Celebrating John Lennon- 40 years since his death
- Francesca Davis
- Feb 23, 2021
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 18, 2022
It is extremely sad to remember that John Lennon was shot in 1980, but as his 40 year anniversary is upon us, it is time to look at his life, as well as the people he has inspired from more personal perspectives
A band that took the world by storm at the time. A band that has been a major influence to many other musicians since them. A band that will always be remembered. Then a man on his own, taken away from the band, still inspirational, still making powerful music and will also always be remembered. That’s why we care, and why December 2020, the eighth day of the month is so important, as people celebrate 40 years since a legendary man was taken from our world too soon. That man being, John Lennon.
The Beatles formed in 1960, unknowingly setting themselves up to be one of the biggest and most well-loved bands to have ever formed. Their exploration of music as well as the bigger issues around them, meant that people everywhere found something to enjoy about a group who ultimately changed the way music was perceived.
The Beatles
Many years on, people still talk about the Beatles and there’s so much around that tells us about their career, including the Beatles Story museum in their hometown of Liverpool. Receiving 315,000 visitors from around the world, people share their love for the Beatles to this day. When talking to Mitch Francis, the PR and marketing executive for the museum, he revealed that the reason why he thinks the Beatles are so popular still is that “much of their music was ground-breaking and inspired many popular music acts throughout the years.”
There are indeed many people who feel inspired by the Beatles, including tribute bands for them, who revealed more personal reasons to the same question. Andre Barreau, the original George for the Bootleg Beatles said, “Their song-writing output in terms of originality, quality and volume (in such a short life span) is remarkable. Every album is a ‘new’ Beatles.” He also added, “Another factor was their personalities- their intelligence, wit, honesty and directness.”
Lee Hambridge, from the tribute band, ‘Meet the Beatles’, said that his perception of the band was that “[they] are relevant today because I think people look back on that time as a golden era of music. The Beatles wrote the soundtrack to many people's lives and I feel you cannot fault how ahead of the times they really were.”
The Beatles Performing
It isn’t much of a surprise that there are a plethora of Beatles experts and tributes keeping their legacy going. If there weren’t so many people who idolised them, the museum and tribute bands who love them as much as their fans wouldn’t be allowed to exist.
Which is why those who adored the band, especially at the time, would have been devastated when the band split up and all four members went on to release solo material. However, the band parting meant that the public were able to see each individual talent, including John Lennon’s.
The man himself, John Lennon
Not only did John Lennon create more songs for the world to enjoy, continuing his phenomenal songwriting, he also became heavily involved in peace activism along with his wife, Yoko Ono, which though he always felt strongly about, was particularly prominent away from The Beatles, and was a common theme in his solo music. However, an early death in 1980 marked the end of John Lennon’s life, but he left the world a legend and hero. He made history as an individual and as part of the band, which is why The Beatles Story museum houses not just Beatles memorabilia, but also each member’s story. Mitch said “At the end of our exhibition we have the ‘Solo Rooms’, showcasing facts and memorabilia from the time John, Paul, George and Ringo spent as solo artists. These rooms are just as popular as the main exhibition itself,” before going on to mention a touching story that shows just how loved Lennon really was: “Every year on the anniversary of John’s death, a lady visits our exhibition and leaves a bunch of roses on the piano in the ‘Imagine Room’ which is a really lovely gesture.”
John Lennon and his wife, Yoko Ono
So why was John Lennon such a special person? According to the people that appreciate him enough to showcase his work to this day, like Lee, reasons include the fact that “he was the most honest Beatle and spoke his mind. For me personally I loved his music and he seemed to stand up for what he believed in.” Meanwhile Mitch added, “His incredible song writing, bold ideas and outspoken mind created the Lennon Legacy which is still so popular and powerful around the world.”
There is no denying that John Lennon’s influence in music and beyond has continued to stick with people, and hopefully still will when we are celebrating 100 years since his awful, unfortunate passing. As a band that has been an extremely successful Beatles tribute, Andre’s words seem only fitting to conclude on such an inspirational figure. “John Lennon was a standout guy, a true original and a bona fide artist. Extremely bright, funny, quick-witted (and at times confrontational). He was without doubt, a genius.”
Take a look at The Beatles Story museum in Liverpool here:
Check out Lee's tribute band, Meet the Beatles: http://meetthebeatles.co.uk/
Plus links to the amazing Bootleg Beatles:
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