Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
John Lennon's son, Julian, performs 'Imagine' for the 1st time, in support of Ukraine
Julian Lennon attends the amfAR Gala Los Angeles 2021 on November 04, 2021 in West Hollywood, California.
Julian Lennon, the son of the late Beatles star turned solo artist John Lennon, publicly performed his father's hit song "Imagine" last week for the first time. He said he did so in support of Ukraine.
"As a human, and as an artist, I felt compelled to respond in the most significant way I could," Lennon tweeted. "So today, for the first time ever, I publicly performed my Dad's song, IMAGINE."
In a video of the performance, Lennon and a guitarist sit in a room illuminated by candles. The camera slowly swings around them as Lennon sings the antiwar anthem.
The War on Ukraine is an unimaginable tragedy...
— Julian Lennon (@JulianLennon) April 8, 2022
As a human, and as an artist, I felt compelled to respond in the most significant way I could. So today, for the first time ever, I publicly performed my Dad’s song, IMAGINE. pic.twitter.com/Qcggk2XaAx
"Why now, after all these years? — I had always said, that the only time I would ever consider singing 'IMAGINE' would be if it was the 'End of the World' ..." Lennon said.
He suggested that the song represents "our collective desire for peace worldwide" and that it transports listeners to a place "where love and togetherness become our reality."
Noting the millions of people who've fled the violence in Ukraine, Lennon called on world leaders to support refugees around the world and urged people to "advocate and donate from the heart."
Sponsored message
A version of this story originally appeared in the Morning Edition live blog.
Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. 9(MDA1OTI3MjQ5MDEyODUwMTE2MzM1YzNmZA004))
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
