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JULIAN SINGS ON ALLSTATE COMMERCIAL

(Entered 1/27/02)

Thanks to Richard Joly, Onoweb


Photo From 80's Teen Magazine

News Release From Allstate.com website:

Northbrook, IL, Jan. 21, 2001— For the first time The Allstate Corporation is introducing a national campaign focusing on the company’s transformation to a financial services provider.  Featuring the perennial Beatles song “When I’m Sixty-Four”, the advertising inspires viewers to imagine what their retirement will be like, when they’re 64. 

As a provider of property and casualty products for more than 70 years, Allstate has been well known for protecting consumers. The new advertising communicates that Allstate offers even more than insurance – that Americans can rely on Allstate for retirement solutions and financial products as well.

These commercials will feature singer and songwriter, Julian Lennon, who has never previously recorded a Beatles song, singing his rendition of the classic Beatles hit.  Allstate is one of only a handful of companies ever to gain the rights to use a Beatles song for commercial purposes.

“The ad campaign strengthens the link between Allstate’s reputation as a trustworthy insurer to that of a provider of retirement solutions and financial products,” said Jill Weaver, vice president, brand strategy and marketing communications, Allstate Insurance Company.  “Many individuals are unaware that they can purchase mutual funds or annuities and enroll in IRA’s through us to assist them as they plan for a secure financial retirement.  The campaign clearly communicates that message to the largest population segment in history, the Baby Boomers.”

The “When I’m Sixty-Four” commercials both raise awareness of Allstate’s position in the retirement industry as well as provide information on specific products.  The commercials are part of Allstate’s new “The Right Hands Make All the Difference”SM campaign. 

The TV and radio advertisements were developed by Leo Burnett USA, Allstate’s advertising agency of record for the past 44 years.

Julian had this to say about singing a Beatles' song:

"It’s funny how all my life I have been asked to record John Lennon songs and impersonate my father, now out of the blue, I get a request to sing a Beatles song. When I’m 64, originally recorded by Paul, is a song that I never imagined myself performing, but because the idea was so quirky and the fact that I saw a great deal of humour in doing it, I thought - why not!"

(From Julian's official website.)

 

FROM YAHOO

(Entered December 9, 2001)

Beatles Fans Gather in Central Park

By RICK BERSNAK JR., Associated Press Writer

NEW YORK (AP) - More than two decades after John Lennon was gunned down by a deranged fan, devoted fans of the ex-Beatle gathered Saturday to mourn on the anniversary of his death.

Hundreds of people surrounded the Imagine mosaic in Strawberry Fields, an area of Central Park dedicated to Lennon after he was shot in 1980 by Mark David Chapman in front of the nearby Dakota, the luxury apartment building where he lived.

They sang Beatles tunes, bobbed their heads to the beat of a band, burned candles and remembered the singer who meant so much to them.

"It's a weird thing. It's been your whole life, the Beatles,'' said Larry Martin, a professional guitarist. ``I had older brothers, so from the time I was 3 or 4 my earliest memories are of the Beatles.''

Martin said his decision to attend this year was influenced by the death of George Harrison, who succumbed to lung cancer on Nov. 29.
"(Lennon) was the soul of the Beatles, Harrison was the spirit,'' Martin said. "Paul was the
heart, and Ringo was the drummer.'' 

Geno Barron, who said he goes to Strawberry Fields each year on Dec. 8, made the trip a family event this time, bringing his daughters, Brooke and Carly.

``The first song I ever remember hearing is 'I Want to Hold Your Hand,'' Barron said. ``Since I've was 13 they've been my group.''

Al Wunsch went to Strawberry Fields to mourn and remember another time.

``It's like they created a world, and where did that go?'' he said.

Wunsch attributed the Beatles' wild success to their self-confidence and the bond they created with their audience.

``There was such a synthesis between the Beatles and the audience,'' Wunsch said. ``They had a confidence in themselves and you had a confidence in them.''  

IN LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA:

With tears, flowers and hands raised in peace signs, Beatles fans in California gathered outside the Capitol Records building, some saying Lennon's message of peace is more relevant now as the U.S. wages war.

Fans arranging bouquets in a floral peace symbol on the sidewalk near Lennon's star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame.

A nearby guitar case overflowed with flowers. Next to it were pictures of Lennon and Harrison, who died in Los Angeles.

Rebecca Dimmick of Ontario, Calif., wept and hugged her sister. Her son, 23-year-old Brandon Pollock, is a Marine who recently shipped out to Afghanistan.

``(Lennon's) message was so much about world peace and my son's at war right now,'' she said. ``It just really meant a lot to me to be here today to celebrate peace.''

IN CUBA
FROM YAHOO:


Cuba Pays Tribute to Once-Shunned John Lennon

HAVANA (Reuters) - Communist-run Cuba on Saturday began a weekend of homage to former Beatle John Lennon, now hailed as a fellow ``revolutionary'' despite being frowned upon as a decadent Western influence in the 1960s and 1970s.

Authorities organized two days of activities, including concerts, art fairs, and book and documentary presentations, in honor of the 21st anniversary of Lennon's murder by a crazed fan who shot him in New York in 1980.

Lennon ``has become a symbol of Havana, and we are here to honor the man who decisively broke with convention in various spheres of art,'' city historian Eusebio Leal said in a speech next to a bronze statue of the singer in a Havana park.

President Fidel Castro inaugurated the statue -- now a popular tourist site -- last year in what was a cultural about- face by Cuban authorities toward a man whose music was once listened to only in secret on the Caribbean island.

"He gave us protest songs in the face of so many crimes and injustices being committed,'' added Leal, a senior official in Castro's government.

British ambassador Paul Hare said he was delighted Cuba was honoring Lennon's life and work. ``We have to work together in favor of peace and all the values the Beatles stood for,'' he told reporters.

For about 15 years after Castro's 1959 Cuban Revolution, Lennon was an underground cult figure for Cuban youth, with albums secretly passed around and played behind closed doors. Authorities considered them a symbol of ``ideological deviance.''

In the still tightly controlled but culturally more liberal Cuba of today, Lennon is now cast as a born rebel and a constant victim of U.S. harassment.

Cuban authorities single out Lennon's defense of racial equality and workers' and women's rights, and his pacifist campaign in the United States against the Vietnam War which brought him the attention of the CIA.

Cuban compositor and guitarist Luis Manuel Molina said the state's past negative attitude toward the Beatles was born out of ignorance. "It was a lack of understanding of artists who were ahead of their time,'' he said.

STREET IN SERBIA,
FROM YAHOO

Belgrade Street Named After Lennon

By The Associated Press

BELGRADE, Yugoslavia (AP) - ``John Lennon Street'' is the newest street in Serbia's second-largest city but not everyone is happy about it.

The Novi Sad's municipal government decided to honor the late Beatle Saturday by naming a street in his honor, 21 years after Lennon's death in New York.

"His great music made John Lennon an important part of the history of the 20th century,'' said city elder Vladimir Vrgovic.

At the ceremony, which included the songs "Twist and Shout"' and ``All You Need is Love'' played on a tape-recorder, a small group of protesters questioned why the street was being named by a person who used illegal drugs.

The protesters also said they didn't want to be forced to reapply for personal documents now that the street's name has changed.
 


LOS ANGELES ALLIANCE FOR SURVIVAL ANNOUNCES CHANGE IN PLANS FOR JOHN LENNON MEMORIAL SERVICE

(Entered December 3, 2001)

Thanks to Harry Bluebond

Both John Lennon and George Harrison will be remembered December 8, 2001 during a public gathering at Capitol Records' building site of John Lennon's Hollywood Walk of Fame star.

The public remembrance and tribute will take place from 12:00 Noon to 3:00 PM.  John Lennon and George Harrison fans are asked to bring flowers to help create on the sidewalk a giant "Floral Peace Symbol" in memory of the legendary singers and songwriters. The event will begin with the lighting of two special side-by-side candles in memory of both John and George.

Fans of all ages are invited to attended and participate in the free-to-the-public "Poetry of Peace" open mic afternoon to share their poetry, prose, art or music in dedication to John and George in their quest for world peace on the 21st anniversary of John's death.

The special public remembrance will be hosted by radio personality Chris Carter of "Breakfast with the Beatles" fame.

Prior to the open mic segment, Tim Piper and his John Lennon tribute band, Working Class Hero, will perform both Lennon and Harrison songs.

At 3:00 PM following the open mic segment, a "March for John and George" will take place as event participants proceed from John's star on Vine Street along Hollywood Boulevard to the Beatles Walk of Fame star on the corner of Hollywood Boulevard and La Brea Avenue.

This event is sponsored by the Alliance for Survival peace group.


LENNON TASK ANNOUNCES
SPECIAL TRIBUTE ON DECEMBER 8

(Entered December 3, 2001)


The LennonTask has announced it will dedicate their vigil on December 8th at Strawberry Fields in New York City to George Harrison.  

Everyone is invited to join The LennonTask / George Harrison Memorial For Life in Central Park in  New York City December 8, 2001 from
3pm - 7pm.

Two jam sessions will feature Tommy Doyle, Frank Lanci, Billy Minelli, John Black and Larry Russell.

If you are unable to attend, please send your thoughts and intentions to be read aloud at the gathering.

www.lennontask.com
Literally Connected to John Lennon
Unity through Diversity.
Understanding from Diversity.
Together we can all bring the world to peace.
"And the world will live as one."  Imagine / Lennon


MINUTE OF MEDITATION FOR GEORGE

There will be an official "Minute of Meditation" for George today (Monday, December 3, 2001). Olivia and Dhani have invited fans and friends around the world to join them in "a minute of meditation in honour of George's journey, wherever you are on Monday at 1:30 p.m. PST (1830 GMT)." 

George's ashes will be sprinkled in the holy Ganges River in India, religious authorities said. Olivia, and their son Dhani, would be accompanied by two Hare Krishna devotees who performed Hindu rites on George's ashes with the family in London, said Maha Mantra Das, New Delhi spokesman for the International Society of Krishna Consciousness. The ashes were scheduled to arrive in India today and be scattered in the Ganges River in the northern city of Varnasi, Das said. The ashes would also be sprinkled off Allahabad, where Hindu's three holiest rivers - the Ganges, Yamuna and Saraswati - converge. Britain's Press Association reported that George's family was to scatter his ashes in India to coincide with the minute of meditation, which would take place at 3 a.m. Tuesday in India.

In Liverpool,  a candlelit vigil is planned today.City officials have invited fans, friends and family of George's to attend the memorial, which will be held on the plateau outside St George's Hall, Lime Street.

GEORGE HARRISON DIES AT FRIEND'S HOME

George Harrison, who had been suffering from cancer for the past few years, died in the home of a friend in Los Angeles, California Thursday, April 29th at 1:30 PM.  George's wife, Olivia and son, Dhani were with him when he passed away.  The family held a private funeral service and George's body was cremated before the world was informed of his passing, early in the morning of April 30th.


REACTIONS AT THE NEWS OF GEORGE'S DEATH:

Yoko Ono's statement to the Press Association:


"My deep love and concern goes to Olivia and Dhani. The three of them were the closest, most loving family you can imagine. George has given so much to us in his lifetime and continues to do so even after his passing, with his music, his wit and his wisdom. His life was magical and we all felt we had shared a little bit of it by knowing him. Thank-you George, it was grand knowing you."

Ringo Starr:

"George was a best friend of mine. I loved him very much and I will miss him greatly. ... We will miss George for his sense of love, his sense of music and his sense of laughter.''

Paul McCartney:

"I am devastated and very very sad. We knew he'd been ill for a long time. He was a lovely guy and a very brave man and had a wonderful sense of humor. He is really just my baby brother."

Bob Dylan:

"George was a giant, a great, great soul, with all of the humanity, all of the wit and humor, all the wisdom, the spirituality, the common sense of a man and compassion for people. He inspired love and had the strength of a hundred men. He was like the sun, the flowers and the moon and we will miss him enormously. The world is a profoundly emptier place without him.''

Mick Jagger: 

"I am very saddened by George's death and will miss him enormously. As a guitarist, he invented many classic lines that were much copied by others and he wrote several very beautiful songs that we will always remember.'' 

Keith Richards:

"To me, George was, always will be, above all, a real gentleman, in the full meaning of the word. We both felt we held similar positions in our respective bands, which formed a special knowing bond between us. Let's hope he's jamming with John.''

Graham Nash, Crosby, Stills & Nash:

"He will certainly be missed, and his music will live on forever. My only regret about the situation apart from my personal feelings toward him and his family is wondering what other songs were in his mind that we will never get to hear.''

Michael Palin-Monty Python:

"George, always called the quiet Beatle, he never stopped talking when I was with him. He had an enormous number of friends who were terribly loyal to him, and will be very saddened."

Ravi Shankar:

"It was my sitar and Indian music which connected me to George in the beginning, but very soon our relationship went beyond that. He was a friend, disciple and son to me. George was a brave and beautiful soul, full of love, child-like humor and a deep spirituality."

Both British Prime Minister Tony Blair and U.S. President George Bush issued statements about George's death. Blair said that like everyone else, he had grown up with the music and personalities of the Beatles in his life.  A representative of President Bush also told reporters that George would be missed.


JULIAN'S THANKSGIVING NEWSLETTER
FROM HIS WEBSITE

(Entered 11/19/01)

I haven't been in touch for some time I know . but like everyone else I have been deeply shocked and saddened by the events of September 11th, and  then again by the tragedy of the American Airlines aircraft which crashed last week. This week families all over America come together for the Thanksgiving holiday, but for many families, particularly in New York, there will be empty seats at tables where friends and relatives should be. My heart goes out to you.

In more normal times many of the messages I get via my Website include heart warming stories of how my music has affected some people, or how people have become friends after meeting at one of my concerts.  Recently, much of the mail and messages exchanged in Fanspeak have made reference to September 11th.  I'm not able to respond to each message personally but I would like to thank everyone who's written to me and offer them my sincere sympathy.

Perhaps it would be appropriate if I let one fan's experience represent all of the harrowing messages we've received.  Many of you will have heard of my young fan, nine year old Katie, whom I met at one of my concerts. Katie has kept in touch ever since with cheery messages about her modelling and acting career, especially her upcoming role in Steven Spielberg's sequel to 'Men In Black'.  So, it was particularly upsetting to learn that for young Katie the events of September 11th were too close to home.

Katie's dad went missing, trapped in downtown Manhattan, and it was several hours before he was able to make contact with his family to tell them he was safe.  And then the news came that Katie's cousin, 32 year old Richard, who was working in the World Trade Centre, had been killed.

Like many young people, Katie's life has been irrevocably changed. Just six weeks previously Katie had taken part in the Miss New York American Sweetheart Pageant and won the Miss Personality contest for her age group.  She was invited to take part in the National Pageant in Disneyworld - now she can't go.  Filming for 'Men In Black' has had to be moved from Manhattan to California and that would make it difficult for Katie to take up her role.  But recently it's been rumoured that Spielberg may return to Manhattan, so Katie's chance may not be lost.  Let's hope so.

Like everyone else I have been struck by the bravery of the fire fighters and police officers working 24/7 at Ground Zero - they deserve all the praise they're getting.  It's clear too that New Yorkers are determined to overcome their fear and grief and rebuild their wonderful city in every which way.  The American spirit prevails!

We all long for a tolerant world that allows people of different faiths, cultures and races to live in peace and harmony.  Don't give up, that day WILL come.

Once again, my condolences to everyone who lost loved ones on September 11th and November 12th.  I'm thinking of you all, especially during the Thanksgiving holiday.

I have also had some mail asking me why I didn't perform at the John Lennon Tribute concert in New York last month.  I felt strongly that at a time of uncertainty and worry it was necessary for me to be with my family in Europe. Also rumours that I'm ill aren't true, I'm very well!

On a lighter note - here at julianlennon.com we're working on something top secret which we will be announcing in the next couple of weeks, so keep checking this site for up to date news!

All the very best.

Julian xx


BEASTIE BOYS BENEFIT RAISES THOUSANDS
FOR CHARITIES

(Entered 11/19/01)

(Thanks to Keri Wilson)


    NEW YORKERS AGAINST VIOLENCE
BENEFIT - FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES
AMOUNT OF PROCEEDS TO BE DONATED
TO CHARITY GROUPS


The Milarepa Foundation announced that the October 28 & 29 concerts at New York's Hammerstein Ballroom have generated net proceeds in excess of $125,000.

Milarepa will now oversee the disbursement of these profits to the New York Women's Foundation Disaster Relief Fund and the New York Association for New Americans (NYANA) September 11th Fund for New Americans. These two organizations were chosen for their efforts on behalf of those affected by the September 11th attack on the World Trade Center least likely to receive help from other major fundraising sources.

The mostly New York City-based artists and DJs that participated in the event included: Beastie Boys, the B-52's, Cibo Matto, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Mos Def, the full-band live debut of N*E*R*D, Rival Schools, the Roots, Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, the Strokes, Saul Williams, DJs Stretch Armstrong and Afrika Bambaata, and a surprise two-song set by Moby and Michael Stipe (featuring an impromptu cameo by Bono).

Speakers at the event included Yoko Ono, Ibrahim Ramey of the Muslim Peace Fellowship and the Fellowship of Reconciliation, Benjamin Barber of Democracy
Collaborative, Yanki Tshering of NYANA, Miriam Buhl of the NYWF, while surprise intros came from Jimmy Fallon, Sean Lennon and all three Beastie Boys.


NEW 'VARIOUS ARTIST' LP FROM CAPITOL FEATURES "IMAGINE" - 
PROCEEDS TO THE AMERICAN RED CROSS

(Entered 11/8/01)

(Thanks Richard Joly of Onoweb)




100% OF THE PROCEEDS WILL BE 
DONATED TO THE AMERICAN RED CROSS

Hollywood, CA - The American Red Cross and Capitol Records are joining hands in an effort to celebrate the spirit of the American public. On November 6th, Capitol Records released UNITED WE STAND, a collection of American classics celebrating togetherness and patriotism. One hundred percent of the proceeds from the sale of the CD will be donated to the American Red Cross. These songs are intended to serve as a reminder of the gifts we so often take for granted as American citizens.

UNITED WE STAND is an unprecedented collection of patriotic and inspirational tunes. Ranging from John Lennon's "Imagine" to Lee Greenwood's "God Bless The USA." Also included are tracks from The Beach Boys, Al Green, Woody Guthrie and an exclusive track from Bruce Springsteen's former Steel Mill band mate, Robbin Thompson.



TRACK LISTING
1. Imagine - John Lennon
2. God Bless The U.S.A. - Lee Greenwood
3. 4th Of July - The Beach Boys
4. United We Stand - Brotherhood Of Man
5. Lean On Me - The Persuasions
6. Let's Work Together - George Thorogood (live)
7. With A Little Help From My Friends - Joe Cocker (live)
8. I Believe In America - Chris LeDoux
9. Wouldn't Wanna Be You - Robbin Thompson
10. This Land Is Your Land - Woody Guthrie
11. God Must Have Blessed America - Glen Campbell
12. I Love America - The O'Jays
13. Amazing Grace - Al Green
14. Star Spangled Banner - George Adams

NEW MOVIE USES LOADS OF JOHN LENNON-BEATLE SONGS

(Entered 11/6/01)

Thanks HwyCDRrev

News had already come out that the Sean Lennon-Rufus Wainwright-Moby version of the John Lennon-Beatles' song, "Across the Universe" would be included in the Sean Penn "I Am Sam" soundtrack.

Now VH1 reports that there will be many more Beatles-Lennon songs included in the film.  The album is due to be released on January 8 and will feature Eddie Vedder, Sarah McLachlan, the Black Crowes, the Wallflowers, Ben Harper and others.

The movie stars Penn as Sam, a mentally handicapped father fighting to keep custody of his seven-year-old daughter, Lucy.  The movie is scheduled for release on December 28.  In addition to the Beatle songs used during the film and on the soundtrack CD, the movie has many other references to the Beatles, including a courtroom scene where Penn as Sam compares himself and his daughter to John and Paul.


VH1 posted the following "I Am Sam" soundtrack list, which doesn't, as you will notice, include Sean Lennon and Moby in the credits for the "Across the Universe" track.

  • Sarah McLachlan - "Blackbird"
  • Aimee Mann and Michael Penn - "Two of Us"
  • The Wallflowers - "I'm Looking Through You"
  • Rufus Wainwright - "Across the Universe"
  • Ben Harper - "Strawberry Fields Forever"
  • Eddie Vedder - "You've Got to Hide Your Love Away"
  • The Black Crowes - "Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds"
  • Ben Folds - "Golden Slumbers"
  • Paul Westerberg - "Nowhere Man"
  • Nick Cave - "Let It Be"
  • Stereophonics - "Don't Let Me Down"
  • Heather Nova - "We Can Work It Out"
  • The Vines - "I'm Only Sleeping"
  • Howie Day - "Help!"
  • Grandaddy - "Revolution"
  • Chocolate Genius - "Julia"

THE YOKO ONO PROJECT

(Entered 11/5/01)

(On Onovox today...With thanks to Richard Joly of Onoweb)

The Firehall Arts Centre in Vancouver proudly presents

THE YOKO ONO PROJECT By Jean Yoon
with Instruction Poems, other Texts and Music by Yoko Ono

November 15 - December 8, 2001
A Firehall Arts Centre Production

THE STORY:

Three very different Asian-Canadian women fall into the world of Yoko Ono, her music, art instruction poems, and words, are never the same again.  A cheeky multi-media performance art comedy, The Yoko Ono Project unravels and investigates the demonization of one of the most intriguing and controversial artists in North American pop culture.

The Yoko Ono Project discusses the impact of Yoko Ono's public persona on Asian Canadian women while introducing the audience to Ono's work first hand.  The play is set in an art gallery, with each character reflecting their experience of Ono's work, while  illuminating the personal effects of pop culture.  The production provides the audience with a glimpse at some of Ono's installations, recordings and artistic concepts while leavening the intellectual with the emotional lives of three very different women from varied Asian backgrounds.

THE PLAYWRIGHT

Toronto Playwright, Jean Yoon, remembers, "The only time I ever heard her name was as an insult".  Yoon turned her baggage into the Yoko Ono Project, first produced in January 2000 for Theatre Passe Muraille in Toronto, and honoured with a Dora nomination for Outstanding New Play.

Directed by Donna Spencer...featuring Daniel Chen, Peter Grier, Laara Ong, Adrienne Wong, Donna Yamamoto, and Maiko Bae Yamamoto. Set Design by Omanie Elias. Costume Design by Barbara Clayden. Visual Design by Tim Matheson. Lighting Design by James Proudfoot. Sound Design by Noah Drew.

Performances run Tuesday thru Saturday at 8pm, Sunday at 4pm and Saturday Matinee at 2pm.

Pay-what-you-can performances Wednesdays at 1pm. 

Talkback Thursdays - following every Thursday performance - join the cast for a discussion about the production and the issues it raises.

Ticket prices run from $9 to $18.


OPEN YOUR BOX 2001 Remix

(Entered 11/3/01)

(On Onovox today)

News Release from Billboard.com

Yoko Ono, "Open Your Box 2001" (Mindtrain Records single)

Originally released 30 years ago, Ono's "Open Your Box" (featuring John Lennon on electric guitar) has been restyled into a peak-hour, big-room jam by production/remix outfit Orange Factory (aka Ellis Miah, Jeremy Skaller, Robert Larow, and Allen Towbin).  


STONE TEMPLE PILOTS RELEASE
STUDIO VERSION OF "REVOLUTION"

(Entered 11/3/01)

Stone Temple Pilots have released a CD of the John Lennon song, "Revolution" which the band performed at the October 2, 2001 "Come Together" John Lennon tribute concert in New York City.

The sticker on the CD sent to our radio station said:

"Following their electrifying performance on TNT's 'Come Together: A Night for John Lennon's Words and Music,' Dedicated to New York City and Its people, Stone Temple Pilots decided to enter the studio to record their distinctive version of the classic 'Revolution.'  With this raucous rendition of Lennon's still-provocative anthem of rebellious self-determination and call for peace, STP celebrate the America spirit of freedom and independence."

The song was recorded October 6 at Avatar Studios in New York.

Stone Temple Pilots is donating their proceeds from the CD to the Twin Towers Fund in honor of the rescue workers from the World Trade Center tragedy.


ALLIANCE FOR SURVIVAL ANNOUNCES
"POETRY OF PEACE" TRIBUTE ON DECEMBER 8

(Entered 11/3/01)

(Thanks to West Coast Correspondent, Harry Bluebond)

NEWS RELEASE:

The John Lennon "Poetry of Peace" Remembrance and Tribute will take place Saturday, December 8, 2001 from 12:00 Noon until 3:00 PM in front of the Capitol Records Tower Building next to the site of John's Hollywood Walk of Fame star.  Capitol  Records is located at 1750 North Vine Street.

John Lennon fans of all ages are invited to attend and participate in the free-to-the-public "open mic" afternoon to share their poetry, prose, art or music in dedication to John Lennon and his quest for world peace on the 21st anniversary of his tragic death.

The special public remembrance and tribute will be hosted by popular radio personality Chris  Carter - "Breakfast with the Beatles." 

Prior to the "open mic" segment, Tim Piper and his world-renowned John Lennon tribute band, Working Class Hero, will kick off the afternoon remembrance.  Mr. Piper portrayed John Lennon in last year's CBS special "The Linda McCartney Story" and performed the John Lennon vocals in last year's NBC special "In His Life: The John Lennon Story."

"Open mic" participants will have up to 5 minutes each to share their varied offerings.  Professional or novice performers are equally welcome.

The event is being sponsored by the Alliance for Survival peace organization.

Admission is free, but each person attending is encouraged to bring a flower to help create an on-site large "Floral Peace Symbol" in John's memory.


YOKO AND SEAN APPEAR AT BEASTIES' NON-VIOLENCE SHOW

(Entered 10/28/01)


The Beastie Boys played their first show in more than two-and-a-half years Sunday (Oct. 28) at New York's Hammerstein Ballroom, at the first of two New Yorkers Against Violence benefits, which the rap trio organized. The show featured Pakistani vocalist Rahat Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, plus a host of local talent, including rapper Saul Williams and rock outfits Rival Schools, Cibo Matto, the Strokes, and the B-52s.

All proceeds will benefit September 11 relief efforts via the New York Association for New Americans and the New York Women's Foundation.

Billboard made special note of the B-52s contribution. The 25-year-old new wave band, still featuring four original members -- Cindy Wilson, who briefly left the group in the '90s, back with vocalists Fred Schneider and Kate Pierson and guitarist Keith Strickland -- put on a dance party set heavily rooted in its earliest material, such as "Rock Lobster," "Lava," and "Dance This Mess Around" from its 1979 debut.  As J&Y fans know, the B-52s credit Yoko as an inspiration for their sound.

Cibo Matto got its set off to an unusual start with a spacey cover of Guns N' Roses' "Welcome to the Jungle." Sean was performing with Cibo Matto and later introduced his mom, Yoko Ono, who gave a short speech that
was said to be punctuated by some of her trademark primal vocalizing.


SEAN SIGNS WITH CAPITOL

(Entered 10/27/01)

Billboard Magazine


Photo Copyright Mark Seliger

With the Beastie Boys announcing recently that they were closing up shop on their Grand Royal record company, Sean had to find a new outlet for his music.  He basically is coming home...to Capitol Records.  He'll join a roster of artists which includes his father's back catalog, and his mom's new album BLUEPRINT FOR A SUNRISE.  Sean,  who released his debut album, "Into the Sun," on Grand Royal in 1998, is writing all the material for his new album and is more than halfway through the process. "It's very different from the first album. It's alternative pop," says a source. It sounds like Weezer meets Brian Wilson."

"Into the Sun" debuted at No. 4 on Billboard's Heatseekers chart and has sold nearly 60,000 copies in the U.S., according to SoundScan. In the time since that release, Sean has been practicing his craft, touring and recording with Cibo Matto, and he's guested on albums by Handsome Boy Modeling School, Deltron 3030, Money Mark and Action Figure Party, among others. He appears prominently on Yoko's new BLUEPRINT album.

Sean will also appear on the soundtrack to Sean Penn's new movie, "I Am Sam," performing the Beatles' "Across the Universe" with Rufus Wainwright and Moby. The trio also performed the song at the recent John Lennon tribute concert in New York.



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 19, 2001

JOHN LENNON AND YOKO ONO's "MILK AND HONEY," ALBUM OF 1984 IS SET FOR REISSUE, DIGITALLY REMASTERED WITH PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED \
BONUS TRACKS AND EXCERPTS OF HIS FINAL INTERVIEW


Release follows historic "Come Together" all-star tribute concert, broadcast live from New York to benefit victims of September 11th events

Expanded edition of album set for October 23rd in-store date, follow-up to last year's reissues of "Imagine," "Plastic Ono Band," and "Double Fantasy," albums

The long-awaited reissue of the 1984 album MILK AND HONEY by John Lennon and Yoko Ono, in a digitally remastered, newly-expanded edition (with three bonus tracks and exclusive interview material) has been set for October 23rd in-store date on Capitol Records, it was announced today.  The release comes two weeks after the once-in-a-lifetime all-star benefit tribute concert televised live from New York in
honor of rock and roll's greatest working-class hero, a concert that still reverberates in the hearts of audiences across North America.

MILK AND HONEY, comprised of individual songs by John and Yoko, as well as collaborations by the couple, stands in rock history as the only original LP to be
posthumously released after Lennon's tragic death of December 8, 1980, containing songs he worked on that year.  The bulk of John and Yoko's final recordings
together recordings were first heard on the classic 1980 album, Double Fantasy, which was reissued worldwide by Capitol Records and EMI (in a newly-expanded, digitally remastered edition) on October 9, 2000, the day that would have been John Lennon's 60th birthday.

The new commemorative edition of MILK AND HONEY reprises the track sequence of the original album, which was originally issued by Polygram in 1984, and has been out-of-print for more than a decade.  As on Double Fantasy, John and Yoko are heard taking turns on lead vocals on alternate tracks throughout the album, opening with John on "I'm Stepping Out," followed by: "Sleepless Night" (Yoko),
"I Don't Wanna Face It" (John), "Don't Be Scared" (Yoko), "Nobody Told Me" (John; a hit single that reached #5 in the U.S. and #6 in England), "O'Sanity" (Yoko), "Borrowed Time" (John), "Your Hands" (Yoko), "(Forgive Me) My Little Flower Princess" (John), "Let Me Count The Ways" (Yoko), "Grow Old With Me" (John), and "You're The One" (Yoko).

In addition, the new CD of MILK AND HONEY will feature three bonus tracks:

"Every Man Has A Woman Who Loves Him," John's vocal of Yoko's song from Double Fantasy (this rare track previously included on the limited-edition 1990 boxed-set, Lennon);

"I'm Stepping Out," a previously unreleased home recording by John, of MILK AND HONEY's opening track;

"I'm Moving On," a previously unreleased home recording sung by Yoko.

MILK AND HONEY concludes with audio excerpts from the final interview given by John Lennon - taped just hours before he was killed - in which he is clearly upbeat
about life, recording and the prospect of once again touring. The historic reissue was digitally remastered at Sterling Sound by George Marino.  The CD booklet will
include song lyrics and 14 new and rare photographs.

The release of MILK AND HONEY comes three weeks after the historic concert of October 2nd, "Come Together - A Night for John Lennon's Words & Music," broadcast live on TNN from Radio City Music Hall in New York, one week before John's birthday.  Originally organized last year to raise funds and consciousness for gun control and issues of non-violence, the concert was re-grooved to support those lives changed by the events of September 11th, dedicated to the "working-class heroes" who sacrificed their lives trying to help save others.

As mentioned above, MILK AND HONEY follows last year's expanded reissue of Double Fantasy on October 9, 2000. That date also saw the reissue of the digitally remastered version of John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band, his first major post-Beatles solo album under his own name, originally released in 1970.  The two reissues coincided with the opening of the world's first permanent John Lennon Museum in Tokyo on October 9th.  Later that month, the John Lennon exhibition opened at the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame and Museum in Cleveland.

Earlier that year, in March 2000, Capitol reissued John Lennon's Imagine album (of 1971, the original follow-up to Plastic Ono Band).  The reissue of Imagine coincided with the broadcast premiere (and subsequent commercial DVD release) of the documentary film, Gimme Some Truth - The Making Of John Lennon's Imagine Album.

As has been noted down the years, John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band opened with the sound of a tolling bell in 1970.  Ten years later, in a deliberate echo, Double Fantasy opened with another bell - not a lumbering harbinger of doom, however, but the benevolent tinkling of a traditional Japanese wishing bell. The track it introduced, "(Just Like) Starting Over," was a message of hope and renewal, a message not lost on John Lennon fans around the world.  In the decades since his death, John's music has reached out to new generations of artists and fans.  He has inspired countless musicians who have used his work as a springboard for their own creativity and, in the process, taken his message to new audiences.


YES YOKO ONO in Cambridge, MASS.

(Entered October 18, 2001)

YES YOKO ONO
, a 40-year retrospective of Yoko's visual art, runs October 18 through January 6 at MIT's List Visual Arts Center in the Wiesner Building, 20 Ames Street in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Gallery hours are Tuesday through Thursday from noon to 6, Friday from noon to 8, Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 6. Call (617) 253-4680 or go to
http://web.mit.edu/lvac.

Gallery talks are Wednesdays at noon and Sundays at 2 p.m.

A lecture with Yoko Ono this Saturday, October 20, is sold out. The public
opening reception is Friday, October 19, from 5:30 to 7:30.

FROM THE MIT WEBSITE:

YOKO ONO's first American retrospective, Y E S YOKO ONO, comes to the MIT List Visual Arts Center on October 18, 2001. The exhibition, organized by the Japan Society in New York City, has been remarkably popular, attracting over 150,000 visitors to its recent presentation in Minneapolis. It features approximately 150 works from the 1960s to the present, with a focus on ONO's early period, and includes objects and installations; language works, such as instruction pieces and scores; film and video; music; and performance art. 

It is divided into five chronological and thematic sections: GRAPEFRUIT: The Early Instructions; HALF-A-WIND: Early Objects; FLY: Events, Performances & Films; WAR IS OVER!: The Peace Movement & Other Collaborations with John Lennon; and PLAY IT BY TRUST: Recent Work. The exhibition title, Y E S YOKO ONO, refers to the interactive installation known as Ceiling Painting, an important work shown at ONO's historic 1966 Indica Gallery show in London.


SEAN GUESTS ON MONEY MARK LP

(Entered October 18, 2001)

Thanks to Richard Joly, Onoweb

Sean makes a guest appearance on the new MoneyMark album, 'Change is Coming.'

Described as an ultra-hip jukebox of collected grooves that count funk as their common denominator, the album features Sean on electric bass, as well as Sean's former IMA bandmate Timo Ellis on guitar.

MILK & HONEY SET FOR REISSUE

(Entered October 18, 2001)


As we told you here at IK! several months ago, a remastered "Milk & Honey" will be released, with bonus tracks and 14 new photos. The new version of the album that featured some of John and Yoko's last collaborations is set for release on October 23, 2001.



BLUEPRINT Back Cover
BLUEPRINT FOR A SUNRISE-
Rolling Stone

Anthony DeCurtis
News article October 11, 2001

(Thanks,  Miki Narita)
'
"'The first track can't be too long' -- that's the kind of thing John was always saying to me," Yoko Ono says with a fond chuckle. "But I wanted to just do it. I've been noncommercial from the beginning."

Ono is speaking about "I Want You to Remember Me," the chilling two-part track that opens Blueprint for a Sunrise, her first new album in five years. A stark depiction of domestic violence, the song introduces one of Sunrise's central themes: That in a culture obsessed with money and status, values like vulnerability and nurturing are crushed, and women take the hit.

"Many people thought that we could keep getting richer and have fun," she says. "That world was becoming extremely macho. More money, more cars, larger private planes -- who's got the bigger dick? The position of women and children is precarious in that world."

In recent years, Ono has concentrated primarily on her conceptual artwork, which was the subject of a major retrospective in New York last year and of subsequent exhibitions around the world.

"It's very necessary for my physical and emotional health that I create," says Ono, sixty-eight. "For this album, I wanted to make a musical collage. It's like a diary."

The dramatic interplay between tension and compassion on Sunrise makes the album particularly compelling in the wake of September 11th. "Have courage/Have rage/We're all together," Ono intones over a mesmerizing guitar part in "Rising."

"Yeah, this album is OK," Ono says about her new record's strange relevance in a changed world. "It fits right in."


Yoko & Sean at COME TOGETHER
Concert, Radio City Music Hall.

--Photo by-- 
G.Paul Burnett/The New York Times
NEW YORK POST'S
PAGE SIX GOSSIP
COLUMNISTS HEAR
FROM YOKO 

(Entered October 9, 2001)

Page Six, the official gossipers of the New York POST newspaper, wrote a negative piece about Yoko this week, accusing her of "dissing" the three ex-Beatles and Julian by supposedly not inviting them to perform at the COME TOGETHER concert October 2nd.  The original POST article said in part:

 "YOKO Ono's all-star tribute to John Lennon gave short shrift to Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr and made the Plastic Ono Band seem bigger than the Beatles. Though Tuesday's concert was titled "Come Together," Yoko didn't invite the three surviving Beatles, or Lennon's first wife, Cynthia. And while Ono's son, Sean Lennon, performed with Dave Matthews, Mark Anthony, Alanis Morissette, and others, Cynthia's son, Julian Lennon, wasn't invited either."

Not true, according to Yoko, and her lawyers say they have documentation to prove it.  In a statement sent to the POST, Yoko told them she did, in fact, invite all three ex-Beatles and Julian and so did Ken Ehrlich.  Julian had planned to perform, but had to bow out due to illness.

The POST published a 'sort-of' retraction of their story on October 9. It went as follows:

PAGE SIX, OCTOBER 9, 2001-
Yoko: still a Beatles fan


"YOKO Ono did too invite Paul, George and Ringo to her 'Come Together' tribute to John Lennon. 'We have documentary evidence to prove this position,' her lawyers contend. The Beatle widow states in an accompanying letter she was 'hurt' by our story on Sunday that the event had given short shrift to the three surviving Beatles and to Lennon's first son, Julian.

" 'Ringo sent a sweet letter to me explaining how it conflicted with the schedule of his concert tour . . . Julian sent his apologies to us that he could not perform because of a medical reason . . . Paul is doing his own show in two weeks for New York City with a great list of artists. George already had enough to deal with this year, I'm sure.'  The guitar god is battling throat cancer. 

" 'In view of the healing each of us has to go through, especially in New York City, let's create some trust for each other by giving light and clarity now badly needed,' Ono concludes. 'Let's not allow blue meanies to divide and conquer us through confusion. Remember our hearts are one.' "


ALLIANCE FOR SURVIVAL'S JOHN LENNON BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

(Entered October 8, 2001)

Thanks to Harry Bluebond

The annual John Lennon birthday celebration will take place Tuesday, October 9, 2001 beginning at 5PM in front of the Capitol Records Tower Building at John's Hollywood Walk of Fame Star located at 1750 North Vine Street.

JOL and Beatles fans of all ages are invited to the free-to-the-public event to share in the celebration on what would have been John's 61st birthday, and to help light the candles on 61 peace symbol-decorated cupcakes that will encircle John's star.  Due to the present construction of a new Capitol Records Campus, John's star has been covered over with construction scaffolding, but Capitol Records will be making John's star and the sidewalk area available for the special birthday event.

Along with the Peace Cupcakes lighting ceremony, the program will include live and taped John and Beatle songs, public tributes to John, guest speakers and a special candle-lighting to remember the innocent victims of the September 11 terrorism in New York City.

Event organizer, Jerry Rubin says he is  hoping that on October 9, Lennon fans throughout the United States and the world will light a "John Lennon Peace Candle" for the September 11 victims and their families and will donate funds in John's memory to the victims' families and the ongoing relief efforts.

The October 9 birthday event is being sponsored by the Los Angeles Alliance for Survival peace organization.

NEW YORK CITY...

Fans will be gathering at the Imagine mosaic in the Strawberry Fields section of Central Park, across the street from the Dakota apartment building to honor John on October 9.  The beautiful mosaic usually draws a number of people to the park on John's birthday.  You can see this section of the Park on the TNT "Come Together" John Lennon tribute special - Cyndi Lauper performed Strawberry Fields Forever sitting near the Imagine mosaic.

Fans are always invited to share their experiences at these events with IK! - Just write to us and give us your thoughts so we can share them online with fans who can't make it to these special locations.


PLANET HOLLYWOOD'S "SHOE-MANIA" AUCTIONS SEAN'S SHOES
Among Others..


(Entered October 8, 2001)


Sean's Shoes..Bid as of 7PM on 10/8/01:  $63.60
Wording From Planet Hollywood Auction:

Sean Lennon, musician: They say the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree… and now this infamous son of John and Yoko proves his heritage and continues his parents interest in making the world a better place. Offered exclusively here for charity is his pair of pristine white Leather Converse All-Stars with navy blue accent, Size 11. All we are sayin’… is give shoes a chance.

Walk a mile in Sean Lennon's shoes.  Or two miles. Or just put them on a pedestal and show them to your friends when they stop over.  PlanetHollywood is auctioning a pair of Sean's shoes (see above) in their charity auction to benefit the Southern Ballet Theater.

Auction proceeds will be provided to the Theater's dancers to fund their supply of ballet slippers this year.

Bidding will end October 11th..so hurry.   



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