Just nine days before the 21st anniversary of John Lennon’s death, the youngest Beatle George Harrison lost his long fight with throat and lung cancer, leaving Sir Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr as the only remaining members of the biggest band in history.

Leading the tributes to the man he has known since he was 14 years old, Sir Paul McCartney said, “I am devastated and very, very sad. He was a lovely guy and a very brave man and had a wonderful sense of humour. He is really just my baby brother.” On hearing of George’s death, Sir Paul cancelled his appearance at the Top of the Pops Awards ceremony. Instead, a video tribute to George Harrison’s life and career was shown.

Often spoken of as the “Quiet Beatle”, George was considered to be the glue in the band, frequently acting as peacemaker when arguments broke out. His most famous contributions to the group’s success were Here Comes The Sun, While My Guitar Gently Weeps and Something. But perhaps it was as much his role as mystical mediator which gave him his large and loyal following.

To see more tributes and to read the story of his life check out this week’s HELLO! magazine, on sale now.