John Lennon's Star Disappears From Hollywood Walk of Fame

Does the rock world have a whodunit on its hands? John Lennon's Hollywood Walk of Fame star has vanished without explanation. In place of the monument, which was first dedicated to the late Beatle in September 1988 and was located at 1750 Vine Street, is a black plastic trash bag covering the area and a street easel belonging to the City of Los Angeles' Department of Public Works.

Lennon fans posting on the Beatlestweets site and the LAist first caught wind of the star's disappearance over the weekend, prompting Fab Four disciples and the Guardian alike to ponder whether the landmark had been stolen, damaged by vandals or merely relocated by L.A. city workers. Whatever the reason, it certainly didn't evaporate.

Some speculate that Lennon's star is being restored based on the belief that it will be given renewed focus when drummer Ringo Starr gets his very own plaque on February 8th. Or, perhaps, the powers that be intend to put the stars of Lennon, Starr, the late George Harrison and Paul McCartney in celebration of the Walk's 50th anniversary in 2010.

The LAist managed to get in touch with the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce about the missing star, but it yielded what the publication called "zero information." According to that report, "It seems the only person in the office who knows what's going on with the Walk of Fame is on vacation until Jan. 4."