Leeds pays tribute to legendary producer George Martin

Sir George Martin at his west country home, as Sir George, the record producer known as the "Fifth Beatle", has died aged 90, e

Known as the Fifth Beatle, Martin played a pivotal role in the band’s career, producing all of their classic hits and albums.

His family confirmed he died peacefully at his home on Tuesday and thanked “everyone for their thoughts, prayers and messages of support”.

Sir Paul McCartney described him as a “true gentleman and like a second father to me”, while Starr praised the producer’s “love and kindness” to the Fab Four through the years.

Sir George Martin, the former Beatles producer, receives an honorary degree from Leeds Metropolitan University

“If anyone earned the title of the Fifth Beatle it was George,” Sir Paul said.

“The world has lost a truly great man who left an indelible mark on my soul and the history of British music. God bless you George and all who sail in you!”

As well producing The Beatles Martin worked on James Bond themes - Shirley Bassey’s Goldfinger and Live And Let Die by Paul McCartney and Wings.

During his career, which spanned seven decades, Sir George won two Ivor Novello awards, six Grammys and in 2008 was the recipient of the Grammy Foundation’s Leadership Award which saluted his humanitarian work. He visited the city in 2006 when he received an honorary degree from Leeds Beckett University/

File photo dated 17/11/06 of Sir George Martin, with his son Giles, promoting the new Beatles 'Love Album' at Abbey Road Studios in London

Sir Paul also recalled his favourite memory of Sir George when he persuaded the former Beatles star to include a string quartet on the band’s classic hit Yesterday.

Ringo broke the news of Sir George’s death on Twitter as he wished “peace and love” to his family.

A statement from George Harrison’s widow Olivia and son Dhani read: “George Martin was a gentleman above all. May he rest in peace. Our thoughts are with Judy & the family at this sad time.”

Sean Ono Lennon, the son of John Lennon and Yoko Ono, posted a picture of Sir George on Instagram with the caption: “R.I.P. George Martin. I’m so gutted I don’t have many words.”

Handout file photo dated 20/11/95, of (from the left) Ringo Starr, Paul McCartney, George Harrison with producer George Martin during recording of a new Beatles song "Free As A Bird'.

Ian De-Whytell, owner of Crash Records in Leeds city centre, told the YEP: “An absolute legend of music that we have lost”,

“Another really sad passing of someone who os one of music’s biggest legends.

“The wonderful work that he did with The Beatles, well not just the Beatles, will live on forever.

“It’s very difficult to imagine The Beatles without George Martin and George Martin without The Beatles.

“The legacy that is left by him is just absolutely the most incredible body of work arguably in music.

“It came as a bit of a shock, but I suppose at 90 years old it’s not a shock in the same sense that David Bowie was, but still a very sad moment to see that somebody of such huge importance in the history of music in the UK has passed on.”

Simon White, bassist in Leeds-band Kaiser Chiefs tweeted simply: “Thanks for all the tunes Sir.”