Remembering John Lennon, 30 years later

As a Beatles fan who always liked Paul McCartney best, I was nonetheless devastated by the news of John Lennon's assassination 30 years ago this evening.

Lennon's “Double Fantasy” album, with his wife, Yoko Ono, had just been released. The song, “(Just Like) Starting Over,” was a single. I hadn't planned to buy the album, but upon his death joined thousands of others in helping it reach No. 1 on the charts.

I put the album on cassette tape (1980s version of an MP3 player), skipping every-other track by Yoko so I could listen to just John. I added other favorite Lennon songs from the past - “Instant Karma,” “Give Peace A Chance,” “Imagine” and “Happy Christmas (War is Over).”

That was my way of mourning - and remembering - one of the greatest musicians of my generation. Other people had their way - thousands gathered that night outside the Dakota apartment building where he lived and was shot; millions around the world observed 10 minutes of silence on Dec. 14 as requested by Yoko.

John Lennon had just turned 40 on Oct. 9, 1980. I was 27 when he died; just 11 when Beatlemania swept the world and I would listen to The Beatles on my transistor radio tucked beneath my pillow because I was supposed to be sleeping. Until Lennon's death, I always hoped there would be a Beatles reunion.

Lennon and McCartney provided some of the best music of my childhood - some of the best music, ever. I am amazed how their popularity has endured through a generation of fans born after Lennon's death.

Lennon, of course, was the most controversial Beatle, whether he was saying the band was more popular than Jesus or posing nude with Yoko for an album cover. But, he consistently delivered a noble message - peace.

Earlier this year, marking his 70th birthday, fans unveiled in Liverpool in his name the monument of a globe with doves flying overhead.

According to a recent Newsweek magazine article, Lennon predicted an early death. He told a reporter in 1965, “We'll either go in a plane crash or we'll be popped off by some loony.”

Thirty years ago, Mark David Chapman pulled the trigger on the gun that killed John Lennon. A few hours earlier he had Lennon sign his copy of “Double Fantasy.” That autographed album is reportedly for sale now at $850,000. According to the New York Post it had been sold in 1999, but that owner is selling it because of death threats, says Gary Zimet who is selling it through his momentsintime.com website.

An “Everywhere It's Christmas” show opens next week in Stoke-on-Trent, England, with early Beatles Christmas-related posters, tickets and toys. The show is also dedicated to John Lennon featuring he and Yoko's “bed-in” for peace.

I've got to imagine that, this Christmas, CDs with Beatles and Lennon music will be found in many stockings. John Lennon's legacy lives on.