John Lennon's son, Sean Ono Lennon, is committed to ensuring that his father’s iconic music continues to resonate with the world. As we approach what would have been John Lennon's 84th birthday on October 9, Sean reflects on his father’s legacy and the crucial role he plays in keeping it alive.
The Beatles legend was tragically shot and killed outside his New York City residence, the Dakota, by Mark David Chapman on December 8, 1980. John was just 40 years old at the time of his death.
Ahead of the significant milestone, Sean, 48, has been busy promoting the re-release of John's 1973 solo album Mind Games, which was reissued on July 12. Speaking to The Sunday Times, Sean shared his deep sense of responsibility toward his father’s music.
“One thing that distinguishes my dad’s solo career is how personal his lyrics became," Sean said, noting that listening to his father’s work is like reading a diary. “It is my duty to bring attention to my father’s music. Not just my duty to him, but a duty to the world."
Sean, who was only five when his father died, expressed his determination to prevent John's music from being forgotten. “With the world as it is now, people have forgotten so many things that I never imagined could be forgotten. I refuse to let that happen to this music — it means too much to me,” he added.
Mind Games was created during a turbulent period in John’s life. At the time, John was living in Los Angeles, having separated from Yoko Ono, now 91, at her suggestion, and was involved with their assistant May Pang. “I wondered if he’d ever make it back to New York,” recalled John’s friend and photographer Bob Gruen. “I thought he might get a place in Hawaii, or just die."
John did return to New York in 1974, where he spent the last six years of his life. Gruen remembers John’s efforts to rebuild his life during this time. “He didn’t die in an accident or of a disease. His death broke my trust in everything. He was grounded at the time. He learned a lot from raising his son, about enjoying his life and being sober,” Gruen continued.
Reflecting on the time John had, Gruen added poignantly, “Everyone gets the time they get, and he got eight years longer than Jesus.”
Sean’s dedication to his father's legacy ensures that John Lennon’s profound impact on music and culture will continue to be celebrated for generations to come.
