LONDON, Nov 30: “Quiet Beatle” George Harrison, a contemplative musician who brought a spiritual touch to the world’s most famous pop group, has died of cancer at the age of 58.

For millions of grieving fans it was the end of an era. Tragedy had hit the Fab Four again: and now there were only two.

“He was a lovely guy and a very brave man and had a wonderful sense of humour. He is really just my baby brother,” said fellow Beatle Paul McCartney outside his London home.

The soft-spoken guitarist Harrison died in Los Angeles, finally overpowered by the disease that consumed his final years. His wife Olivia and son Dhani were at his side when he died on Thursday.

“He died with one thought in mind — love one another,” said long-time family friend Gavin de Becker on Friday.

McCartney, whose wife Linda died of cancer, paid tribute to Harrison’s bravery as death approached. The only other surviving Beatle, Ringo Starr, mourned a “best friend”.

“We will miss George for his sense of love, his sense of music and his sense of laughter,” the Beatles’ drummer said.

Outside the Abbey Road studio where the Beatles recorded most of their very many hits, tearful fans paid tribute to a lost icon and a lost age. They scribbled messages on the wall and laid flowers in tribute, blind to the rain around them.

“He’ll be on my mind today. I’m going home. I’ll light a candle, say a little prayer,” said American Jade Funk.

“Goodbye George, God Bless,” said fellow fan Geraldine Scott.

FLAGS LOWERED: Liverpool, the northern English birthplace of the Beatles, put official flags at half mast. A book of condolence was opened for the guitarist who wrote “All Things Must Pass”.

“There is a hollow feeling over the whole city that will take a long time to go away. It feels like part of the city is missing,” said Stephen Bailey, who runs the Beatles memorabilia shop in Liverpool.—Reuters