The singer David Bowie, Freddie Mercury, and Keith Richards fell in love with: “The very best”

David Bowie, Freddie Mercury and Keith Richards all admired John Lennon for different reasons, viewing him as an influential musician and a remarkable presence. Their comments suggest Lennon’s importance lay not only in his songs, but in his ability to turn unusual ideas into popular music.

Mercury called Lennon “the greatest” and said his strengths could not be measured against another artist’s. Bowie described him as a major influence who made unconventional ideas work for a mass audience, while Richards recalled spending time with him and praised his spirit. Richards also reflected on Lennon’s death, saying he did not deserve to be killed.