I was really sad to hear it. Even though he's been ill for a long time, he continued to make music until the end (the most recent Ringo Starr, Neil Diamond and Red Hot Chili Peppers albums all feature his beautiful keyboard work).

Shamefully enough, there's been lots of petty squabbling over his estate ever since he lapsed into a coma... but I know that it is his enduring enthusiasm for life and music that will be sorely missed by everyone. God bless you, Billy.

Two other recent Beatle-related deaths: Desmond Dekker (name-dropped in "Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da") and Jack Fallon (fiddler on "Don't Pass Me By").

__________________
what do you teach your children about me?
what do you teach your little children about me?
pimp, thug, bling drug lord of the undergrounded kings
how can you be so sure i won't call down the rain?
what do you teach your little children about me?
you point your gun, wait, hide and run. i see it plain