Remembering John Lennon

On this anniversary of the darkest day in Beatles History, we remember John Lennon. It's hard to believe that 28 years have passed since people in the U.S. heard that horrible announcement by Howard Cosell on Monday Night Football.

Lennon had appeared on Monday Night Football with Cosell in 1974.



I realize that for some of us, those 28 years have gone by in a flash and the tragic memory is still a source of emotional pain. For others, it is ancient history that can be chronicled, satirized and even exploited in conspiracy theories.

I have not read the whole book yet, but from the published excerpts of Philip Norman's new book, "John Lennon, The Life," it appears that people close to Lennon feel that it has been long enough to start revealing some of the more sordid details of John's life. Yoko Ono and Paul McCartney were both interviewed for the book, but expressed strong disapproval with the finished product. Lennon's two sons must feel that it has been long enough to start saying some pretty negative things about their dad. Julian had spoken negatively about his dad before, but Sean has only recently accused John of damaging his hearing.

This article contains damaging quotes from both Lennon sons.

Paul McCartney's numerous reactions to the tragedy were not completely understood by the public. Here are just a few:

1)"It's a drag." [His actual words were, "Drag, isn't it?"]
2)"Jerk of All Jerks" [Paul discusses the poem on the Larry King show (transcript)]
3)But I think the clearest indication of Paul's feelings regarding John's death can be seen in this heart wrenching clip of "Here Today."

Some videos have appeared on YouTube as a result of this anniversary. Most are tributes, but a few address one side or the other of the various conspiracy theories attached to John. This is a sampling of what is out there:


December 8 by YouKnowMyName231 takes a philosophical and emotional look at John's death.


December Dream by PaulTheRevelator takes a wistful Klaatu song and creates a tasteful tribute to John.

Merry Crimble (and a happy Goo Year)! by J0HNWINST0N0N0LENN0N appears to be at least inspired by the Mr. Pilgrim chapter of the Iamaphoney saga. I don't think it actually comes from the Iamaphoney camp, but there is no way to know for sure. It's just that someone seemed a little too anxious to plug it on this blog.

Tribute to John Lennon- 2008 by maccalennon uses homemade versions of "Working Class Hero" and "Love" as backing for a Lennon tribute.

Here Today by Sunsol features a remix of the song in support of a slide show.

There are many other video tributes out there. If you see any good ones, please leave them in the comments.