Beatles photographer Astrid Kirchherr dies aged 81

Innovative German artist recorded group’s rise to fame after seeing them play in Hamburg

Astrid Kirchherr, the photographer whose shots of the Beatles helped turn them into icons, has died aged 81.

The Beatles writer Mark Lewisohn confirmed the news on Twitter, posting: “Intelligent, inspirational, innovative, daring, artistic, awake, aware, beautiful, smart, loving and uplifting friend to many. Her gift to the Beatles was immeasurable.”