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Jun 25, 2008
Ono brings John’s art to Newton
By Jed Gottlieb for the Boston Herald
Yoko Ono believes John Lennon’s campaign for peace is as powerful as ever. And, as the steward of Lennon’s legacy, Ono thinks showing her late husband’s art is a crucial part of that campaign.
This weekend, she brings the Beatle’s art to Boston for a 15th year. Hosted by the Hotel Indigo in Newton, this year’s show, Power to the People, benefits the Boys & Girls Club of Boston.
Between promoting Lennon’s work, her own art and the ImaginePeace.com site, Ono took time to explain how the show is put together - and what she thinks of “American Idol.”
Herald: The Lennon art show has become an annual Boston fixture. Can we count on it for years to come?
Ono: I don’t know. I don’t want to say this will continue when I have to scrape the bottom of the barrel. It’s something that’s nice now. So as long as it’s nice I’ll keep on doing it.
You mention scraping the bottom of the barrel. Have we seen nearly everything John’s done?
Oh, no, not yet. There’s really a lot, but I don’t want to show everything at the same time because I think work needs a certain space to be appreciated.
How do you design the show?
It’s not that organized. It’s not a well-planned thing. It’s like an improvisation. I just go through the stuff and say, “What about this one, or that one?” It’s instinctive.
Do you see a progression or evolution in John’s art?
Progression is not the word. I think he covered all different fields of emotion and wisdom and more. To do that he sort of jumped around. So it’s not like there was a successive growth in him. It’s very strange, but he was great from the beginning, even when he was in his teens doing drawings. You look at those drawings and see a very mature work with the cynicism and all of his personality in there too. It just doesn’t seem like the work of a teenager.
What did you make of “American Idol” contestant David Archuleta’s version of “Imagine”?
I thought it was fantastic.
It’s such an iconic song but it also has a subversive message. Do you think that people connect with that message?
I think people just like the song, period. But I also don’t think it’s subversive anymore. It’s a different age now and a lot of young people really feel that they understand the song. In a way, they think it’s their song.
Are you an “American Idol” fan?
Well, not really. But I really think that that question is loaded in a way because I really think it’s a great program. But I’m just busy going around the world so I can’t really watch it.
Now that your son Sean’s career is taking off, have you become interested in making more music? Maybe more music with him?
Just two days ago he kept saying, “We should play again, we should play again.” But it comes down to scheduling. I have so much to do here and so many cities I have to go to for my own art, I don’t think I have the time to. And Sean is a very busy guy. Two days ago, we happened to be at our farm together and we did a little number. He said, “This is what we have to do, this is the direction we need to go in.” (Laughs) But we’ll see what happens. Maybe next year.
Power to the People, Friday from 5-9 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. at Hotel Indigo, Newton. Suggested donation: $2.
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May 27, 2008
Ben & Jerry's (and John & Yoko) launch new flavor
With thanks to the Lennon Estate, the introduction of the new Ben & Jerry's ice cream flavor ``Imagine Whirled Peace'' will be debuted with a NYC reenactment of the ``Peace Bed-Ins'' staged by John Lennon and Yoko Ono in 1969.
Who says eating ice cream in bed can't bring about world peace?
Dairy delight maker Ben & Jerry's and The Lennon Estate were expected to introduce a new ice cream flavor Tuesday called ``Imagine Whirled Peace'' -- while re-enacting the ``Peace Bed-Ins'' staged by John Lennon and Yoko Ono in 1969.
The couple organized the week-long bed-ins to preach about world peace, conducting interviews with reporters.
Actress Maggie Gyllenhaal and Ben & Jerry's co-founder Jerry Greenfield were expected to reprise the roles at the Ben & Jerry's Scoop Shop in Times Square. Efforts for spreading world peace and ice cream will most likely be announced.
The new flavor is a caramel and sweet cream whirl of chocolate-covered peace signs and toffee pieces.
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May 22, 2008
John Lennon's Artwork On Display In Liverpool
The Complete Collection comes to the atrium of the Daily Post and Echo building, in Liverpool, England, on Friday and will be on display until June 2 – the first time it has been seen in its entirety in the city. The free exhibition in Old Hall Street will feature some art from Lennon’s own private collection never seen before in public. The collection features works by Lennon dating from 1968 until his death in 1980, and features 15 original drawings and three exclusive new images. To read the entire article click here.
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May 08, 2008
Lennon's `Give Peace a Chance' lyrics to be auctioned
A document containing John Lennon's lyrics to "Give Peace a Chance," written during the legendary 1969 Bed-in protest for peace, will be auctioned in London this summer.
In the meantime, fans can see it at Christie's New York auction house through Saturday.
Christie's says he gave the handwritten lyrics to then 16-year-old Gail Renard — now a comedy writer for British television — during the eight-day Bed-in with Lennon and Yoko Ono at the Queens Elizabeth Hotel in Montreal.
Lennon penned the lyrics and recorded the song in the hotel room with about 50 guests, who included singer Petula Clark and beat poet Allen Ginsberg.
The song is expected to bring $400,000 to $600,000 at the July 10 London auction.
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Apr 21, 2008
Classic Albums Series - John Lennon, Plastic Ono Band to be released Tuesday, April 29th
"John Lennon / Plastic Ono Band" was John Lennon's first solo studio album after the break up of The Beatles. Both John & Yoko had been undergoing primal scream therapy in the lead up to the recording of the album and both this and Yoko Ono's companion album ("Yoko Ono / Plastic Ono Band") were deeply influenced by their therapy. This latest addition to Eagle's acclaimed Classic Albums series explores the creation of this groundbreaking album through new interviews, archive footage and detailed analysis of the original multi-track masters. Interviewees include Ringo Starr, Yoko Ono and bass player Klaus Voorman. The DVD is available in stores on April 29. To read the full review click here.
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Apr 02, 2008
New York Magazine Republishes 1980 In-depth Article of the Life and Death of John Lennon
The New York magazine recently republished and article that first ran, December 20, 1980, shortly after the tragic death of John Lennon. This article depicts the events of that tumultuous day, December 8, 1980, but the article goes on to talk about John and his upbringing, his time with the Quarrymen and The Beatles, to the reasons he moved to America. To read the complete article, CLICK HERE.
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Mar 27, 2008
John Lennon's Final Interview Coming to DVD
The Tomorrow Show with Tom Snyder: John, Paul, Tom, Ringo is finally available on DVD April 1st. This 2-DVD set first aired in 1973 and includes the last televised John Lennon interview and additional interviews with Ringo and Paul.
On April 25, 1975, John Lennon gave what was to be his last televised interview on "The Tomorrow Show With Tom Snyder." No one knew then that Lennon would be taking an extended hiatus from public life, taking time to raise his son and live a less public life. Speaking openly on the subjects of drug use, the breakup of the Beatles, and his immigration problems while seeking permanent residency in the U.S., the interview Lennon gave Tom Snyder in 1975 revealed he had tremendous humility and an affecting sense of humor.
The DVD set also goes on to show interviews from December 8, 1980, the day John was murdered, with journalist Lisa Robinson and Lennon friend and producer Jack Douglas. The show was a poignant remembrance of the aftermath of his murder and the huge void his passing had on music, and indeed, the world.
CLICK HERE to read the entire press release
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Jan 11, 2008
Lennon's Songs Ranked in the January Issue of Uncut
The January issue of UNCUT is on sale now, featuring an all-star panel of musicians selecting their favourite song by the late Beatle John Lennon.
Which Lennon song "flipped out" Brian Wilson when he first heard it?
Which one reminds Arctic Monkey Alex Turner of his mum and dad?
And when we asked The Who's Roger Daltrey for his favourite, what on earth led him to conclude: "I can see why people go completely mad in this business."?
And there's many, many brilliant contributions from the likes of Yoko Ono, John Cale, John Lydon, Jarvis Cocker and Liam Gallagher.
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Jan 10, 2008
Yoko Ono Unveils John Lennon Educational Bus
That will teach children about music...
by Jason Gregory for Gigwise.com
Yoko Ono, the widow of former Beatle John Lennon, has unveiled an educational bus dedicated to her late husband.
The bus, which was unveiled at a consumer electronics show in Las Vegas on January 7th, will teach children across America and Canada the fundamentals of recording music.
Speaking at the bus’s launch, which was supported by will.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas, Natasha Bedingfield and Pat Monahan, Ono admitted that Lennon would have loved the project.
“Music is power. Music is light as opposed to darkness. Let's be a family of light. Let us be with the light and see that we can survive,” she said.
The bus features state-of-the-art technology and will call at schools throughout 2008.
CLICK HERE to see all the photos from the launch
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Dec 14, 2007
New John Lennon and Yoko Ono "Give Peace A Chance" T-shirt and Hoody
Featuring a photograph from the second famous Bed-In For Peace during the week of May 26, 1969 in Montreal, this John Lennon hooded sweatshirt or T-shirt also reads "Give Peace A Chance" and has a peace sign with the Plastic Ono Band printed on the Hood. "Give Peace A Chance" was recorded on June 1st, 1969 during the famous Bed-In For Peace, and was the first single to be credited to the Plastic Ono Band. White. 100% Cotton.
Click here to buy from the John Lennon store.
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