JOHN LENNON - ONO PAYS TRIBUTE TO FIFTH BEATLE ASPINALL

LATEST: JOHN LENNON's widow YOKO ONO has paid tribute to the man widely acknowledged as the 'fifth BEATLE', who died on Monday (24Mar08). Neil Aspinall had reportedly been receiving treatment for lung cancer in New York prior to his death In a statement, Ono says, "Neil was an important member of The Beatles family. John loved him. I continued to treasure his wisdom and support in the years after John's passing. "My love and deepest sympathy go to Neil's wife Suzy, and to his children. With love, Yoko Ono Lennon." Aspinall served as road manager and business advisor for the Fab Four over a period of 40 years, and sang backing vocals on the group's hit Yellow Submarine. The 65-year-old continued to look after The Beatles' interests as head of their record label Apple Corps until he stepped down from the post in 2007 to start his own production company.