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(Bethpage, N.Y.) On December 8, 1980, a deranged man named Mark David Chapman shot John Lennon multiple times, causing him to collapse and lie helplessly in his own blood to his death. John had spent an otherwise uneventful day leading up to meeting his fate. Earlier in the day, John and Yoko Ono were interviewed for over 4 hours by a programmer of a radio network. One of John’s quotes within the interview sounded quite simple, however in retrospect is quite chilling. John indicated how it was great that we all survived the sixties, and that we should all stop worrying whether the Apocolypse is going to come will not do us any good. He also was hopeful that as the eighties went onward, people would see the positive side of life again. His most poignant quote was “While there is life, there’s hope”, unbeknownst to him that in just a few short hours he would meet his fate many years too early. These quotes as well as many other fascinating details of John’s life can be found in a book I am currently reading entitled Lennon Revealed written by Larry Kane, a former NY and Philadelphia news reporter who traveled with the Beatles in the early years and became good friends with John.
John also posed for what would become the last photo of him alive. Later in the afternoon, John spent some time at the recording studio to finish mixing a new single from his recently turned Gold album called Double Fantasy. John had spent the last few years in obscurity, and out of the public eye. He dedicated himself to his home life and the raising of his young son Sean with Yoko. This album was the first in a few years, and I believe John was truly enjoying himself, and his new lease on life after some troubled years.
On the afternoon of December 8, the same Mark Chapman had asked John for his autograph, which John obliged. It was typical that people would often hang around the Dakota apartments hoping to catch a glimpse of John. John was a true New Yorker, one who would always frequent many of the establishments which the city had to offer. Fortunately, failed attempts by the Nixon administration to kick John out of the country enabled John to keep New York City as his home. The Nixon administration stated the reason for the action was due to a marijuana conviction in England back in the sixties. The truth of the matter was that they wanted him deported because they felt he was a disruption due to his anti-war stance and could even disrupt the Republican Convention. I am sure Nixon had better things to worry about than John’s stance on the war. Fortunately, John won his battle and was granted his Green Card in 1976. As for Nixon, well we know what happened.
Just hours after signing the autograph John returned home from the recording studio to call it an evening. At approximately 10:50PM, the deranged Mark David Chapman, carrying the book “Catcher in the Rye” in a most cowardly fashion, fired 4 or more shots in the back of John. John was pronounced dead at approximately 11:10PM at Roosevelt Hospital after endless efforts to save him.
As for myself, well I was a 14 year old, sick at home with the flu. I was lying in my bedroom watching Monday Night Football, when the dreaded news was announced by Howard Cosell. Upon hearing the news, I sat up in disbelief and just stared at the TV. Yes, although just 14 years old, the news shook me. I always had a huge musical interest, although never sang nor played an instrument. The Beatles were always one of my favorite bands, and was also a fan of the solo work of each band member. The next morning, I was home from school, and listened to the radio and watched the endless coverage of John’s death on TV. The endless coverage became a learning experience for me, as I learned so much about John and the Beatles, more than just the music. The following Sunday, there was a silent vigil, in which radio stations went silent for 10 minutes in honor of John. I don’t believe this ever happened prior to this event, and may never happen again.
On the 20th anniversary of John’s death, I finally made it down the Strawberry Fields in Central Park. Thousands of people from all over the world were there, lighting candles, telling stories, and singing songs in celebration of John’s life. Many brought their guitars and drum sets, entertaining us all to hours of sing-a-longs. At precisely 10:50PM, the entire park went silent without being provoked. We all stood for a moment or two of silence, and then everyone in unison sang “Imagine”. For me, the experience was chilling. Just think, an entire park going silent at once, and then all of us singing Imagine together. It was truly emotional, and I knew that I had witnessed something wonderful. It was my way of attaining closure. We were all united as one. People still visit Strawberry Fields each anniversary, and this year will be no exception.
Perhaps many of you reading this are not fans of John. That’s fine. It’s what makes the world go around. We may or may not always agree with some of John’s comments, but what he did always believe in was peace and love, which most of the world lacks. I often think about what John would say if he were here today. Those of you who are fans, try to take a moment or two, or perhaps all day and celebrate what John has left us. John may not be here physically, but he is here in spirit. His music will live on forever. For those of you who are teachers, tell your students about this day. Those of you who are parents, tell your kids about John and what he believed in.
John, we all miss you. As for Mr Mark David Chapman we all hope you rot in the very jail cell you live in today.
