Lennon’s everlasting legacy of love

Reflect on the words and sounds he created that have been the soundtrack of our lives

“If I were not a physicist, I would probably be a musician. I often think in music. I live my daydreams in music. I see my life in terms of music.” Albert Einstein

A year does not go by without someone, somewhere around the globe asking me on this dreadful anniversary to write or comment on the passing of John Lennon in 1980. I resist it.

At the age of 14, in 1969, I spent much of the day and evening with my hero and his great love and collaborator, Yoko Ono, when they swept through Toronto on their way to stage the Montreal Bed-In for peace. Strange but true, much of the time, I do not enjoy talking about my incredible experience because in many ways it is deeply personal and to a large extent, defines me.

On that perfect day, arguably the most important cultural figure of our time, with Yoko, graciously gave his young fan quality attention, respect and kindness. John and Yoko as a force of nature were real, brilliant and historic.

On this day of monumental loss and cruel brutality, I ask you all to reflect on the words and sounds he created that have been the soundtrack of our lives and that live on with each new generation. John’s visceral and sensory ideas that are manifest in his songs, many of which were inspired by Yoko, are so meaningful and universally relatable.

This was all born from a post-Second World World War child in Liverpool, whose father left when he was of tender years, was raised by his aunt and her husband, suffered the death of that uncle and then was traumatized by the accidental death of his mother when he was a young teenager. Out of this emotional bombardment came words and sounds that have changed the world.

Close your eyes and conjure the deeply personal thoughts, memories and feelings of “Strawberry Fields Forever,” “In My Life,” “Help,” “Don’t Let Me Down,” “Dear Prudence,” “God,” “I Want You (She’s So Heavy)” and “Because.”

Think of the power of “Revolution,” “Mind Games,” “Across The Universe” and “Imagine.”

Embrace the hopeful joy and uplifting spirit of “Instant Karma,” “Beautiful Boy,” “Give Peace A Chance,” “Oh Yoko,” and “All You Need Is Love.”

Channel the personal pain of “Mother,” “Scared,” “Cold Turkey,” “I’m Losing You,” “Yer Blues,” “Going Down On Love” and “Nobody Loves You (When You’re Down and Out).”

Revel in and celebrate the sheer majesty of “Come Together,” “Tomorrow Never Knows,” “Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds,” “A Day In The Life,” “Happiness Is A Warm Gun” and the unparalleled “I Am The Walrus.”

Fame does not always lend itself to humanistic traits. Look around our culture and how poisoned we all are, particularly our children, by celebrity examples of greed, narcissism and abuse of power.

How would you handle adulation? John Lennon handled it by walking away from The Beatles to pursue artistic creation with Yoko, as an equal, and to use his fame to foster understanding, love, truth and peace.

My story is a testament to that. Yoko, Sean and the team they employ continue those purposeful goals with true commitment and integrity. They honour John and his memory.

I can attest to how human, honest and kind John Lennon was, how real, gracious and inspirational Yoko is and how fiercely creative and intelligent Sean is. I was blessed with these wonderful encounters that enhance the love I have for John’s songs, his speaking voice and his constant and valiant devotion to making the world a better place. Everything about the Lennono world really is about understanding, love, truth and peace.

I miss John so much.

John Lennon’s visceral and sensory ideas that are manifest in his songs, many of which were inspired by Yoko Ono, are so meaningful and universally relatable