Talk of the Town

By Marty

December 7, 2005 04:44 PM | Link to this

I was 8 years old when John Lennon was killed.I found out the next day from my 6th grade teacher who had been crying.I asked her what was wroung when she told me.The rest of the day we listend to The Beatles White album.I think John was the coolest of all The Beatles!!

By Terry

December 7, 2005 04:56 PM | Link to this

There was a special on Lennon the other night, I think it was on PBS, where John and some friends were discussing how a song he was writing should be played. He explained how it should rise and fall and the beat. Yoko was standing by and said it should be something else and he changed everything solely on her comments. Yoko Ono killed Lennon’s creative spirit as much as she killed the Beatles.

By bking1537

December 7, 2005 05:26 PM | Link to this

A lot of times, I think John deferred to Yoko (especially when cameras were running) rather than get into an argument.

By Stephanie

December 7, 2005 05:41 PM | Link to this

I remember stumbling out of bed at 7:00 a.m., switching on the “Today” show and first hearing the news. I remember staring dumbfounded at the TV until I was almost late for work. It wasn’t until a little later when I heard “Imagine” on the car radio - it finally hit me, and I burst into tears. My childhood era was officially over.

By Ramble On

December 7, 2005 05:45 PM | Link to this

Terry,

Not to defend Yoko, but John’s creative sprit was never killed, while in the Beatles or solo. Some of his greatest songs were his solo efforts. The jerk (not to mention his name to make him famous)that killed Lennon, deprived the world of some of the greatest song’s yet to be wrote, and perhaps/probably a Beatles reunion before George’s passing.

By CK Hall

December 7, 2005 05:49 PM | Link to this

It is sad that your story about John Lennon took precedence over Pearl Harbor day!

By Kevin

December 7, 2005 06:12 PM | Link to this

It was on a Monday night and I had just gone to bed when my wife yelled out that they had just had a news release that John had been shot.

Being fiftyish, The Beatles defined my generation’s music. I still love to listen to them. Especially, the Anthology CD’s where you can hear them at work on the songs. The Beatles really loved making music.

You can tell a song written by Paul from one written by John. But I believe that they helped to create something better in their collaboration than what they could have done on their own.

By JW

December 7, 2005 07:55 PM | Link to this

I was just out of High School and attending my first year of college when I heard the news. I grew up listening to the Beatles music coming through the walls of my sisters bedrooms. The Beatles and John seemed to be a constant part of my life as a child and into early adulthood. I was absolutely stunned and could not move for what seemed like an eternity as the news unfolded. He believed in the potential of the human spirit. It’s been 25 years and I miss him still.

By Lyza

December 7, 2005 08:01 PM | Link to this

I was living in Wisconsin at the time of John’s death and two months later found myself in NYC. I made a point to walk to the Dakota to pay my respects. Unfortunately, the experience was not as I expected. It not comforting and cathartic to be there but rather errie and unnerving. One of the guards on duty (they were now armed private security dressed in the building uniform; no longer passive regular door men) stepped forward to ask me if I had a reason to hang around and I began to cry. I explained that I was visiting the city and only wanted to pay my respects. His demeanor changed markedly and I was told I could stay as long as I wished. The spell had been broken, however, and I moved on.

Two years later, I was back in NY making a run at the music business myself and I happened to hook up with George Small, John’s last keyboard player and part of the band working on his last two albums, now producer. He told me that they all thought John a genius and that Yoko was rarely in the studio with them. She always arrived with lunch or dinner, usually catered in from a local restaurant, but left afterward. He brightened when she arrived but was all music after she left.

George said that he spent weeks in shock after John was killed before it hit him that the records, the tour, the stardom and income that the entire band had been looking forward to was now gone. Initially, they were all numb about losing their friend, but soon it was replace with the reality that they also lost, for many of them, their only chance at the Big Time. I don’t think George ever got over it. I know I never have.

By John

December 7, 2005 09:15 PM | Link to this

I was in the Air Force on swing shift assembling an F16 aircraft jet engine when the news flash hit the airwaves on a cold December night in Utah. I stopped the assembly, sat down on the maintenance stand and just stared out into the frigid flight line. My thoughts were like others. That it just can’t be. Past memories filled my head, one in particular about folding Sunday papers to earn enough money to buy their next album. Peace out brother John. Someday I’ll catch up with ya to jam with our Fender’s.

By Rick

December 7, 2005 11:07 PM | Link to this

Days come and days go without a rememberance of what happened during the day, but that day stands out as I awoke to my radio at 6am on the morning after and the first thing I heard was the announcement of Lennon’s death. I could do nothing but sit on the bed in a state of shock full of questions as to why. I remember that day vividly and the DJ’s announcement as she was choking to hold back the tears.

My 24 yr old son is big into music and recognizes today’s musicians whose music is influenced greatly by John Lennon and the Beatles.

John is gone, but his music and it’s influence lives on.

By Betsy

December 7, 2005 11:10 PM | Link to this

I had still 7 years before I would be born when Lennon was shot, but, even in his death, he has been a very influential and important person to my life.

Before I was even in grade school, my mother had me madly in love with The Beatles. I thought that they were amazing (and cute). But it wasn’t until I was older that I really came to understand their music, their passion, the feeling of listening to something that was written by geniuses.

And it was even later that I began to listen to their solo albums (I was always scared to part from The Beatles. I didn’t know what to expect.) John Lennon’s music, lyrics, everything had a great impact on me. I would stay up late sitting in my bed just listening to him, and I still do.

Why did someone so great, with such wonderful views and beliefs and special abilities, have to die? What reason was there? But, it happened. And all we can do is acknowledge his greatness and continue to spread his spirit and love to anyone we can.

God bless you John Lennon, I love you. RIP

By mike

December 7, 2005 11:19 PM | Link to this

Sad that Lennon’s death can annually detract from real news and world altering events such as Pearl Harbor! He deseves great credit for his musical talent! But, to idolize him as an anti war, peace activist makes no sense! All these so called celebrities gather all media attention when they have causes! They testify before Congress as if they are experts, when in fact, they have absolutely no clue! Celebrate Lennon and other “artists” for their talent and work, not for their idiotic politics!!!!!

By GBA

December 7, 2005 11:33 PM | Link to this

Couldn’t agree with C K Hall more. Today I noticed a flag at half mast on a local college campus and paused to reflect on Pearl harbor and the people who died there in 1941. John Lennon was not on my mind.

By Gail

December 8, 2005 02:38 AM | Link to this

I was 7 when the Beatles landed in NY in 1964 so I grew up with them. I was working in college radio and the record business in 1980; John and Yoko’s album had just been released and it was such a welcome comeback. And then I was at a friend’s home when we heard the dj at WRAS (GSU) announce that John Lennon had been killed. We were in shock, and quickly called WSB to confirm. We turned on the tv to hear Howard Cosell’s announcement and then Geraldo Rivera’s emotional report. I stayed up all the night listening to the nation’s collective grief on talk radio. I went to Piedmont Park the next Sunday to be in community when the “two minutes of silence” took place. The radio started playing Lennon music and suddenly all the people spontaneously stook up and joined hands in a huge circle. Afterwards, many of us gathered in a smaller circle to sing “Imagine” (I had brought the lyrics from the inner sleeve of the greatest hits lp). This was only one of a multitude of grief rituals held the world over. Over the following weeks the last interview with Playboy was released; in it John was so hopeful for the future, for the 80s, saying how the 70s were “a drag”. If he only knew… but today it is comforting to learn that John Lennon’s legacy contues to impact younger generations.

By Granddavvy

December 8, 2005 05:45 AM | Link to this

Lennon was a reprobate doper with little musical talent.

By Mark

December 8, 2005 06:44 AM | Link to this

Just having walked home from a friend’s apartment, I entered my house and saw my Dad watching Monday Night Football. Suddenly, Howard Cosell announced that John Lennon had just been murdered. My Dad queried: “Isn’t that your favorite music person?” Of course it was! I was in shock for weeks. But that event caused me to no longer just be a ‘listening’ fan, but to be an active musician. I taught myself the guitar, formed a band with my friends, and MADE music. Today, I still play a little guitar and am teaching my daughter my craft.

By bking1537

December 8, 2005 07:25 AM | Link to this

Interesting (though not particularly surprising) to see that John Lennon still pushes some people’s buttons (negatively) after all these years. That comes with the territory of being outspoken and an activist. But even though you didn’t approve of his lifestyle, if you can’t recognize his talent, you’re ears must be even more closed than your mind.

By Craig Ashwood

December 8, 2005 07:41 AM | Link to this

I was working on the air at 94Q (now Star 94). Double Fantasy had been out a relatively short time: it was a BIG deal that John Lennon was back. On the air, I used to do a free-form hour at midnight called “The Midnight Snack”…playing whatever I felt like—and putting together the Lennon hour when that album came out was really fun. Talk about variety of music! At the time, too, there was excited talk of a Lennon tour—a real one, which would’ve meant two or three nights in a row at the Omni.

Then—the night of the shooting is a blur.

One thing that stands out from that time was the Piedmont Park gathering the Sunday afterwards—a bright, sunny day, hundreds of people. I remember how quiet it was.

By John Tackett

December 8, 2005 08:10 AM | Link to this

I remember watching Monday Night Football when Howard Cosell broke the news of the shooting of John Lennon. I must of called every radio station to get confirmation, and finally realized it was true. I remember crying like a little baby over the his shooting and death. It affected me for days. Some people understood my pain, others did not.

To this day I cannot watch footage or read stories about his death without tears building up. Each year on the anniversary of his death I wear a John Lennon t-shirt and a Lennon button on my lapel.

One of my most prized possesions is my autographed “IMAGINE” album, complete with a doodle by John.

John may be gone, but not forgotten.. “Imagine all the people living life in peace”

By Lyza

December 8, 2005 09:00 AM | Link to this

To those who have commented that our sorrowful reactions are typical of peaceniks and Democrats, let me say to you that I am a Libertarian, a political conservative and fully support the President in the War. That does not, however, prevent me from recognizing the life of a truly great, creative individual who spent his life being ridiculed for his stance on peace - at all cost. I do not today agree with that stance but I admire anyone who is able to live their convictions no matter if they differ from my own. John walked his talk and I respect him for that and still admire and respect his talent. This blog was about his senseless killing and our reactions. I spent yesterday reflecting on Pearl Harbor AND the loss of a talented man. I don’t think I am the only one who can multi-task.

By rob ferguson

December 8, 2005 09:13 AM | Link to this

Have you people never heard of the blues singers from the south before the beatles? The beatles did not invent rock, they invented commercializing it and using it as a brainwashing tool on white adolescent teens. Jimi Hendrix was one million times the artist that Lennon was but he is not celebrated as much by the same crowd since he did not gain as much fame as a “surrender/peace activist” and wasn’t pushed by a label down everyone’s throats. John Lennon’s legacy: 1.) The idea that a hollywood star or songwriter has a moral superiority over anyone else. Thier uneducated opinion or even lies should overrule all who have knowledge of the subject or logical thought. 2.) The idea that even if it is a known lie if someone “famous” enough says it, it must be true. 3.) Open sedition by public figures, even if it directly causes deaths of american soldiers. Jane Fonda helped out with this one. The NVA even thanked the hippy protest crap for helping them to out wait the US army. 4.) Made not combing your hair, taking a bath, & lack of hygene “stylish”. The original grunge rocker? 5.) Your girlfriend should run your band.

By bking1537

December 8, 2005 10:07 AM | Link to this

Whoa, lotta anger there, Rob. Don’t want to get into a debate with you, but I’ll point out one major inaccuracy. To borrow a line from “A Hard Day’s Night,” John was always very clean.

By Monica Gellar

December 8, 2005 10:10 AM | Link to this

I was a senior in high school, listening to Rock 105 out of J’Ville, Fl. on my big, giant, headphones when they made the announcement. My Mom and Dad were in the living room watching Monday Night Football. She crept into my room to see if I was still awake and could see by the look on my face that I had already heard. Just then, the phone rang. Mom just picked up the receiver and handed it to me, knowing it was my sister (14 yrs older than me). My first memories of music were laying on the floor outside of my sister’s bedroom circa 1965-66 hearing her getting ready for dates while singing along to The Beatles. Later, when she was married and had kids, we would drive around in her bright blue giant Galaxy 500 and listen to all of the 8-track tapes. Abbey Road, Sgt. Pepper’s, all of them. Throughout my life my friends have always seemed to be Beatles lovers as well, many nights even in our 40s and 50s drinking and singing along to Beatles or Wings or Lennon.

I got to go to NYC in 2003 and one of the main things I wanted to do was to go to Central Park - Strawberry Fields - The Dakota. There was a John Lennon look-alike at the Imagine mosaic and he was singing and playing guitar. It was so cool and I am glad I did that. The Dakota is eerie looking and we walked over and talked to the doorman and looked down through the walkway where it happened. The doorman was very respectful of us and seemed to understand how powerful it was for people to stand there.

I also don’t agree with his politics but I loved the man and his music. And equally heartbreaking is listening to “Watching The Wheels” now. Gone too soon.

By Macca Dave

December 8, 2005 10:12 AM | Link to this

Being in an all Beatle band, I find myself as a McCartney persona hanging with a Lennon persona across the stage. Lennon was the first Beatle I learned to imitate vocally, and still do from time to time when I double the lead on some songs we perform. I was ten when John Lennon was gunned down, and I remember sitting in the house and watching the new coverage. I think I feel the loss more now than ever. The world is missing 25 years of work that could have left even more of an impact on the world that we will never know. Luckily George, Paul and Ringo have still been putting out great things that in someways have gone unnoticed in the shadow of Lennon. People are now realizing what was lost with the passing of George, but not to the same degree as Lennon. Lennon was a groundbreaking musician, and had three musicians to enhance his talents as he did for them. I keep hearing that horrid name that I would like to forget, but the press won’t allow it. Let us not glorify the killer by continuing to spout his name from our lips. Let us let him die in New York as a forgotten demon that found his way into Hell by killing a musical angel. The killer blames his crime on a book, “The Catcher In The Rye.” Why doesn’t he just own up to being a person who can take responsibility for his own actions. I’m sure he will never see the light of day from his cell that he reserved for himself the day Lennon died. Let the memory of Lennon live, ;et the memory of MDC rot away by forgetting who he was.

By Ramble On

December 8, 2005 10:15 AM | Link to this

ROB FERGUSON

My Dog knows more about music than you wish you knew.

By Brian Curtis

December 8, 2005 10:27 AM | Link to this

Another legacy: the notion that public figures have an obligation to take a stand on public issues, which Lennon did admirably well.

A regrettable consequence: charges of “sedition” from ignorant yokels who think blind conformity is the height of patriotism. Lennon knew better, and he helped teach future generations to question authority (even government!) and always work for peace and freedom.

By Mike

December 8, 2005 10:34 AM | Link to this

I remember having to listen to John Lennon all day on the radio and thinking please don’t kill another Beatle, please. Then, for the fate worse than death and water torture the radio played a Yoko Ono song. Instead of a Yoko Ono song today, please, please, a moment of silence instead. Merry Christmas.

By Gerry P

December 8, 2005 10:49 AM | Link to this

Lyza said it best, “not being the only one who can multi-task”. If I was forced to remember one event between the 2, I’d pick Pearl Harbor. But it is not disrespectful to say that Lennon influenced my life more than Pearl Harbor, simply because I was born in 1955. As a songwriter, I can’t imagine (no pun intended) where I’d be without his musical influence. He was ultimately one of the most human and accessible of musicians. Probably a saint and an arrogant jerk all rolled up into one. In other words, all of us at our best and our worst. And he had the guts to put it all out there. That is what I remember and celebrate today.

By Sue Dempsey

December 8, 2005 10:59 AM | Link to this

I grew up in England and the Beatles were a huge part of my life. I will never forget that tragic day when the poster child for peace was so brutally taken from us. John Lennon’s legacy is clearly very much alive today and that gives me hope. Let’s never forget his poignant messages of peace and harmony!

By Sarah

December 8, 2005 11:12 AM | Link to this

The Beatles or the Rolling Stones, the chicken before the egg, we could argue for days. I do get tired of celebs taking a public stance on issues and their opinions being blown way out of proportion. Like what Jamie Foxx is doing with Tookie Williams and how Sean Penn made a fool of himself going to New Orleans to help the Katrina evacuee’s only to be stranded himself and having to be rescued, thus using aid that could have went to others in need, not millionaire oscar winner actors, like those two are. Your celebrity should not mean you are entitled to a status of your opinion being of greater value than that of the average person. What if, God forbid, Paris Hilton took a stance on something of social meaning. Who, besides some airhead would care about her opinion? It’s easy to take a stand when you live in a gated multi-million dollar mansion, travel with bodyguards, have assistants do your menial day-to-day chores and live in a vacuum. I’m NOT saying Lennon was this way, but most celebs are. I want to hear my singers just sing and my actors just act. Not lead me down the path of social awareness. Most are just lucky they were in the right place at the right time and their careers took off, it does not mean they process more gray matter and we should actually do what they say. Think for yourself people.

By Brent

December 8, 2005 11:17 AM | Link to this

I was born four years after John Lennon’s death, but every year, I still feel like I was alive when it happened. When I was younger, I used to like all the boy band crap, but then I bought the Beatles #1 and fell in love w/ the John, Paul, George, and Ringo.

I gravitated towarded John more, especially after listening to his solo works. His song “Imagine” touched me when I first heard it. It amazed me that a song so simple had such an impact not only on me, but society as well. Of all the great rock songs produced, “Imagine” still remains my favorite song of all time.

John inspired every musician after him in some way or the other. He also, made a huge contribution to pop culture. My senior year in high school, I did my senior mastery project solely on proving that he was one of the most influental icons of the 20th century.

I might not agree with his politics, but I love his music. John and the Beatles are what drove me to love music. Today, like every year, I not only mourn the loss, but more importantly, celebrate the music, cultural impact, and life of my favorite musician, John Lennon.

By Stephen K. Peeples

December 8, 2005 11:17 AM | Link to this

Bill:

Great Lennon piece. I did one too: http://www.stephenkpeeples.com/lennon.htm

Take care, Stephen K. Peeples (ex-“The Lost Lennon Tapes”)

By John Tackett

December 8, 2005 11:33 AM | Link to this

Stephen,

Great article. Thanks for sharing it.

By David

December 8, 2005 12:16 PM | Link to this

He was a communist, socialist and supported terrorism in Northern Ireland. Good riddance!

By Temmy

December 8, 2005 01:25 PM | Link to this

I liked your peice about John Lennon. He is still an inspiration for all of us who live on without him. I was born to years after he was shot, but I was born on his birthday October 9th. I am now immersed in his music and his messages. Thanks for the article!!!

By Stace

December 8, 2005 01:47 PM | Link to this

Correct, David. Good that someone finally brought uphis stance on Northern Ireland. All we are saying is give peace a chance…bullcrap. Remember Pearl Harbor and those innocent people instead please!

By Lyza

December 8, 2005 01:56 PM | Link to this

To rob ferguson and David, don’t sugar coat it. How do you feel?

Heavens, guys, where do you get your information and how do you equate John’s totally non-politically affiliated message of “all men should live like brothers” to anything other than naiveté. I spent a lot of time working with a guy who knew and worked personally with John and George would have said something if he’d known John to be a communist or socialist. John believed in free-enterprise and enjoyed his life-style but he believed in peace above all else. He was naive about this world and held no political affiliations. Your rantings are exactly what gives us conservatives a bad rep. Get over yourselves.

By Scott Lofthus

December 8, 2005 02:17 PM | Link to this

It is no small achievement(in my mind at least)that the mere mention of John can bring out such bile from people…How is that a man who wanted nothing more than Peace,Equality and Justice brings out SO MUCH ugliness from people..Does the mere idea of those things scare them that much or that someone would dare to want those things??What a world we live in today huh???Thanks GW

By David in Dallas

December 8, 2005 02:36 PM | Link to this

Suggesting that one should acknowledge either Pearl Harbor or the assassination of John Lennon because the anniversaries are close to each other (but not, it is important to point out, the same day) makes no more sense than suggesting that one should choose between acknowledging the anniversaries of Hiroshima and the death of Elvis Presley because they both occurred in August. On December 7, I think of the sacrifices that were made in Pearl Harbor, even though that event occurred almost 18 years before I was born. And on December 8, I think of John Lennon.

I was a junior in college at the time. I had just turned 21 a few weeks earlier, and some friends of mine and I were enjoying our new privilege of being allowed to drink legally. We were having beer and nachos and watching the Monday Night Football game at a small pub when we heard the news.

Later that week, when it was announced that a worldwide moment of silence in Lennon’s honor had been requested for that coming Sunday afternoon, my girlfriend, who was a resident assistant in one of the dorms, made a poster asking people to observe the moment of silence (actually, as I recall, it was 10 minutes of silence) and put it in the lobby of the dorm. The next evening, as I passed the poster on my way to her dorm room, I noticed that someone had written a little postscript in the bottom right-hand corner of the poster. Beatles fans will recognize it from the “Abbey Road” album. It said: “And in the end, the love you take, is equal to, the love you make.”

When the small-minded people of the world finally let go of their resentment and anger from the Vietnam era and hear the music instead of the politics, John’s work will be done. Unfortunately, I fear it is a task that will never be completed.

By Jessica

December 8, 2005 02:47 PM | Link to this

I am a 23 year old female…and The Beatles greatly influenced my life and the way that I look at music. At the age of 10 while most girls my age were getting into boy bands…I was listening to Sgt. Peppers. After being introduced to the band I began to listen to their solo efforts. John Lennon was extrodinary in every way. His music served a much greater purpose than just giving someone a new favorite song…he sent a message of peace for the world that he so dearly loved. As I have read the messages posted here…I see that a lot of people are angry at the fact that people are paying more attention to John than Pearl Harbor. Yes Pearl Harbor was very sad and horrible BUT so was the death of one of the worlds best musicians and left many people just as saddened. Why can’t people be allowed to grieve for both? As for me I feel saddened by both. I feel for the innocent people that died in Pearl Harbor, and the death of John Lennon. Both were innocent…and the fact that there are people that can be so heartless to think that the death of someone that thousands of people idolized both angers and upsets me. God Bless John Lennon…may he rest in peace and I hope to see you one day. Thanks for all the wonderful music and your Beautiful message.

By Mara

December 8, 2005 03:29 PM | Link to this

This days holds such a special meaning for me. My grandmother’s birthday and John Lennon’s death. My grandmother has also passed on, but I’ll light a candle to the two people who influenced me the most.

By Ronnie Myers

December 8, 2005 05:32 PM | Link to this

I think folks should give Yoko Ono a break. She lived through the horror of seeing her husband murdered in cold blood before her very eyes.And outside the home they shared while their 5 year old son was asleep upstairs. She went through the probable terror of thinking “I’m next.” Her first task afterward was to inform her child that his father was gone. Also, was John Lennon an extremely wise visionary, peace activist, intelligent song-writer? Or a man so weak and stupid that he could be hypnotized and manipulated by a controlling wife. You can’t have it both ways. One more thing…who do you think has been the driving force behind keeping the Lennon legacy alive all these years? Yoko Ono. Give her a break

By philip touseull

December 8, 2005 06:05 PM | Link to this

I am a huge beatles fan and a John Lennon fan. I remember comming home from central park and visiting the Dakota apts. around 3pm. come home around the start of the football game, and Howard Cosell comes on during halftime, to announce John has been shot. It rocked my world down around me, i was in a daze for weeks. I also went to the gathering in Central Park. i live in Jacksonville,fla and the newspapper has no articles about John Lennon’s death, that SUCKS big time!! the 3 songs i want to play at my time of death is, Amazing Grace, Strawberry Fields Forever and the greatest Lennon song I like is ” In My Life “. peace and i love you all and a Merry Christmas to all!

By Bob

December 8, 2005 06:12 PM | Link to this

I was 21 years old when John was murdered. I didn’t find out about it until the next morning when my boss asked me if I had heard about it. when I said no he said in a cold unemotional tone “somebody killed him”. I looked at him and he said “yep, dead as a doornail”. That’s the last thing I remember until I got home and searched for any knews I could find. I kept telling myself that it was all wrong, it wasn’t true. Every year since I try to honor him in some small way, usually by playing only his Beatle and solo music the entire day. And like many of his fans, I refuse to utter the name of the coward that took him from us. You can say what you want about Yoko’s influence and how she broke up the Beatles, which by the way she didn’t. His bandmates should have been happy for him that he had found his soulmate. The fact that they weren’t proves the problems were already there. I have always said that if he (John) could live with her, the rest of us can live next to her. As much loss as we have all experienced, no one has lost more than her and the boys. We should also remember them on this night as well.

All he was saying was “Give Peace A Chance”

By Josh

December 8, 2005 08:28 PM | Link to this

John Lennon has been one of my idols since I first started listening to music. Although I was only three years old when he was shot. I have listened to just about every song he has ever performed. I think that the world was robbed when he was taken from us. To all of the negative comments throughout this blog I say that you really don’t understand what John was trying to say. Your closed-mindedness is a sad state and I hope that one day you will realize how narrow-minded you are. As for all of those that compare John’s death to Pearl Harbor: The two are separate events. People can grieve for both. Both events were incredibily sad and deserve their due respect.

By Debbie

December 8, 2005 08:36 PM | Link to this

I’m 50ish, was a Paul fan growing up but always felt I could relate to John but could never quite understand why. Took his death as hard as anyone else did at the time. Over the years I have discovered so very many similarities and parallels in his life and mine, rather eerie coincidences actually. We do share the same birthday so I recognize his in my own way when I celebrate mine. I have always felt a kindred spirit though I haven’t always agreed with him. I do believe he was a complex man, with a sensitive, gentle nature who was often misinterpreted. Let’s not dissect him or make him larger than life, instead just let his lyrics and melodies live on in our hearts. I pray that he is in the very peace he wanted so much.

By nonnel#1

December 8, 2005 09:14 PM | Link to this

Pearl Harbor was December 7th. John Lennon was murdered on December 8th. Two different days for rememberance. Why the controversy??

I was 13 and getting ready for grade school when I heard. It still hurts today. I made it to Strawberry Fields for the vigils in the mid-80’s. I remember Yoko sent down coffee one year. It’s nice to see the crowd there tonight. This has got to be a hard day for his family.

I was lucky enough to see the Lennon musical this past summer. Sadly it had a short run. I loved every second of it.

By Bob

December 8, 2005 10:45 PM | Link to this

John’s politics as well as his music are as relevant today as then.

In these troubled times for America, songs such as “Power To The People” speak volumes as to what the USA should stand for. Civil rights, freedoms, and a government for and by the people, are ideas under attack in the USA today by a certain political party.

By Pat Amendola

December 8, 2005 10:54 PM | Link to this

From the Ed Sullivan Show, I was hooked! The Beatles were like family to me! I followed there lives, closely!I was devasated when they broke up in 1970! But, that pain was gone, after each Beatle started making solo albums!!! It was almost the Beatles!!! John, Paul, George & Ringo were like family to me!! I loved them all. And even though it’s been 25 years…It still hurts as if it was 1980…I know, deep in my heart that John is in Heaven, and making music, probably … with George! and I’m sure there are many folks out there who agree with me!! Today… Dec 8th 2005, I ask the Lord Jesus to tell John, that I said Hi!

By Tom

December 8, 2005 11:01 PM | Link to this

I was in my office that night in Albany, NY, and I knew there was a candle ceremony going on at the Plaza, downtown. I would work late pretty regularly, and I remember just stopping for maybe 5 minutes, and shifted over to my compadres, my fellow John-fans. I got real quiet. That seemed to do it. I try to do something each year - it usually has to do with getting real quiet for a while. It’s so…ironic I guess because while John (who taught and spoke for me in so MANY ways) was so anti-religious, was SO pro-spirituality. Well, here we are again, me saying I love the guy.

Thanks for the forum.

By DK Parm

December 8, 2005 11:08 PM | Link to this

I’ve just been reading some of these comments about John Lennon and most are really nice, respectful and loving. Some however, are spiteful and mean and low as a flea at the bottom of a well. What is up with that? Do they need attention so bad they would try to demean a man who meant so much to so many? He was a man who wore his heart on his sleeve, and went on a lifelong hunt for himself. It is truly a heartache that when he finally did find what he was looking for, he was killed by whacked out, demented, fuzz brain. (Oops, did I just stoop to name calling?) It seems that those who want to be mean enough to go to a memorial and spout their poison must be unhappy, so maybe I should just calm down and pity them. John was a great man who believed in peace and music, his sons and his family. I believe in him.

By Mark

December 8, 2005 11:19 PM | Link to this

I was in my third year of my own personal Beatlemania, When John Lennon’s life was tragically cut short. I was watching Monday night football like so many others. I became very cynical about the World especially after the attempts on Reagan and the Pope. It’s been 25 years now, and the world is still just as crazy and the Beatles and Lennon are still relevant. I still listen to them as often as I would listen to any new artist. Just saw Paul in Seattle he was Great! Playing Bass, Guitar, Piano, doing his Beatles stuff, and you realize he’s only doing half of the worlds greatest repertoire! That’s how awesome the Beatles are. John Lennon was a brutally honest man, I quote him alot one of my favorites ” keep you doped with religion, sex and T.V” The guy had faults but he just laid them out there, and made it so much easier to see your own persoanal faults, but to realize that it’s OK, no one’s perfect and just keeping trying. To the guys posting the Negatives, I can personally say that I’ve never jumped into a internet group knowing that it would be full of people remembering and sharing their thoughts, just so I could espouse my opinion and throw mud and tick people off, SHAME on You! Pearl Harbor is very significant December 7th 1941 (didn’t even need a history book) so that makes it the 64th anniversary well this is the 25th since the Murder of Lennon, give us a break.

By RJ

December 9, 2005 12:57 AM | Link to this

It was spring of 1979 when me and many of my fellow high school seniors took a trip from coastal GA to NYC. We did all the touristy stuff like going to the Empire State Building, World Trade Center, Statue of Liberty, Central Park and Times Square. Some of us even saw ‘Beatlemania’ and met the cast as they left the theatre. But what I remember the most was going to the Dakota Building. Only five or six of us went, hoping to catch a glimpse of the man. Unfortunately, we had to settle with just the doorman. “Hi. Could you tell us if John Lennon is home?” “I’m sorry, I can’t give out that kind of information.” “Well, could you tell us which apartment he lives in? Which side of the building?” Again, “I’m sorry, I can’t give out that kind of information.” “Okay. Could you tell us if he has a certain schedule so that we might meet him when he leaves?” Yet again, “I’m sorry, I can’t give out that kind of information.” So we just stood there, looking through the entranceway into the courtyard. I took a few photos and off we went. I always wondered if he was actually up there then, tending to young Sean or baking bread. Little did we know that less than twenty months later John would be murdered exactly where we had been standing. On Monday night December 8, 1980 I was literally getting into bed when the terrible news was announced on the radio. In disbelief, I called the radio station and they verified the news was for real. I then called two of my close friends and told them the news. I went back to my bedroom and had just shut the door when my dad knocked. I opened it and told him what had happened. He asked if I was all right. I said I was and he turned and left. As I closed the door I heard him tell my mom that John Lennon had been killed. I had just turned 19 on October 10, the day after John’s 40th birthday. I’m 44 now, 25 years later and I remember that day like it was just yesterday.

By RJ

December 9, 2005 04:00 AM | Link to this

A few people here can’t see because of the brainwashed blinders they are wearing. ‘Ferguson’, Blues from the south? Let’s go to school…I live & was raised in the south. Get this straight. Chuck Berry invented what we call rock n’ roll. Even Lennon said that if rock n’ roll should have another name it would be ‘Chuck Berry’! And it was Elvis, yes, Elvis who “invented” the mass commercialization of it, or at least his manager Col. Tom Parker did, because Elvis, and let’s face it, was just an undereducated truck driver who just wanted to make a record for his mama at Sun. Don’t get me wrong. I’m a big Elvis fan, but he was used by many greedy people. And Hendrix. I’m betting you are or were in the military, maybe a paratrooper like Hendrix? Why else would you mention his name here? And you mention it right after your bit about the south and blues too. Are you aware Hendrix was from Seattle which is just about as far as you can get from the ‘south’ on the national contiguous scale? I’m also a big fan of Jimi but if it wasn’t for the Beatles, Hendrix may have never been known to the public. You have to realize that many, many singers and groups, even though they may play a different kind of music, admire the Beatles and respect them greatly. Think of it. They appeared on Sullivan in 1964 to the whole world. They had been together for a few years beforehand, touring around England and Germany. By 1970 the Beatles were no more. They went from She Loves You to Let It Be in just over FIVE years! Tell me. Tell me of any group, from the U.S. south or otherwise, that accomplished what those four boys from a working class town like Liverpool did… You can’t. You can’t because there are none.

‘David’, Communism and Socialism are two different things. Study up. And please, in the future, don’t ramble on about things you know nothing about.

And Stace, The ambush attack on Pearl Harbor was on December 7th, not December 8th. Things happen from day to day and you need to be able to separate each occurance from the other and voice your opinions accordingly. Miltitary personnel are not “innocent people”. They know they may be killed at any moment. How dare you reduce those who died there to just “innocent people”…

By Steve McCallister

December 9, 2005 05:36 AM | Link to this

Ironically, I was reading a book of the Beatles, with the TV on when I heard a special report from the local station at 10:50pm. I couldn’t believe it, and was still in shock for several months. Then I was watching a Barbara Walters special, and it had the video to “Woman”. While it was playing, it finally sunk in. I bawled like a baby. The Beatles and John Lennon’s music were the blueprint to my youth. A piece of me died along with Lennon and his music.

By Brian Curtis

December 9, 2005 07:22 AM | Link to this

And like other people who have suggested peace and brotherhood, he was killed for it.

I wonder how many so-called “Christians” are similarly disgusted and outraged at any mention of peace today?

By typicallib

December 9, 2005 10:14 AM | Link to this

I was in NYC a week before Thanksgiving. I made it a point to take my 3-year old daughter to the Imagine mosaic.

As she sat there innocently I began thinking about what Lennon stood for, the lyrics, and what state our Nation is in currently. I also thought about what my daughter will have to face as she grows up in a society ruled by neocons. A society that represses discussion and endorses blind following of a man who attacks countries who didnt attack us.

A tear rolled down my cheek as I took my daughters picture. She asked whats wrong Daddy? I will take pride in raising her to question authority. She will learn not to lie down. She will be heard.

John would like that.

Imagine

Imagine there’s no heaven, It’s easy if you try, No hell below us, Above us only sky, Imagine all the people living for today…

Imagine there’s no countries, It isnt hard to do, Nothing to kill or die for, No religion too, Imagine all the people living life in peace…

Imagine no possesions, I wonder if you can, No need for greed or hunger, A brotherhood of man, Imagine all the people Sharing all the world…

You may say Im a dreamer, but Im not the only one, I hope some day you’ll join us, And the world will live as one.

By ken

December 9, 2005 11:03 AM | Link to this

In 1962, Brian Epstein told the Beatles that they would be bigger than Elvis! Four years later, John Lennon told the world that the Beatles were more popular than Jesus Christ. Both statements proved true.

WE ALL SHINE ON!!!

RIP JWOL

By Diana

December 9, 2005 11:57 AM | Link to this

My mother was a huge Beatles fan so I remember her being double-impacted by Lennon’s death because the man who shot Lennon, Mark David Chapman, sat behind my mom in English class at Columbia High School. Of course, the shooting happened several years after they had left high school.

By wanwan

December 9, 2005 01:40 PM | Link to this

are you kidding? cbc’s hour television “john and yoko’s year of peace” on the cables, sublime. WAR IS OVER. IF YOU WANT IT. think it , speak it, write it everywhere. post it in your window today, that it might be seen. xoxox love, billy