John Lennon's ‘Imagine’ piano goes on display to mark his 80th birthday
East Coast Gold will play a special tribute to John Lennon to celebrate what would have been his 80th birthday. Join us this weekend for some of his greatest hits.
John Lennon would have turned 80 on Friday, 9 October.
He was born in 1940 and died on 8 December 1980 after being shot by Mark Chapman. Chapman shot Lennon four times outside his New York apartment as his wife Yoko Ono looked on.
Lennon was loved for his unmatched talent. He was a legendary Rock ‘n Roll artist.
One of his most famous songs was ‘Imagine’.
To mark his 80th birthday, the piano that he used to write the song will be put on display on 9 October, BBC reported.
The display will be at Liverpool's Strawberry Field, a tourist attraction and youth centre that holds great memories for the star, especially with his band, The Beatles.
Although his piano was later bought by musician George Michael, a spokesperson for the 'Careless Whisper' singer said the display will be used as something to inspire hope.
"We know that the piano will be a source of hope and inspiration to all who come to see it," the spokesperson told BBC.
Lennon’s sister, Julia Baird, spoke about how dear Strawberry Field was to to the 'Nobody Told Me' hitmaker.
"Strawberry Field played a pivotal role in John's childhood as one of the first places that sparked his young imagination whilst living on Menlove Avenue," she told the publication.
Interesting facts about Lennon’s piano
- John Lennon bought his piano in December 1970. It was delivered to his home at Tittenhurst Park, Berkshire.
- After his death, the piano was bought by George Michael in 2000 for £1.45-million (approximately R31-million) at an auction.
- The song ‘Imagine’, which he recorded on the piano, went on to become his best seller.
Memorable performances
John Lennon's last live performance happened on April 18 in 1975. Lennon got to perform at the 'Salute to Lew Grade' concert to a large audience.
Below is him performing ‘Imagine’:
John Lennon got to perform the song 'Come Together' with The Beatles live from Madison Square Garden, New York in 1969.
John Lennon gave a memorable performance with the Plastic Ono Band live in Toronto in 1969.
Image courtesy of YouTube screenshot
Listen to East Coast Gold for a special tribute to the legend as we will be playing his greatest hits.