Sir George Martin, ‘The Fifth Beatle’ passes away aged 90

Sir George Martin, known as ‘The Fifth Beatle’ passed away yesterday at the age of 90. Sir George was the man who signed The Beatles and helped develop The Fab Four into the iconic band that they became.

As well as producing for The Beatles, he helped other major artists over the years such as Jeff Beck, Bernard Cribbins (most notably the comedic 1962 hit ‘Right Said Fred‘) and Cilla Black.

Many people have come out to pay tribute to the producer, with Paul McCartney putting a statement on his website to honour someone he deemed a “dear friend” and a “second father” saying:

“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.”

The news was broken this morning on Twitter by Beatles’ drummer Ringo Starr

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