All those years ago ...

It was close to midnight on Dec. 8, 1980, when John Lennon was gunned down by Mark David Chapman.

Chapman shot Lennon four times in the back as the former Beatle was entering the Dakota apartment building.

Ironically, Lennon had autographed a copy of his album, "Double Fantasy," for Chapman earlier in the day.

It's hard to believe that event took place nearly 30 years ago.

After he was shot, Lennon was rushed to the Roosevelt Hospital, but was pronounced dead on arrival at 11:07 p.m.

ABC sports anchor Howard Cosell officially made the announcement during a Monday Night Football broadcast. As the game between the Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots was unfolding, this is what Cosell said:

"Yes, we have to say it. Remember this is just a football game, no matter who wins or loses. An unspeakable tragedy confirmed to us by ABC News in New York City: John Lennon, outside of his apartment building on the West Side of New York City, the most famous, perhaps, of all of The Beatles, shot twice in the back, rushed to Roosevelt Hospital, dead on arrival."

It was also interesting that Lennon had appeared only six years earlier on a Monday Night Football broadcast as the Washington Redskins knocked off the Los Angeles Rams. Cosell interviewed Lennon during that game.

Lennon was arguably the mastermind behind The Beatles. His life was taken abruptly for absolutely no reason.

Chapman had been stalking Lennon for approximately three months before gunning him down.

He eventually pleaded guilty to second degree murder and was sentenced to 20 years to life in prison.

He is still in prison and has repeatedly been denied parole.

Oddly enough, only two days before his murder, Lennon -- in an interview with the BBC -- said he felt he could go anywhere in New York City and feel safe.

While still with The Beatles, Lennon -- again in an interview -- was asked how he might die, to which he replied, "I'll probably be popped off by some loony."