“Fifth Beatle” George Martin Has Died Aged 90

Legendary Beatles producer, George Martin, has passed away aged 90. George, who was nicknamed the "fifth Beatle", gave the iconic band their first record deal and worked extensively with them throughout their career. The Liverpool quartet had been turned down by every record company they approached, however when Martin heard their demo in 1962, he knew he had found something special. Love Me Do was the band's first single and reached number four in October 1962, and the rest is history. As recently as 2006, Martin produced the Love album with his son Giles, a re-working of the band's songs. Ringo Starr took to Twitter today to confirm the sad news:

Thank you for all your love and kindness George peace and love xx?✌️??pic.twitter.com/um2hRFB7qF

— #RingoStarr (@ringostarrmusic) March 9, 2016

Meanwhile tributes have poured in for the music great.

R.I.P. George Martin. I'm so gutted I don't have many words. Thinking of Judy and Giles and family. Love Always, Sean

A photo posted by Sean Ono Lennon (@sean_ono_lennon) on Mar 8, 2016 at 9:06pm PST

The legends are really going home! Visionary producer of #TheBeatles, George Martin (1926-2016). pic.twitter.com/X8sVf9iNQ7

— Lenny Kravitz (@LennyKravitz) March 9, 2016

Sir George Martin RIP LG x

— Liam Gallagher (@liamgallagher) March 9, 2016

Every time I record at abbey road I geek out and play with the mics sir George Martin used. What an ear, what a life, what a legacy.

— josh groban (@joshgroban) March 9, 2016

RIP Sir George Martin.
The 5th Beatle, producer extraordinaire & a musical genius. pic.twitter.com/Gj0IfYuuLK

— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) March 9, 2016

Sir George Martin was a giant of music - working with the Fab Four to create the world's most enduring pop music.

— David Cameron (@David_Cameron) March 9, 2016