Paul McCartney pays tribute to 'second father' George Martin

George Martin Credit: Reuters

Paul McCartney has written a lengthy tribute to the late George Martin, the music producer who took a chance on the Beatles and guided the Fab Four to global stardom.

McCartney, 73, describes Martin as a "true gentleman" and said that the London-born pop impresario, who died yesterday aged 90, was "like a second father" to him.

He also recalls how Martin was behind the haunting string quartet in the band's 1965 hit Yesterday, making it one of the first pop songs to use elements of classical music.

Paul McCartney and George Martin in 1997 Credit: PA

Paul McCartney's tribute in full: