Lennon's last interview to be published

John Lennon's last print interview will finally be published 30 years after he was shot dead.

Rolling Stone is set to run the interview - recorded three days before Lennon was gunned down by disturbed fan Mark Chapman - in its entirety for the first time.

The former Beatle complained about his critics - saying they were just interested in "dead heroes" - and mused that he had "plenty of time" to accomplish his life goals.

Chapman murdered Lennon as the singer returned to his home in the Dakota building in Manhattan on the evening of December 8, 1980.

His fans celebrated his life on Wednesday by visiting Strawberry Fields, the Central Park garden dedicated to his memory, playing his music and placing flowers on a mosaic named after his song Imagine.

Lennon's widow Yoko Ono released a statement saying: "On this tragic anniversary please join me in remembering John with deep love and respect."

"In his short lived life of 40 years, he has given so much to the world. The world was lucky to have known him. We still learn so much from him today. John, I love you!"