John Lennon talked to Rolling Stone on Dec. 5, 1980, just 3 days before he was gunned down,
complained about his critics --saying they were just interested in "dead heroes"--
and talked optimistically about his family and future, musing that he had "plenty of time" to accomplish some of his life goals.
"These critics with the illusions they've created about artists it's like idol worship," he said.
"They only like people when they're on their way up... I cannot be on the way up again.
John Lennon is shown on the cover of the Dec 23, 2010 issue of "Rolling Stone"