Tributes have been flowing in for legendary photographer and contributor of The Beatles, Astrid Kirchherr.
The news was revealed on Twitter by Beatles historian Mark Lewisohn, who called Kirchherr “intelligent, inspirational, innovative, daring, artistic, awake, aware, beautiful, smart, loving,” as well as an “uplifting friend to many”.
Astrid Kirchherr was known for taking the first-ever photograph of The Beatles in Hamburg, when they weren’t yet known to the world.
“Her gift to the Beatles was immeasurable,” Lewisohn continued in his post, confirming Kirchherr’s death to have been in Hamburg on May 13th, only a few days short of her 82nd birthday.
Danke schön, Astrid Kirchherr. Intelligent, inspirational, innovative, daring, artistic, awake, aware, beautiful, smart, loving and uplifting friend to many. Her gift to the Beatles was immeasurable. She died in Hamburg on Wednesday, a few days before turning 82. RIP. pic.twitter.com/c8UHNK1tj4
— Mark Lewisohn (@marklewisohn) May 15, 2020
Tributes have been flowing in from the internet, including that of original Beatles members Ringo Star and his drumming predecessor Pete Best, as well as John Lennon’s son Julian.
God bless Astrid a beautiful human being And she took great photos peace and love 😎✌️🌟❤️🎶🎵🍒🥦☮️ pic.twitter.com/fGXqDbz5bW
— #RingoStarr (@ringostarrmusic) May 15, 2020
Happy birthday to life long friend Astrid Kirrcher. A great girl who took my favourite photo ever of a Rock n Roll band. Just happened the band were The Beatles. The original five members. #happybirthday #alongroadtravelled #memoriesshared #thebeatles pic.twitter.com/A2V0Fx7JSo
— Pete Best (@BeatlesPeteBest) May 14, 2020
George Harrison’s wife Olivia paid tribute to the late photographer, writing “Astrid is and was the sweetest woman, so thoughtful and kind and talented, with an eye to capture a soul.”
Astrid is and was the sweetest woman, so thoughtful and kind and talented, with an eye to capture a soul. Our family loved her and none more than George. I am truly saddened but honoured to have known her. Olivia #AstridKirchherr pic.twitter.com/5Dt7OmuGS8
— George Harrison (@GeorgeHarrison) May 15, 2020
Another fun fact about Kirchherr is that she was the person who first suggested that the band should cut their hair into the iconic mop-top style which transcended the fashion of the world.
Tributes continue to flow in, with fans sharing her photographs and referring to her as the “sixth Beatle”.
