The Dream is Over: A Tribute to John Lennon
79(Just Like) Starting Over
On December 8,1980 Mark David Chapman gunned down John Lennon on the steps of the Dakota, the New York apartment building in which Lennon, Yoko Ono and his son Sean lived. Lennon was back in the public eye and making music after five years of obscurity as a self-proclaimed “house-husband.” He was on his way home from the recording studio that night when he encountered Chapman, who had been waiting for him most of the day. Chapman meant to kill John Lennon with his premeditated and ruthless attack. His crime was senseless by any standard as there was no shared history between them.
With Lennon’s murder, the world lost a talented musician and visionary. It was ironic to see a man so committed to peace die through such violent means. Lennon himself could not have comprehended this outrageous act. During an interview for Playboy magazine concluded only days before his murder, Lennon said in an eerily prophetic manner, “Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King are great examples of fantastic non-violent people who died violently. I can never work that out. We’re (Lennon and wife Yoko Ono) pacifists, but I’m not sure what it means when you’re such a pacifist that you get shot. I can never understand that.”
Neither can we, John.
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Lennon Remembered
All You Need is Love
Lennon’s murder was similar to the assassination of John Kennedy or the explosion of the space shuttle Challenger in that people remembered what they were doing when they heard the news. I learned of John Lennon’s death when it was confirmed by Howard Cosell on a broadcast of Monday Night Football, and I later watched news reports as tens of thousands of fans in New York and millions more worldwide gathered to share their grief. I called a friend and asked if he had heard the news, and he told me he had. He was getting ready to call me when I reached him.
The next morning I drove to the art studios on the campus of the University of Kansas. I wasn’t in the mood to paint, but Lennon’s death was significant enough that I felt the need to share my feelings with friends. Few students were in the studio that morning, but a young woman I was very close to was there. I sat on the cold cement floor while she painted, and we talked. We chatted about Lennon for awhile and what it meant for the world to lose such a unique individual. Like Benjamin Franklin, John seemed a genius for the common man. He was a millionaire, but his message wasn’t that “greed is good" (to throw in a contemporary analogy); it was that the next ten years were going to be great if we believed they would be. His vision for everyone was to live their own dream. His personal dream was to enjoy middle age while spending time with his wife and son. After decades of writing and performing music (both with the Beatles and as a solo artist) followed by his years of seclusion, Lennon seemed at last to find the proper balance between work and family. He was eager to share his experiences and insights with a world that hadn’t heard from him for awhile.
As I sat and watched my friend work on her painting, we talked about the essence of creativity. We wondered if creativity dries up with age—if there was ever the feeling that you had nothing more to offer artistically. Would Lennon have had decades of songs left in him, or had we already heard most of what he had to say? Perhaps after his latest album was released he would fade back into obscurity, content to remain a house-husband. We also wondered what it meant to carry on if you were creatively spent. Would John Lennon, Freddie Mercury or any other artist who passed away before their time seem less significant with a catalog of 500 songs than if they recorded only 100? At least in John’s case, we would never know. Four bullets from Chapman’s .38 Special revolver would leave those questions unanswered.
John’s legacy is encapsulated in twelve albums recorded with the Beatles; eight solo albums and three more “experimental” recordings; three movies and one animated film starring the Beatles; two books; and, a number of drawings and sketches. An abundance of books and films about the Beatles and John Lennon were created in the months and years following his death, and his life has been documented and analyzed to an extent that has rarely been equaled. He was special, and everyone wanted to know more about him. We had to content ourselves with what had been written about his past, however, since his future had been cut short.
I think John DID believe
Imagine
As much as we loved his music, John Lennon might have offered the world more through his campaigns for peace. Many considered his homilies to be shallow and trite, but John never stopped being an advocate for peace. He shouted from the rooftops and bedrooms that the future was going to be great, and we wanted to believe with him. He perhaps took a few wrong turns, connecting with Arthur Janov, the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, and sixties radicals Abbie Hoffman and Jerry Rubin. It might be that Lennon needed to interact with this wildly disparate collection of individuals to crystallize his own political and spiritual philosophies, but his message didn’t strike a resonant chord until he focused on his family life. When he stripped away the mythology of John Lennon the Beatle and activist, Lennon the man suddenly made complete sense.
The dream is over for John. Mark David Chapman killed the messenger at approximately 11:00 PM on December 8th, but John’s dream doesn’t have to die with him. We can still listen to John’s music and imagine a world with nothing to kill or die for. We can still imagine all the people living life in peace. John had it right—he was a dreamer, but he wasn’t the only one. We can live his dream for him. We can create a world where peace is not viewed as weakness. We can still try to prove that love is all you need.
“I believe in everything until it is disproved. I believe in fairies, the myths, dragons—it all exists, even if it’s in your mind. Who’s to say that dreams and nightmares aren’t as real as the here and now?” --John Lennon
Written in remembrance of John Lennon on what should have been his 70th birthday—October 9th, 2010.
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What can I say? I agree that we lost a visionary and a wonderful creative spirit that day. I was driving a clapped out Dodge Volaire through a sleet storm in St. John's Newfoundland when I heard. The day went downhill from there.
The words still ring true "Give Peace a Chance"
Oh.. I can remember the shock and immense sadness of that day.
One dear friend in High School did not spend any of her weekly allowance on food. She bough Beatles records instead.
I keep thinking of this event in the context of his spirituality. I wonder if he knew. The reason I thought that was they worked intensely with Babaji before they became world famous.
Thank you for the tribute. It is lovely.
Ooh and I love that quote you kindly posted. We all ought to be like that.
This brought tears to my eyes. I was only one when he was killed, but through my life, I was educated (by my wonderful step-father) on the greatness that was John Lennon. I happened to be at the Rock and Roll hall of fame in Cleveland, when they had a special exhibit in honor of Lennon. It was remarkable. I was not allowed to take pictures, but I still remember that day. They had his and Yoko's bed (made by putting a mattress on two church pews), the clothes and glasses he was wearing when he was shot (rather morbid, I admit, especially since you could see the decades old dried blood), and countless costumes, photos and other pieces. I was in awe that day, as I looked upon the life of a genius that died before I was even old enough to know who he was.
beautiful tribute.. I have no other words.. thank for for sharing in such a way to keep us dreaming. xo
This is awesome! I never got to see the Beatles live, but my dad did - he has said that John Lennon was and still is his favorite. I always loved John Lennon's message, along with the others. However, my heart will always belong with Paul because he's just too cute. lol!
However, my favorite John Lennon songs are "Imagine" are "Just Like Starting Over." Thank you, John Lennon, for the beautiful message you left on the world. You'll never be forgotten.
I was never a huge Beatles fan, though I did love some of their music. But I always did connect with the song Imagine.
There are parts of the song that I don't agree with, but the overall message of the song I felt and still feel resonates deep inside me the desire to make us all join together as one somehow and someway. Most of us are dreamers and that is a good thing, it is what makes the world better and better as we go.
Hope all is well with you.
Ditto Just A Voice, I was never a huge fan but there is absolutely no denying the talent of John Lennon. His music and lyrics were a gift to the world and to have such a passion for peace who knows how different things may have been had he been given the chance to live his life out. Fantastic hub and tribute.
I was only a young child in the 60's but I remember The Beatles playing on the radio very well. "Imagine" by John Lennon is still one of my favourite songs ever and I played it constantly the day he died. He was a true force in music and the peace movement, it was so sad how he died. Great tribute Mike, thanks.
I love Lennon and miss him. His music brought me up and entertained me in my youth. Thanks for remembering him for us.
Uninvited Writer, thanks for your comments. I remember that evening, the next day and the following weekend with the candlelight tribute so clearly. It was a sad week. Thanks again for stopping by.
Mike
WE5, thanks for sharing your memories. I agree--driving through a sleet storm is better than learning that a gifted man like John Lennon had been killed in such a violent, senseless way. That day went downhill for everyone. Thanks again.
Mike
Msorensson, thanks for your comments. You raise an interesting point by suggesting he might have known the end was close at hand. The comprehensive interview, the final album, and some of the things he said suggest he might have had an inkling of what was to come. Obviously he could not have known a deranged killer was waiting to shoot him, but it seems he could have known something. The end of his life seemed very much a summing up.
And the quote: I've loved that quote since I first read it. I've always been one to believe in ghosts, aliens, conspiracy theories and all the rest. I believe in God and it isn't important to me to be able to physically prove He exists to anyone. Europeans couldn't prove America was here until they hopped onto a ship and looked for it. There is a lot left to be learned, and John Lennon knew that as well as anyone.
Thanks again for your comments and insights--they were extremely thought-provoking. Take care.
Mike
Anna Marie, thanks for offering your comments and memories. I would have loved to have seen the exhibit at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame that you mentioned. I agree that it would have been a little rough to see the clothes with John's blood stained on them, but it would still be a most thought-provoking display.
John Lennon had a depth of thought and feeling that is rare among the "rich and famous." I'm not saying today's celebrities are shallow, but they are mostly consumed by their own activities and decide giving to charities and foundations is sufficient. Once again, I want to be clear that I am not putting that down--celebrities have given enormous amounts of time and money to combating diseases and generally making the world better. However, John Lennon was a step beyond that. He was trying to change how we think and feel about things--he was trying to create a kinder, more gentle universe. That is what separated him from the others.
Thanks again for offering your remembrances, and I'm glad your stepfather was around to tell you who John Lennon was.
Mike
RebekahELLE, thanks for stopping by. I have always appreciated your comments and insights in the forums and on other writers' hubs. Thanks for visiting and remembering John Lennon with us.
Mike
sjk6101983, thanks for stopping by. I enjoyed your comment about your father liking John the best while you thought Paul was cute. Lennon said the same thing himself--that he always had a male following while the girls preferred Paul.
I always liked 'Strawberry Fields' and 'Across the Universe' best among John's work with the Beatles. 'Imagine' seems very much the crowning achievement of his solo work.
Thanks again.
Mike
Voice! Nice to see you here! I've been doing okay, I've been working a job that has taken up much of my time lately. It was nice to get away for a day or so and come back here. I hope life is treating you well, also.
I agree with you completely about Imagine. Contrary to the lyrics of John's song, I personally do believe in God and heaven--but I realize one doesn't have to believe in God to wish for a peaceful, caring world. His song was about ideas as much as actual beliefs, and I'm not certain Lennon didn't believe, either. Most of us are indeed dreamers, and it is when we can dream and look past ourselves and "imagine" what might be that change begins to occur.
Thanks for stopping by. I hope everything is going well for you, also. Have a great Sunday.
Mike
Karanda, thanks for stopping by. Your expression "passion for peace" summarized John's life perfectly. If he had been alive for the last thirty years, perhaps the world might have been a bit more gentle. It is difficult for one man to summon the future, but John had a forum with which to share his thoughts and ideas, granted by his songs and his celebrity. If anyone might have changed things for the better, he could have been the one.
Thanks again for stopping by.
Mike
MPG Narratives, thanks for reading. I didn't own all John's albums, but I did buy a lot of them and I played them over and over, also--especially the week after he died. His hopes for peace were so strong, and the thoughts and wishes still exist within his music. Thanks again for reading.
Mike
SteveoMc, thanks for stopping by and sharing in this tribute. The third album I ever owned was 'Abbey Road' (after a Dave Clark Five album and a Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs album), and I still play the music. There was a reason for John's fame--he really was a genius. Thanks again.
Mike
Yes, he could have meant a lot more to his family and to the world if....
It is not easy to live with IFS in our lives. But we have to.
He left us a fountain filled with never-ending goodness, and we can enjoy it whenever we want until the day we join him in death.
Perfect tribute. Voted UP. Take care.
Martie, thanks for stopping by. I agree that "ifs" are not always easy to deal with or productive. The if is particularly maddening when it was a random act that couldn't be avoided, as was Lennon's murder. We are lucky in that we do have an artistic legacy to remember him by. Thanks again.
Mike
Mike - This is a wonderful, well-written tribute to John Lennon, his music and his philosophy. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
How do you measure your pain Mike?
This was a fitting and well rendered tribute Mr. Lickteig. I don't have many religious stirrings left in me but wouldn't you know it ironically some of the remaining few are struck with dedications such as yours. What is it about John's perspective? And how it affected squares and those in tune? Strange and weirdly beautiful. I enjoyed your fresh perspective on the Walrus.
Koo Koo Ka Choo.
Ben
We Are All Together.
Beautiful Tribute - His dream never died because his music still lives on. I enjoyed reading this. From what you wrote, he seemed like a very open minded person with a Big heart.
Thanks and Best Wishes.
I remember hearing the news and cried. Totally beyond comprehension. Thank you for the memory.
I tend to believe in conspiracies, like we heard that the kennedys killed marilyn monroe, and then that kennedy's death was also planned, and I (think) there must have been something John was doing people did not like-some people-that made them want him killed...or maybe it was just a stupid random act? We may never know.
I like John's music and unfortunatley I'm not from that time...I think I'd like to be sometime :) and see the "greats" including Freddie Mercury.
I hope John believed in God but the fact he didn't fear death, that is something I feel brave and what I'd want to feel ....Being unique is cool. I know one person who is like that unique...and it is special.
Thanks Mike :)
drbj, thanks for stopping by. I'm glad you appreciated my nod to John and his music. Take care.
Mike
Hey, Ben. I would be tempted to make a joke, but it seemed inappropriate. This song resonates with me on a lot of different levels. I like it as a song, and I also like it as an idea. I believe in God, and you know, I think Lennon did, as well. I think he was saying a couple things in this song. One was to listen to the message, not the messenger. It wasn't about Bob Dylan or John Kennedy or the I Ching or the Beatles--it was about what they all believed. The other message was that the idols will eventually let you down, and he found comfort only believing in himself and his wife. Both are sound messages and worth listening to.
Don't follow the leaders, follow the parking meters.
Mike
Hi, Ben--thought I would respond twice, in keeping with your comments. What is it indeed about Lennon's world view that affected the hip and square alike? On some level, I think it was because he saw himself as both--he was eventually quite open about his mistakes, and we saw him as flawed and human. I also believe John's wanted everyone to make their own dream come true. He didn't have a vision for people except that they make their individual dreams come true. In that way, everyone could relate to the message and not the messenger, as he was so adamant in insisting upon. He wanted everyone to know it wasn't about him or any other father-figure. It was about us.
Thanks for stopping by, Ben. I always appreciate your comments.
Mike
Hi Elena, thanks for reading! I was always a fan of John Lennon--he was a very complex man. We are lucky he found so many ways to express himself--as you suggest, his dream lives on in his music. We are so fortunate to have that.
Thanks again. Hope you have a great week.
Mike
Hypnosis4u, thanks for sharing the memory with us here. I appreciate your stopping by and leaving a comment. Take care.
Mike
Schoolgirl, thanks for your comments and insights. I am certainly capable of believing in conspiracies also. Lennon's was on President Nixon's "enemies" list, and his affiliation with Abbie Hoffman and Jerry Rubin got the Department of Immigration on his tail. The US government was actively trying to deport him for some time. Failing that, who knows what the next step was? If we think no one ever considered killing Lennon for political reasons, we are probably being naive. It is hard to say that this is what happened, but it seems that it could have. Who knows?
In a couple other answers to comments here, I have stated that I think Lennon believed in God. He was not a fan of organized religion, but I think he felt there was definitely a God.
Thanks so much for stopping by, Schoolgirl. I appreciate it a great deal.
Mike
Aw John Lennon, what a sad sad thing to happen, He will be forever in our hearts! Peace:)
Beautiful hub Mike truly beautiful. I can feel the love and tribute in your words.
"A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality.
John Lennon "
Together we can dream of peace - in the name of Lennon.
I saw your Hub the first day but didn't have time to read each word. Outstanding Hub. You are correct, he was a true pilgrim of peace - a life cut short - and yet through his legend and his music his work lives on inside of us.
Thank you!
A really nice thing you did for John Lennon. I cannot believe he would be 70. WOW. I have noticed that most people that promote peace and have a big influence over the masses of people end up murdered. I have to believe the higher ups have something to do with this. The government does not want the masses to be deprogrammed by a leader promoting peace. That would interfere with the governments warmongering because the people would be too much against it, and possible snap out of the hypnosis they've been under. War is big business for the American government and they will not tolerate a leader of the people saying that war is wrong or bad. The obvious choice for them is to eliminate that peaceful leader. Think of all who were murdered that were having influence on the people promoting peace. Coincidence? Hardly. Great hub.
Mike ~ You've made me feel a bit old today............ 70, hmmmmmmm, that makes me? Well, we won't talk about that! Fantastic tribute............ I enjoyed! Thank you ~ Kaie
Katie, thanks for stopping by. I certainly miss his songs, and the world has always as many advocates for peace as possible. It is a shame he's gone.
Thanks again for reading.
Mike
Hey, Janny! Nice to see you here. Thanks for stopping by. I'm glad you liked my tribute to John and I appreciate your comments. Hope the writing business is going well for you.
Mike
GmaGoldie, thanks for reading. I liked your John Lennon quote and actually thought about using it when I wrote this hub. It very much symbolizes Lennon's thinking about his life, his family and his world views. I always appreciated his ability to articulate his love of family. He became far more real and human by talking about Yoko and Sean.
Thanks for stopping by and helping us all remember.
Mike
Lisadpreston, thanks for reading and offering your insights. I am certainly not one to dismiss the idea of a conspiracy. I think it is completely possible that the US could have wanted John Lennon killed. As you suggest, war is big business and it isn't good for business to have a vocal advocate for peace. I know US Immigration tried to have Lennon deported. When that didn't work, it isn't a stretch to imagine what the next idea to silence him might have been.
Thanks again for stopping by and commenting. I appreciate it a great deal. Take care.
Mike
Kaie, thanks for reading. I had to do a double-take when I realized John would have been 70 this year, also. It is hard to believe that even his son Sean is 35 now, and his oldest son Julian has already lived longer than John did. The music lives forever, and that's what we have now. Thanks again for reading. Hope you're doing well.
Mike
Beautiful tribute Mike. Many blessings, JR
Thank you JR. And thanks for stopping by and remembering with us. Take care.
Mike
Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful tribute Mike.I am voting this one up and a beautiful.
I have only just found you on here and I can't wait to read more of your work.
Take care Mike.
this is another pwoerful hub of yours which means so much to so many simply because you are so capable of putting words that people are thinking into something meaningful. A beautiful tribute.
I hated it because I had really just gotten to looking at him as a person, and liking him although before I always felt sorry for him for some reason, like he really had no one and even Yoko would give him away off and on. The Beatles were really in my sisters age group but she never cared for music and I did from age 5 up and then the awful way he got treated by our government, and then too all at once he was handsome to me (sorry-but being truthful)and then he was gone. I think he never had fear. Who knows but what the government was behind it, I think they were JFK and brother Bobby.
Shortly after the assassination, someone marketed pin-on buttons that said only "Remember October 9". That was to celebrate the birth and not the death. I still have mine.
Thanks for a beautiful tribute to an extraoridinary man and for keeping the important message alive. Give peace a chance.
The Dream will never be over.. we want it.
Going to Liverpool this afternoon (fortunate enough to live just a short train journey away), will be paying a visit to the new John Lennon Peace Monument in Chevasse Park.
Peace On Earth - For The Conservation Of Life.
Cheers.
What a beautiful man who brought so much wonderful thought to so many people. I cant say I remember the date he died, I was only a few weeks old, but I do love his music and the meaning behind everything that he wrote. I wish more people could follow love and not hate. Thanks for sharing this.
Eiddwen, thanks for stopping by. I appreciate your kind words about my work, and I'm happy to know you have enjoyed my tribute to John Lennon. Thanks again, and come back any time.
Mike
Rebecca, thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. I respect and appreciate your opinions a great deal, and I am always grateful when you read my work. John Lennon was a brilliant artist and so deserving of good thoughts and memories. Thanks again for reading.
Mike
Polly, thanks for reading. The Beatles were more from my sister's era than mine, as well, but she played the records and I certainly listened. I think you're correct that John was in some ways a lonely man. I'm sure many celebrities are wary of "friends" and, as you pointed out, even Yoko booted him out of the house for awhile. His life seemed to grow quieter as he grew older, also. In the interviews before his death, he had very little to say about his life as a "house-husband." That could be the interviewer's bias, of course--he might have simply answered the questions he was asked.
Others have also suggested that his death was arranged and that it was not just Chapman. He certainly did have problems with the US government, and I could see them taking action if they viewed him as too vocal and a problem.
Thanks again for stopping by, Polly. I appreciate it.
Mike
Sally's Trove, thanks so much for reading. Although I focused on the tragedy of his death in this article, I agree that it is far more positive to celebrate his birth and life than dwell on his death. That seems more in keeping with John's spirit.
Thanks for stopping by, and thanks also for helping to make this a better tribute. Take care.
Mike
Wilbury, thanks for your kind words. You're right--the dream will live because we want it and need it. We have to carry with us a dream of peace and respect for life. Without it, what do we have.
I hope you enjoyed your visit to the Peace Monument. Take care.
Mike
Mike you wrote a wonderful tribute about a complex man to many.However true to his fight for peace he was steadfast and that in itself is a blessing from John Lennon. You summed up John's life with this quote.
"The dream is over for John. Mark David Chapman killed the messenger at approximately 11:00 PM on December 8th, but John’s dream doesn’t have to die with him. We can still listen to John’s music and imagine a world with nothing to kill or die for. We can still imagine all the people living life in peace. John had it right—he was a dreamer, but he wasn’t the only one. We can live his dream for him. We can create a world where peace is not viewed as weakness. We can still try to prove that love is all you need"
The world is striving for LOVE to really love our fellowman we have to all come together as a whole body of loving peoples STOP WAR and find PEACE.
I was fortunate to see the Beatles live in Montreal in 1965 I camped out with thousands of other kids around the old FORUM hockey arena, where the Montreal Canadiens called home. I was working as a dry cleaning delivery boy after school on the same street as the Forum Atwater and Close Aves.
I saw the BEATLES as they were, so young and full of life and with their MOW jackets and BEATLE cut hair. It was an amazing concert, one I will never forget.
Thank you my friend for shedding light on Johns star. I pray that he is in God's home and leading the angels in a choir and singing about PEACE to the world. RIP John.
HC, thanks for reading. You summarized how things should be so well: we should follow love instead of hate. I've never understood someone who adopts hate as an attitude. Why does anyone CHOOSE hate? It sounds so absurd to say it out loud, but so many folks do exactly that. Hate is not strength and love is not weakness. It would be interesting to see what the world would be like if more people chose to live their life guided by love and caring and compassion. When that happens, we truly will give peace a chance.
Thanks so much for stopping by.
Mike
Saddlerider, thanks for your comments. I would loved to have seen the Beatles perform live. Witnessing the phenomenon that was the Beatles almost seems like something that needs the perspective of time to truly appreciate. How many of the screaming fans who saw the Beatles when they were young knew what was taking place? How many could imagine that they were witnessing a tiny bit of history--that in a small way, John, Paul, George and Ringo created social change, and their songs and concerts were a part of that change? Not many, I would guess. Even the Beatles couldn't have known yet what they would mean to the history of popular music.
We do need to stop making war. It is difficult to fathom a genuine rationale for war. I understand retaliation if attacked, but I don't understand attacking someone else in the first place who is simply on the other side of a line on a map--and it doesn't matter what nations are involved. It doesn't matter what politics or beliefs are threatened. There is no excuse for war. We certainly don't need to go to war for the banks and the oil companies.
Those who advocate war will say that folks like John Lennon are naive, but Lennon wasn't naive--he simply saw no reason for violence. He didn't care about tearing down cultures and overthrowing governments because no one had a plan for what happened after that. No one could convince him there was a reason for violence. If that is a naive way of thinking, then I am naive.
And, I'm rambling, too. Thanks again for your comments, I am always appreciative.
Mike
Thanks for this hub Mike. Like you I was watching Monday night football when I heard the news. It was awful. John Lennon was one of the brightest lights of our generation. His music transformed the world, he said what needed to be said, and his light shines on.
Joyus, thanks for your comments. That was such an odd evening, getting the news about Lennon's death from Howard Cosell. Lennon was indeed one of our generation's true heroes, and we are better for his having been here. As Lennon said in a song, "We all shine on."
Thanks for reading.
Mike
You did such a grand piece of work here in tribute to a great man and his life. I so appreciate this hub, thank you for all the work you did, your wrote eloquently about a great man and his works as well as the man himself. Voted up and more. :D hugs :D
Mike- Wow! Great piece!! John would be proud to see his inspiration living on through you! Absolutely incredible!!
Sa'ge, thanks for the kind words. John Lennon was a larger-than-life figure who lived much of his life in a whirlwind. In the end he praised family and peace, and as much as anything, that is what he will be remembered for. Thanks again for stopping by.
Mike
Yess! Thanks for stopping by and reading. One of the kindest things you could have said is that John Lennon himself would be pleased with what I've written about him here. Thank you so much. I hope somehow he is able to know that he really did make a difference for people.
Thanks again.
Mike
Mike, you brought back some wonderful messages to mind that John Lennon left for us. Great hub!
Love IS all we ever need and it comes to us in many ways, one of them being beautiful memories.
Phyllis, thanks for stopping by, and for your kind words as well. I hope someday we all realize that love fuels so many good things, while hate fuels only more hate. I think John would be happy to know his message lives on. Thanks again.
Mike
Huge fan of Lennon myself. This is a great hub -- appreciate you posting a tribute.
Thanks for stopping by, cdub. I'm glad you enjoyed my salute to John. Take care.
Mike
What a joy but at the same time sadness this was to read.
One of my all time favorite tracks of this icon is WORKING CLASS HERO. this is after all what John had become, and we all claimed him as our very own hero.
His spirit and Soul truely were beautiful.
The last photo you have really is haunting, and as you say unfathomable as why this could ever happen.
I will always remember exactly where I was when this tragic news broke. I share this sad memory with my sister, and her husband, as at that time we shared good family news.
It's a very strange thing today, as tragedy, and happiness often does go hand in hand.
Debbiesdailyviews (Debbie), thanks for your comments. I always liked 'Working Class Hero,' and as you suggest, that is what John became for so many. He offered a voice to what many people were thinking and feeling, and he continued until his life was suddenly ended. His spirit and soul were indeed beautiful.
Yes, the photo of Lennon and Chapman together is strangely eerie--even more so with Chapman's odd smile during his encounter with John. It is odd to look at the photo and say, "This man was about to kill John Lennon," but that is exactly what happened.
Thanks for your kind and sensitive comments--they are greatly appreciated.
Mike
Mike--
A beautifully written piece for a gentle, beautiful soul. I was 8 yrs. old when The Beatles made their USA debut on the Ed Sullivan show. Paul was the cutest. But as the years went on, John grew so much as a person. Near the anniversary of what would have been his 70th, I learned much about John I didn't know. I can't believe that G.Gordon Liddy and our U.S. Govt. was actually considering John a threat! How is it possible that he was killed in his beloved NY after he fought so hard not to be deported? I'm also a Bob Marley fan, and he was also shot by the CIA at a concert in Jamaica. He played on because 80,000 people were present. Plus with all the ganja he indulged in, he probably thought it was a mosquito bite at first (kidding). At this time it also shocks me to see how racist people were about Yoko. From what I understand, she was brought up in a wealthy family with servants, and life in the USA was new and confusing to her. People pulled her hair, and told her she was ugly. She must have loved John deeply, or I don't think she would have stayed at the Dakota. Thanks for a wonderful hub!
Hi Mike, I was searching hubs on John Lennon tonight and came across this tribute. Well done! John has been dead longer than I have been alive, wishing I were around to experience the Beatlemania madness, I forever hold Lennon's music close to my heart.
Hi Mike,
Unlike the previous post I was 22 years old when John Lennon was shot! I was in a hotel in Waikiki beach with my sister. We were on our way home from London (after completing our OE of 3 years) to New Zealand via Los Angeles, Honolulu, Sydney and finally Auckland. I can still remember the shock and horror I felt on hearing such terrible news. Such a tragic loss. It's hard to believe it was 30 years ago.
Jean, thanks for reading. It is indeed shocking to think that the US government considered John Lennon a threat, but I'm sure his involvement with Abbie Hoffman and Jerry Rubin fanned the flames that sought to deport him. His message was often ridiculed as simple and naive, but upon reflection, the simplicity of his dream was what made it special--that giving peace a chance would help bring about peace. John had a brilliant mind and he is sorely missed.
Thanks again for reading. Take care.
Mike
Nicky, thanks for reading. You missed Beatlemania, but the music and wisdom of the man who created it live on. His music was special, and so was he.
I'm glad you stopped by. Thanks for sharing your thoughts here.
Mike
Jackie, thanks for reading. I was an art student at the time, and I went to the studios on campus the next day and shared my feelings with a friend. I still remember the empty feeling I had as I sat on the cold cement floor and talked about what John's music meant to us. It was a strange day, and almost seems unreal after all these years. Unfortunately, it was real and John has been gone for 30 years.
Well, thanks for stopping by and remembering John here with the rest of us. I appreciate it a great deal.
Mike
Had Lennon used Yoko to establish his supremacy over McCartney? And, did he sow seeds of discontent about Pete Best in Harrison and McCartney rather than Harrison doing it, as widely believed?
Anyway, Lennon is one of the very best. Thank you
Thirdmillenium, thanks for reading. Y'know, Lennon is possibly guilty as charged of the things you mention. He was a talented and spiritual man, but hardly a saint. As you say, he was one of the very best, and it is a tragedy that his life was cut short.
Thanks again.
Mike
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Uninvited Writer Level 4 Commenter 19 months ago
Wonderful hub. I was also in college when he was murdered also. I was in shock the whole next day.