter paid tribute to theBeatlesicon on what would have been his 83rd birthday.

“Celebrating the birthday of my wonderful friend and collaborator,@johnlennon,” McCartney, 81,wrote on Instagram, signing off with “Paul,” and a black heart emoji.

Alongside the caption, he shared ablack-and-white photoof himself on stage with an image of Lennon smiling behind him on a large screen, wearing his signature round spectacles.

The two are known as one of the greatest songwriting duos of all time having penned classic hits such as “Can’t Buy Me Love” and “I Want to Hold Your Hand.”

Peace activist Lennon died after being shot outside his Manhattan apartment on Dec. 8, 1980, at the age of 40. He left behind his wife,Yoko Ono,and two young sons, Julian Lennon, now 60, and Sean Lennon, 48 — along with millions of mourning fans around the world.

During an interview withSiriusXM’s The Beatles Channelin December 2022, McCartney shared the grief he experienced after Lennon’s death.

“When John died, it was so difficult,” McCartney told hostTom Frangione. “It was difficult for everyone in the world because he was such a loved character and such a crazy guy. He was so special.”

He said that Lennon’s death hit him so hard, “that I couldn’t really talk about it.”

Paul McCartney and John Lennon on the set of The Ed Sullivan Show.Getty Images

Paul McCartney and John Lennon hold their guitars while on the set of The Ed Sullivan Show

Getty Images

“I couldn’t put it into words,” he added.

The Beatles, May 1967.Jeff Hochberg/Getty Images

John Lennon (1940-1980), English singer, songwriter and bassist Paul McCartney, English musician, singer and drummer Ringo Starr and English musician, singer, songwriter and guitarist George Harrison (1943-2001) of the Beatles attend a press party at the home of manager Brian Epstein supporting the release of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, May 19, 1967

Jeff Hochberg/Getty Images

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Lennon shared the same birthday as his son Sean, who re-posted throwback photos from fans on his Instagram Stories on Monday. One touching snap featured the pair blowing out candles together when Sean was a toddler.

source: people.com