John Lennon said he didn't want to become a "dead hero" three days before his death.
The singer, songwriter and peace activist said how he had no desire to die before his time on December 5 1980, three days before he was assassinated by a crazed fan outside his home in New York, 30 years ago today (12-08-10).
Speaking out against fans and those who criticized him for taking a five year break from music in his last print interview, John told Rolling Stone: "What they want is dead heroes, like Sid Vicious and James Dean. I'm not interested in being a dead f***ing hero..."
Download a podcast of the interview via iTunes.
John Lennon: The Rolling Stone Interviews By Rolling Stone
