As we approach John Lennon's birthday, Born: October 9, 1940, Liverpool Died: December 8, 1980, New York City, New York, United States of America Cause of Death: Murdered by gunshot
Did you know that John reportedly hated at least a couple of The Beatles songs? “Let It Be” and “Hello Goodbye”
John Lennon was an outspoken musician, so it should come as no surprise that there were several Beatles tunes that he did not like. One of those was 1967’s “Hello Goodbye,” which Lennon said he had no involvement with, and that it “wasn’t a great piece,” and was Paul McCartney’s “attempt to write a single.”
Lennon also slammed what is arguably his bandmates’ most beloved Beatles composition, “Let It Be,” saying, “I don’t know what he’s thinking when he writes ‘Let It Be. Nothing to do with the Beatles; it could’ve been Wings,” referring to McCartney’s post-Beatles band.
A tribute is being planned to feature Patti Smith, Jackson Browne, Natalie Merchant, Rosanne Cash, Taj Mahal, and many more artists during the 40 annual John Lennon Tribute Charity concert presented by Theatre Within, the non-profit organization that has presented the concert since 1981. The concert will be streamed for free at LennonTribute.org and will premiere on what would have been John Lennon’s 80th birthday, October 9 at 7P ET thru October 12 at midnight.
Joh's widow, Yoko Ono said: “John has been a loving spirit now for nearly as long as he was with us on earth, 40 years. Through all that time, Theatre Within has joyfully celebrated his music and message with its beautiful annual tribute concert, which helps make possible its many programs for those impacted by cancer, including the John Lennon Real Love Project songwriting workshop. This is such a wonderful way to honor John and the values he stood for.”
Theatre Within is inviting John Lennon fans to make a donation in any amount to the Real Love Fund by texting “TBIB40” to 41444. All proceeds will empower Theatre Within to continue its free programs for the NY-metro cancer community through 2021.
Theatre Within’s 40th Annual John Lennon Tribute is produced in association with Music Without Borders. The Tribute will be streamed by Mandolin, a digital platform that connects artists, venues, and fans.