On this day 70 years ago, Oct. 9, 1940, John Lennon was born in Liverpool. It’s undeniably tragic that he is not around to celebrate his birthday today. But this can also be a happy occasion for fans, a time to reflect on all the joy that this great artist brought into the world before his senseless murder in 1980.
The 70th anniversary of Lennon’s birth is being marked around the globe in all kinds of ways. EMI rolled out a major reissue campaign of his solo catalog earlier this week — read all about it here. Last fall’s complete Beatles remasters still sound amazing as well. If you’re not up for buying any of those CDs, iTunes is offering a free download of “(Just Like) Starting Over” from the new Double Fantasy Stripped Down. This fresh version of one of his best-loved tunes, without some of the studio dressing from the original 1980 release, is well worth adding to your iPod.
There’s plenty of Lennon love elsewhere on the Web, too. Google‘s homepage has been decorated since yesterday with a cute animation based on Lennon’s drawings. Over at YouTube, you can check out video tributes to Lennon from his widow Yoko Ono, his old bandmate Ringo Starr, and fans from Brian Wilson to Jeff Bridges to the Jonas Brothers. You can also submit your own clip paying homage to Lennon if you like.
If you live in New York City, consider heading to Central Park’s SummerStage Theater tonight for a special free screening of a new documentary about Lennon’s years in the city, LENNONYC. Doors open at 6 p.m. for the 7 p.m. screening. (If you’re not based in NYC or you can’t make it, don’t worry — PBS will air the film Nov. 22.)
Those are just a few of the many options available for honoring Lennon today. Will you be celebrating his 70th birthday? Let us know how in the comments.
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Since I’ll be in the sudio, my day will be filled by the act that Lennon is best known for, creating music.
Peace to all
The Mad Soundman
What more can I say than let us celebrate his life today;even if through some tears of sadness as I play his music and remembering.
OH GOOD GRIEF PEOPLE, THE MAN IS DEAD, GET….OVER…IT!!!!!!!!!!!
I thought that thing on YouTube was an way-too-early Halloween thing.
Get over the fact that people love him still SmartAlex.
Warm wishes to Cynthia and Julian, Yoko and Sean, Paul and Ringo. I know this may be a difficult day for you all. I will celebrate the day by going to see a great Beatles cover band at an outdoor festival this evening.
the man if he’s still alive could have made more “PEACE” music…happy birthday Mr John Lennon and to Sean and thank you Yoko Ono….
you forgot the only talented one in your post. JULIAN. the others are freakin’ leech hacks.
Sure thing! Attending a Wedding. The birth of some other beautiful emotion
Happy Birthday!
I will spend the day listening to his music and thinking of those days he made us smile.
My kids already love the Beatles, so I’m going to introduce them to his solo work today. After my husband gets home from work, I’m going to watch a downloaded copy of Nowhere Boy. Shhhh. I couldn’t resist. It’s his birthday!
Omg I love John Lennon and I am so happy that it’s his birthday 70 wow!!!!
I also love the beatles
UHHHH, YOU DO REALIZE THE MAN IS DEAD RIGHT???????
No we all couldn’t figure that out. No one knows or remembers that he died. Get a life. if you don’t care and you aren’t a fan then fine. Just go away.
Yeah, but we all wish YOU were dead instead of him.
this is no ordinary this is a day for party to party for john lennon SO EVERYONE PARTY PARTY FOR JOHN LENNON AND HIS AWSOME MUSIC LISTON TO HIS MUSIC TODAY AND THINK OF THE CHANGE JOHN LENNON BROUGHT
John Lennon was a man of peace and love for the the world, and loved by many for his music. You are missed. “HBD to you JWL”
I think John would be saddened by just how far away from a world without borders and with compassion we have strayed. We need his voice… silenced by one person’s need to be heard. Joy and sadness in the same breath… Ah, Johnny boy, we miss ya…
people, wake up, don’t listen to his “music”!!! and don’t listen to Y.O.B. interviews!!! she killed the Beatles!!!
And you can’t see beyond your own needs… John loved Yoko. Why can’t you understand his happiness outweighed the needs of his Beatle fans.
Right on!! John himself couldn’t have said that better!
Well said.
Don’t be hatin’ Yoko. Yes, she was a factor in their break-up….but not the only one. She made John happy and she has remained faithful to him in these long years after he left us.
I’m going to celebrate by watching Beatles movies and listening to John’s music. By the way, the Double Fantasy Stripped Down is great, it’s amazing how clean his voice sounds it’s really beautiful.
I am now listening to all the Beatles CDs own, singing along and feeling the love! Love you John. You will live on forever!!!
Thanks for creating music that has been a major part of my life’s soundtrack.
I will remember him for all the wonderful songs he has done. And again, I still love Watching the Wheels, which doesn’t get the due respect it does like his mostly popular Imagine and Woman. The arrangement and melody is astounding on that song!
Thanks for taking me the other half way john, Rest In paradise
Happy Birthday to one of the greatest men to ever walk the face of the earth. The music created by John Lennon will forever flow through my central nervous system. We celebrate John Lennon’s birthday today by playing his music as loud as the neighbors will allow, a birthday cake and spreading peace and love.
I agree Jessica. He truly was one of a kind. He is the greatest ever…