John Lennon's Hollywood Walk of Fame star has mysteriously disappeared in Los Angeles.
According to reports this weekend, the brass star is missing from the pavement where it has been on display for more than 20 years.
In a city sorely lacking in Beatles landmarks, Lennon's shiny sidewalk star was an important destination for many Beatles pilgrims. Now, at the spot where Fab Four fans have posed and Rolling Stones fans have spat, there is just an "empty outline of a star," LAist reports, "covered up with a trash-bag".
Lennon's Walk of Fame star was dedicated on 30 September, 1988, at a patch of asphalt near 1750 Vine Street. While the Beatles have their own star, Lennon was the first mop-top to get solo recognition, followed by George Harrison's posthumous recognition in April 2009. Ringo Starr is also set to receive a plaque on 8 February, as part of the Walk's 50th anniversary celebration.
It's Ringo who may in fact be responsible for Lennon's missing honour. Though thieves may have made off with it, or cleaners may be polishing it, the Walk of Fame may also be moving things around when Starr's star is added. Perhaps the Beatles – minus Paul – will rest together on a single street corner.
Attempts to contact the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce regarding the missing star have so far yielded "zero information", according to LAist. "It seems the only person in the office who knows what's going on with the Walk of Fame is on vacation until 4 January," they explained. If Lennon were still alive, he would have organised a protest bed-in.
© Guardian