To celebrate what would be John Lennon’s 80th birthday, on Friday, October 9th, Blurred Vision lead singer Sepp Osley has organized a tribute live stream concert which will be available to watch on YouTube at 3:00p.m. ET.
This show will be hosted at the famous Hard Rock Hotel in London and will feature some big name artists such as Peter Gabriel, KT Tunstall, Larkin Poe, John Ilsley of Dire Straits, Lawrence Gowan of Styx, Maxi Jazz of Faithless, Lindsey Ell, PP Arnold, Andy Fairweather Low, Graham Gouldman of 10cc, Nick Van Eede of Cutting Crew, Blurred Vision, Mollie Marriott and Laura Jean Anderson to name a few. Each artist/band will perform covers of various songs written by Lennon.
This virtual concert will raise money for the War Child UK charity, which helps provide support for impoverished families across the globe’s war zones.
John Lennon is one of the most influential people in the history of music. A founding member of The Beatles, his partnership with Paul McCartney remains the most successful songwriting partnership in history. Lennon inspired generations of musicians and non-musicians alike. His songs focused on global issues as well as personal issues in hopes that it might help move the world in a direction of peace and love rather than war and hate. His impact on our culture, both individually and as part of The Beatles, cannot be overstated.
The Beatles became global superstars after their performance on the American television show, The Ed Sullivan Show, in 1964. Their appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show sparked a worldwide phenomenon known as Beatlemania. A wave of British rock bands began to take the world by storm known as the British Invasion, which was started by The Beatles. The band would perform for 6 years together touring all over the world. The Beatles would go on to release 12 studio albums, selling over 600 million albums, winning 8 Grammy Awards and 1 Academy Award for their music.
In 1970 The Beatles decided to call it quits as tension rose amongst the bandmates. Each member decided to go their own way and start solo careers. During this time, Lennon wrote the famous song, “Imagine,” which challenged all listeners to love one another no matter their differences. In 1980 John Lennon was shot and murdered outside of his Manhattan apartment building, The Dakota, in New York City. His music carries on.
This virtual benefit concert in honor of John Lennon’s birthday will not only raise money for a very good cause but it will also celebrate the life and music of a man that inspired generations of musicians all around the world. I couldn’t think of a better way to honor John Lennon.
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