Happy birthday, John Lennon

Scotti Boettner lights candles as fans gather outside the Capitol Records building to celebrate John Lennon’s birthday. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Oct. 9, 2012 10:39 PM PT

Fans of all ages gather at John Lennon’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame to celebrate his music and his life. Read Nita Lelyveld’s City Beat: John Lennon’s 72nd birthday brings fans to his Hollywood star

Radio disc jockey Chris Carter lights two candles on a birthday cake as dozens of fans gather outside the Capitol Records building to celebrate John Lennon’s 72nd birthday. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Romero of Brazil shows off his John Lennon tattoo as he joins dozens of fans outside the Capitol Records building to celebrate the late John Lennon’s birthday. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Fans offer birthday wishes on a big card outside the Capitol Records building on John Lennon’s birthday. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Sienna Niniz, left, and Cielo Carrillo sing “Across the Universe,” along with dozens of other fans outside the Capitol Records building on John Lennon’s birthday. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)