Last night I watched a fun movie called “Monday Night Mayhem” about the initial years of Monday Night Football. It’s a rollicking tale featuring the antics of Howard Cosell, Don Meredith and the rest of the crew that put the NFL on primetime TV. Right in the middle of it there’s a somber scene when Cosell breaks the news about the murder of John Lennon. I remember that night-30 years ago-as clearly as if it happened yesterday. I was watching football with my buddy Chris and both of us could not believe what we heard. We immediately left his house and joined up with other friends and headed out to Isla Vista park, where hundreds gathered to sing songs and cry on each other shoulders. It was a tragic evening with a strange Lennon-like twist. Up in the sky we saw a bright light streaking toward the heavens before bursting into a supernova of bright light. We all knew it was John’s spirit and it somehow made us smile amid all the grief.
The next day we found out it was an errant rocket fired from nearby Vandenberg Air Force base. It didn’t change our view of the matter. John Lennon was gone. It took a long time to get over it.
In the passing years the strangest observation is that Lennon's death actually preserved the legacy of The Beatles. Imagine the pressure the band would have felt to reunite and the money that would have been thrown at them. It would have been nearly impossible to say "no" and of course there would be no way they could meet the incredibly high expectations of a Beatles reunion. In 2000 the three surviving members were offered $100 million for one show!
Anyone who knows me knows I am a Paul McCartney fan. His music and its influence on my life cannot be measured. The Beatles on Ed Sullivan in 1964 is one of my earliest memories and Paul became my hero overnight. As I grew older I knew that Paul and John had a complicated relationship, especially after the Beatles broke up. Accepting John meant accepting Yoko and that wasn’t the easiest thing to do especially since she was the one who broke up the Beatles.
Now I know that isn’t true. Yes, Yoko was a divisive figure in the band’s final days. Just watch the film “Let It Be” and you can feel the tension she created by never leaving John’s side, even during recording sessions. She was just part of a bigger problem. The Beatles were losing money and the controversial Allen Klein was brought in to restore order to their finances. This did not sit well with Paul. George was frustrated in his attempts to get his songs on the group’s albums and Ringo’s presence faded with each argument. The greatest music group of all time imploded and John and Yoko were easy scapegoats.
I just finished reading “John Lennon: The Life” by Philip Norman. Its an excellent biography which explains the troubled soul who ended up writing such classics as “Imagine” and “In My Life.” Lennon was born during an air raid on October 9, 1940. His father was absent for most of his life and his mother was hit by a car when he was seventeen. His best friend-Stu Sutcliffe-died a few years later. No wonder the adult Lennon was a paradox of cruelty and humor, cynicism and hope. At first, Yoko was just another enabler, never saying “no” to John’s heroin addiction when they became a couple.
Yet even Yoko had enough of John’s bizarre behavior and kicked him out of their New York apartment in 1973. When he returned he got his act together and lived a peaceful domestic life until his untimely death in 1980. Every year it seems like I learn something else about John Winston Lennon. He was on Nixon’s enemies list and had to fight for years to become a US citizen. He once stayed at the infamous Peter Lawford beach house in Santa Monica where he entertained guests like Keith Moon and Harry Nilsson, and even McCartney. The recording of his “Rock and Roll” album was marred by lawsuits filed by gun wielding music publisher Morris Levy. While sailing he took over the helm during a fierce storm in the Bermuda triangle and guided the boat to safety. Even in 1980 he was still insecure and insisted on enhancing his vocals for the “Double Fantasy” comeback album even though he had one of the greatest voices in rock and roll.
John Lennon would have turned 70 on Oct. 9, 2010 and celebrations are being planned all over the world. All of his albums are being re-issued with plenty of rarities as well as a new movie about his early years called “Nowhere Boy.” His legacy as an artist and peace activist is secure. Will we ever truly understand this conflicted genius from Liverpool? I don’t think so but I do know he will never be forgotten.
Showing posts with label John Lennon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label John Lennon. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
John Lennon Is Alive In NoHo!
I never saw the Beatles in concert. I've seen Paul many times and Ringo a couple. I missed George's only US tour in the 70s and of course, John never played a show on the west coast. Very few people who are alive today ever saw John Lennon perform on stage. That's what makes Tim Piper's performance in "Just Imagine" so special, and a must-see for anyone who loves his music.
This is not a tribute concert. "Just Imagine" is a living autobiography of one of the greatest songwriters who ever lived. Piper, who's portrayed Lennon in various TV movies, grabs the audience's attention from the opening guitar riff of "Revolution" and holds it until the closing "All You Need Is Love." In between is an emotional performance that's never over the top but wholly authentic. For two hours, Tim Piper IS John Lennon.
The elephant in the room is quickly discarded with the opening video images of weeping fans in New York city the day after Lennon was murdered in December 1980. A smart way to deal with the tragedy that could follow this performance like a dark cloud. Suddenly, Piper appears in the audience, looking bewildered as he stumbles on stage to find himself surrounded by four amazing musicians.
With little fanfare the band plunges into "Revolution" followed by a clever White Album medley of "Glass Onion" and "Dear Prudence." The sound is perfect and so is Piper's voice as he moves from rocker to ballad, dark to light, harsh to sweet. In just three songs Piper captures the essence of John Lennon, a man known for his wit as well as his temper. Sitting at the piano, Piper begins to tell the Lennon story. How he was abandoned by both his father and his mother and her shocking death when he was a teenager.
In the audience I found it hard to hold back my emotions as Piper sang the gut-wrenching "Mother" followed by the sweetly acoustic "Julia." The anger and gentleness of this complex artist is a running theme throughout the performance. Its all about attention to detail and hard core fans will recognize the instrumental "Cry For A Shadow" performed by the band as Piper explains how the Beatles came together. He has a simple explanation for the decision to sack Pete Best for Ringo Starr. "Ringo wasn't a better drummer than Pete, but he was a better Beatle."
This segment is especially lively with a rocking version of "Money" as Piper explains how the Beatles "were raised in Liverpool but grew up in Hamburg." Then its on to America and the beginning of Beatlemania. Most of the songs are performed faithful to the originals but Piper knows when to throw in a twist or two. "A Hard Days Night" is played without the middle 8 because "that was Paul's part." Piper as Lennon calls his song writing partner a "talented bastard", explaining how songs like "We Can Work It Out" and "I've Got A Feeling" were true examples of their different personalities. Paul was the sweet olive oil and John was the vinegar and together they made a beautiful salad, drinking scotch and cokes while writing some of the greatest songs in pop music history.
The band behind Piper is called "Working Class Hero" and they really shine as the music gets more complex. Drummer Don Poncher makes one appreciate Ringo's stylings on "Strawberry Fields" while Greg Piper showcases McCartney's fluid bass lines on "Don't Let Me Down." Guitarist Don Butler and keyboardist Morely Bartnoff get a nice workout on "I Want You (She's So Heavy)" which is one of the show's musical highlights. Throughout the music the video screen behind the stage flashes images from each segment of Lennon's life, but this show is all about the music and the story of the man behind it.
After a brief intermission, Piper roams the crowd with acoustic guitar while taking requests. When he brings up Yoko Ono there are scattered hisses from the audience and Piper remarks: "I get a lot of that" and everyone laughs. The solo years are marked by a wrenching "Cold Turkey" and an uplifting "Instant Karma" as Piper explains Lennon's difficult transition from rock star to house husband. The LA Times review of the show complained that this "overwritten confessional can sap the momentum" of the show but I totally disagree. Piper keeps the stories short and they are what makes this performance completely different from the usual Beatle tribute shows. This one ends with a touching medley from Lennon's last album "Double Fantasy" which leaves the crowd wanting more.
And they get it with the song everyone is waiting for: "Imagine." For two hours I did not have to imagine that John Lennon was still alive. As the talented Tim Piper constantly reminded us, he lives on through his music, which will live forever.
This is not a tribute concert. "Just Imagine" is a living autobiography of one of the greatest songwriters who ever lived. Piper, who's portrayed Lennon in various TV movies, grabs the audience's attention from the opening guitar riff of "Revolution" and holds it until the closing "All You Need Is Love." In between is an emotional performance that's never over the top but wholly authentic. For two hours, Tim Piper IS John Lennon.
The elephant in the room is quickly discarded with the opening video images of weeping fans in New York city the day after Lennon was murdered in December 1980. A smart way to deal with the tragedy that could follow this performance like a dark cloud. Suddenly, Piper appears in the audience, looking bewildered as he stumbles on stage to find himself surrounded by four amazing musicians.
With little fanfare the band plunges into "Revolution" followed by a clever White Album medley of "Glass Onion" and "Dear Prudence." The sound is perfect and so is Piper's voice as he moves from rocker to ballad, dark to light, harsh to sweet. In just three songs Piper captures the essence of John Lennon, a man known for his wit as well as his temper. Sitting at the piano, Piper begins to tell the Lennon story. How he was abandoned by both his father and his mother and her shocking death when he was a teenager.
In the audience I found it hard to hold back my emotions as Piper sang the gut-wrenching "Mother" followed by the sweetly acoustic "Julia." The anger and gentleness of this complex artist is a running theme throughout the performance. Its all about attention to detail and hard core fans will recognize the instrumental "Cry For A Shadow" performed by the band as Piper explains how the Beatles came together. He has a simple explanation for the decision to sack Pete Best for Ringo Starr. "Ringo wasn't a better drummer than Pete, but he was a better Beatle."
This segment is especially lively with a rocking version of "Money" as Piper explains how the Beatles "were raised in Liverpool but grew up in Hamburg." Then its on to America and the beginning of Beatlemania. Most of the songs are performed faithful to the originals but Piper knows when to throw in a twist or two. "A Hard Days Night" is played without the middle 8 because "that was Paul's part." Piper as Lennon calls his song writing partner a "talented bastard", explaining how songs like "We Can Work It Out" and "I've Got A Feeling" were true examples of their different personalities. Paul was the sweet olive oil and John was the vinegar and together they made a beautiful salad, drinking scotch and cokes while writing some of the greatest songs in pop music history.
The band behind Piper is called "Working Class Hero" and they really shine as the music gets more complex. Drummer Don Poncher makes one appreciate Ringo's stylings on "Strawberry Fields" while Greg Piper showcases McCartney's fluid bass lines on "Don't Let Me Down." Guitarist Don Butler and keyboardist Morely Bartnoff get a nice workout on "I Want You (She's So Heavy)" which is one of the show's musical highlights. Throughout the music the video screen behind the stage flashes images from each segment of Lennon's life, but this show is all about the music and the story of the man behind it.
After a brief intermission, Piper roams the crowd with acoustic guitar while taking requests. When he brings up Yoko Ono there are scattered hisses from the audience and Piper remarks: "I get a lot of that" and everyone laughs. The solo years are marked by a wrenching "Cold Turkey" and an uplifting "Instant Karma" as Piper explains Lennon's difficult transition from rock star to house husband. The LA Times review of the show complained that this "overwritten confessional can sap the momentum" of the show but I totally disagree. Piper keeps the stories short and they are what makes this performance completely different from the usual Beatle tribute shows. This one ends with a touching medley from Lennon's last album "Double Fantasy" which leaves the crowd wanting more.
And they get it with the song everyone is waiting for: "Imagine." For two hours I did not have to imagine that John Lennon was still alive. As the talented Tim Piper constantly reminded us, he lives on through his music, which will live forever.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
The Greatest Album Ever! Abbey Road
On 09/09/09, The Beatles Rock Band game will be released, with the goal of introducing a whole new generation of video-playing kids to the greatest musical act in history. On the same day, the entire Beatles catalogue will be released in remastered CD format. with the goal of re-introducing the group's music in the digital age. The band has already graced the latest cover of Rolling Stone magazine and its starting to look like Beatlemania all over again.
The calendar date I'm looking forward to is Oct. 1st. That's the 40th anniversary of the US release of the greatest album of all time: Abbey Road. This is a record that has everything: hit singles, various musical styles, and an ambitious song cycle. There's even a mystery tune, "Her Majesty" not listed on the original credits. Its like the Beatles knew their career together was coming to an end so they held nothing back during the sessions. Starting with what turned out to be one of the most famous album covers ever!
Not only did the cover inspire numerous imitations, but it was also the flash point for the "Paul Is Dead" rumors which began immediately after the album's release. The great thing about the crosswalk setting is that its an actual place where fans like myself can have their photo taken!
Abbey Road opens with two #1 hits: "Come Together" and "Something." The latter was George Harrison's first composition to reach the top of the charts. A beautiful love song, it features the exquisite bass playing of Paul McCartney which comes through quite clearly on the remastered version. Its followed by two McCartney compositions: the whimsical "Maxwell's Silver Hammer" and the R&B flavored "Oh Darling," one of Paul's greatest vocal performances. However the best McCartney tunes are found on side 2 which make up the heart of the closing medley.
What I love about Abbey Road is that all four Beatles get a share of the spotlight. Ringo Starr contributes the delightful "Octopus's Garden" but also one of the most distinctive drum solos in rock at the end of the record. John Lennon's "I Want You (She's So Heavy)" is a rare blues song for the Beatles, with a killer guitar riff that sounds like it came straight from their nights playing the Hamburg clubs in the early sixties.
Those are six great songs which give the listener NO IDEA of what's in store for the remainder of the album. The new remastered version should require that Abbey Road is actually flipped over like a vinyl record. Side One is great but Side Two is a completely different musical universe. You could start with Harrison's "Here Comes The Sun" and stop right there. This song captures everything The Beatles were all about: lyrical hope and optimism plus musical ingenuity. Everyone in the world seems to know this song but it was never released as a single! Not only does Abbey Road contain two of Harrison's greatest compositions but two of the most beloved tunes in pop music.
If you are fortunate to have seen The Beatles LOVE show in Las Vegas, you know the acapella version of John Lennon's "Because" is stunningly beautiful. The original found on Abbey Road is equally breathtaking. This is where The Beatles show off their three-part vocal harmonies and get you ready for the sixteen minute medley which closes the album. It features three of McCartney's most memorable compositions: "You Never Give Me Your Money,""She Came In Through The Bathroom Window" and "Golden Slumbers." Throughout the years I've discovered that "Money" is my favorite song on Abbey Road. When I hear Paul sing "Oh that magic feeling, nowhere to go," I know exactly what he means.
In later years Paul would say that the song "Carry That Weight" was a metaphor for the break-up the Beatles, that their legacy would be a tough load to bear. Yet the very last song on the very last Beatles album (remember "Let It Be" was recorded before but released after "Abbey Road") features the band in a joyous climax. Starting with Ringo's drum solo and then an instrumental with Paul, George and John wailing away on their guitars, the Beatles sound like a rock and roll band at the top of their game. That finale is called "The End" and concludes with one of the most quoted lyrics in musical history:
"And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make."
No one has said it better, no one has played it better, no one has made a better album than Abbey Road.
The calendar date I'm looking forward to is Oct. 1st. That's the 40th anniversary of the US release of the greatest album of all time: Abbey Road. This is a record that has everything: hit singles, various musical styles, and an ambitious song cycle. There's even a mystery tune, "Her Majesty" not listed on the original credits. Its like the Beatles knew their career together was coming to an end so they held nothing back during the sessions. Starting with what turned out to be one of the most famous album covers ever!
Not only did the cover inspire numerous imitations, but it was also the flash point for the "Paul Is Dead" rumors which began immediately after the album's release. The great thing about the crosswalk setting is that its an actual place where fans like myself can have their photo taken!
Abbey Road opens with two #1 hits: "Come Together" and "Something." The latter was George Harrison's first composition to reach the top of the charts. A beautiful love song, it features the exquisite bass playing of Paul McCartney which comes through quite clearly on the remastered version. Its followed by two McCartney compositions: the whimsical "Maxwell's Silver Hammer" and the R&B flavored "Oh Darling," one of Paul's greatest vocal performances. However the best McCartney tunes are found on side 2 which make up the heart of the closing medley.
What I love about Abbey Road is that all four Beatles get a share of the spotlight. Ringo Starr contributes the delightful "Octopus's Garden" but also one of the most distinctive drum solos in rock at the end of the record. John Lennon's "I Want You (She's So Heavy)" is a rare blues song for the Beatles, with a killer guitar riff that sounds like it came straight from their nights playing the Hamburg clubs in the early sixties.
Those are six great songs which give the listener NO IDEA of what's in store for the remainder of the album. The new remastered version should require that Abbey Road is actually flipped over like a vinyl record. Side One is great but Side Two is a completely different musical universe. You could start with Harrison's "Here Comes The Sun" and stop right there. This song captures everything The Beatles were all about: lyrical hope and optimism plus musical ingenuity. Everyone in the world seems to know this song but it was never released as a single! Not only does Abbey Road contain two of Harrison's greatest compositions but two of the most beloved tunes in pop music.
If you are fortunate to have seen The Beatles LOVE show in Las Vegas, you know the acapella version of John Lennon's "Because" is stunningly beautiful. The original found on Abbey Road is equally breathtaking. This is where The Beatles show off their three-part vocal harmonies and get you ready for the sixteen minute medley which closes the album. It features three of McCartney's most memorable compositions: "You Never Give Me Your Money,""She Came In Through The Bathroom Window" and "Golden Slumbers." Throughout the years I've discovered that "Money" is my favorite song on Abbey Road. When I hear Paul sing "Oh that magic feeling, nowhere to go," I know exactly what he means.
In later years Paul would say that the song "Carry That Weight" was a metaphor for the break-up the Beatles, that their legacy would be a tough load to bear. Yet the very last song on the very last Beatles album (remember "Let It Be" was recorded before but released after "Abbey Road") features the band in a joyous climax. Starting with Ringo's drum solo and then an instrumental with Paul, George and John wailing away on their guitars, the Beatles sound like a rock and roll band at the top of their game. That finale is called "The End" and concludes with one of the most quoted lyrics in musical history:
"And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make."
No one has said it better, no one has played it better, no one has made a better album than Abbey Road.
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