I'm not claiming divinity. I've never claimed purity of soul. I've never claimed to have the answers to life. I only put out songs and answer questions as honestly as I can... But I still believe in peace, love and understanding. - John Lennon

On the thirty-first anniversary of his death, John Lennon's spirit still soars.

Now that John's a spirit, he has a different effect on people than when he was alive, said Yoko Ono, 78, to the Vancouver Sun during a call from Tokyo. Tonight, musicians will perform to honor her husband who died many years ago and still lives on as one of the greatest musicians in history. There will also be another tribute concert in New York at (Le) Poisson Rouge featuring Steve Forbert and Marshall Crenshaw.

Spirits talk on a pure level and don't get distracted by people saying things like, 'That's nice, but why's he wearing that?' she says in a slightly weary voice that betrays the midnight hour. Of course, it would still be better if John was around.

On Dec. 8, 1980, John Lennon was shot and killed outside of his New York City apartment by crazed fan, Mark David Chapman. I thought by killing him, I would acquire his fame, Chapman said to Barbara Walters.

Lennon was known for his social activism and anti-war rhetoric. He was a praised figure, full of wit and wisdom.

After the Beatles broke up, and Ono gave birth to their son Sean, Lennon was about to start a new chapter in his life with the 1980 album Double-Fantasy. Alas, he was murdered just weeks after the release.

Here is a look at some photos in memory of John Lennon.

John Lennon
John Lennon Flickr via Creative Commons
John Lennon
Mementos and flowers left by fans lay around the Imagine mosaic in the Strawberry Fields section of Central Park on the 30th anniversary of the death of former Beatle John Lennon in New York, December 8, 2010. Reuters
John Lennon
John Lennon Reuters
John Lennon
A original photo showing John Lennon and Yoko Ono printed in The Chicago Tribune on May 27, 1969, is displayed at an exhibition in Buenos Aires, October 4, 2011. The picture is part of Raul Blisniuk's collection of 122 items from the The Beatles that will be auctioned in Buenos Aires on October 13. The memorabilia includes photographs, posters, records, guitars, drawings and original autographs. Reuters
John Lennon
John Lennon Reuters
Celebrities Who Have Reported UFO Sightings
John Lennon married Yoko Ono on March 20, 1969. Wikipedia
John Lennon
John Lennon Rolling Stone
John Lennon
John Lennon was obsessed with food that may have led him to bulimia, according to a new tell all book about rock icons. Flickr via Creative Commons
John Lennon
A drawing a Lennon and Ono displayed in 2001. Reuters
John Lennon
Recording "Give Peace a Chance" during the Bed-In for Peace at the Queen Elizabeth Hotel, Montreal. Wikipedia
John Lennon
John Lennon's Wall in the historical center of Prague. People light candles and write messages on the wall to commemorate his legend. Flickr via Creative Commons
img
John Lennon
John Lennon Reuters
John Lennon
John Lennon Reuters
John Lennon
Mug shot of Lennon's killer, Mark David Chapman. Lennon died on Dec. 8, 1980. Reuters
New York New York