The Beatles producer Sir George Martin has passed away, aged 90.
Lovingly referred to as "The Fifth Beatle", Martin was responsible for confirming the band's record deal in 1962 as well as helping to develop them as a group in their early years. He went on to produce more than 700 records in his lifetime, earning him a knighthood in 1996 before being indoctrinated into the Rock N Roll Hall Of Fame in 1999.
In a statement written by family friend Adam Sharp, they stated, “We can confirm that Sir George Martin passed away peacefully at home yesterday evening, Tuesday 8 March. The family would like to thank everyone for their thoughts, prayers and messages of support…
“In a career that spanned seven decades he was recognised globally as one of music’s most creative talents and a gentleman to the end. The family ask that their privacy be respected at this time.”