I remember that night like it was only yesterday: I will remember that night for the rest of my tomorrows. Of all the people I have admired none have been more influential to my thought process and creative spirit than John Lennon. He fascinated me: His voice was anxious; his songs were intense and personal; and, his message was simple: “Imagine”. Lennon was a man of the moment, yet a presence for all time. Though capable of true tenderness, he frequently lashed out with great cruelty. His greatest attribute was that he was real—a human being who achieved the “toppermost of the poppermost” and, yet, walked away to raise his son. In October 1980, after a five-year hiatus, my hero had come roaring back with “(Just Like) Starting Over”. On the day the 45rpm record was released, I purchased four copies at Tower Records in Hollywood: One for my friend and fellow Beatles fan Jeff Wilbanks; and, three for myself. That afternoon that song played on my turntable over and over, as I was entranced by Lennon’s latest work. The following month the album “Double Fantasy” was released, along with the news that he was already at work on a follow-up with the possibility of a worldwide tour. I was overjoyed, as it would be the first time I would get to see him perform live. On that cold Monday night 34 years ago, my best friends Cindy Cynthia Becker and Jeff Wilbanks were visiting. We were playing records and talking when my younger brother Tim knocked on my door to tell me John Lennon had been shot. Thinking it was a cruel joke, I angrily threatened him. However, Cindy turned on the radio and a Beatles song was playing. Then came the announcement … yes, it was true! Immediately I called Susan, a girl I had met (and became enamored with) the month before at Beatlefest: It was she who delivered the dreadful news: “He’s dead, Michael”. All that week I cried bitter tears. I bought all the newspapers and magazines with articles on Lennon. Susan, Cindy, Jeff and I attended the vigil sponsored by KMET-FM at Century City the day after his murder. I also observed the ten-minute Silent Vigil that following Sunday. Afterward, though I still reveled in the music of John Lennon—both with the Beatles and on his own—listening to it both inspired my hope for humanity, as well as anger for the senseless manner by which we lost him: Another man of peace killed by a madman’s bullet! Today, my study will ring with the music of John Lennon. I will remember the breathtaking sensation of discovering his unique vision for myself when I was five years-old—watching the promo film of “Strawberry Fields Forever” on ‘American Bandstand’. Maybe, I’ll even view the excellent PBS film “LENNONYC”. And, yes, I will mourn him and thoughtfully ponder what might have been had he lived. John, thank you for being such an integral part of my life! I truly miss you! https://youtube/watch?v=Op-uIUIktWY
Posted on: Mon, 08 Dec 2014 06:29:46 +0000
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