By Barbara Bialkowski
How's life treatin' ya? Well, I hope. Anyway, I'm here to tell you a little story about a little boy named Sean Ono Lennon and his beautiful mother, Yoko Ono.
About 2 weeks ago, on August 12, 1997, I went to a club in NYC called "The Knitting Factory". I scored a few tickets for the show the day before (I found out about it on August 11 on the lovely Instant Karma site). I was accompanied by my dad, friend, and sister - all John Lennon fans of course.
The show started at 8:00pm, so we got there around 7:45............I was a nervous wreck. We walked in and took our seats on the main floor. There was also a balcony but I said "I want to be as close to that man - Sean - as possible". A couple of minutes later this guy with beige, long pants and a blue, collared shirt came on the stage. He had his back towards the audience the entire time. His hair was black, and cut short but uneven. I, being the expert on the scene, almost had a heart attack, while explaining to my company that "this was indeed Sean Lennon." He sat, down, still not facing the crowd, and tuned his acoustic guitar. He then stepped off the stage, only to return a few seconds later to collect his Jansport bookbag (yes I took notice of the brand - only to get more detail). About 5 - 10 minutes later the whole band: Sean on guitar, the bassist , Timo Ellis, the two girls from Cibo Matto (one on keyboard, the other on drums) took their place on the stage. Sean welcomed us by saying "Hi, how's everybody tonight?" He thanked Dave Douglas (whose band was the main attraction for some) for inviting him, and then said "This is my first gig ever, so....." He was interrupted by loud applause, but I doubt he needed to finish his sentence.
Sean Ono Taro Lennon had officially started his solo career (as in without Yoko). I remember the melodies to his songs, but no titles stayed in my memory. Sean's voice is overwhelming, extremely peaceful, and appealing, yes very appealing. He is musically talented, and I don't say that because of my respect for his parents. With me, Sean has achieved the state of only being respected for himself. His songs were very ballad-like, nothing like his previous avant-garde work with Yoko. My sister turned around at one moment, and spotted the one and only Yoko Ono on the balcony, clapping her hands to one of her son's songs. We all turned around and stared like some Polish farmers who just caught site of a real city (no offense to Poles, for I am one myself) at Yoko - trying to comprehend that that's the same woman who slept under the piano at the Let It Be sessions.
Sean smiled to his mother a couple of times throughout the performance. Unfortunately, it had to end at some point, and it did. Sean received a warm applause, and from us a standing ovation.
I made as many pictures as I could. I wanted to have this experience on paper. When my friend, sister, and I rushed to the other side of the small room to get his autograph, we came face to face with the talented Sean. We asked him if we could take a picture with him. He replied "Sure guys, no problem, I don't mind that at all". What a cheery disposition. He gave us autographs that read "Sean Ono Lennon 1997". I then commented that his songs were great. He looked up from signing someone's something and said "Really? you think so?". That just shows you that he's not stuck up, with an "I'm perfect" logo on his forehead.
My friend, Jenny, asked him if he would ever consider going to the Lennon vigil in Strawberry Fields..."No, that would be too much for me at the same time"- he said. Bad first impression, but at least we got our question answered. Sorry for our lack of tact, Sean! Then we took a picture with him....he leaned down right next to moi.... Thanks Sean - that'll give me some energy for the next century!
Then Sean went upstairs to say hi to mom, Yoko. Of course, as hectic and chaotic as the place was, we turned around and followed him right upstairs. We stood in line to get an autograph from Yoko, while he talked with some friends. We stayed upstairs for about 20 minutes, changing views from Yoko to Sean.
As the next part of the show started we went downstairs to watch Dave Douglas's Sanctuary. Wooooooooooowwwww! Now those guys blew me away......they rocked the free world as Sean would've commented. They're an innovative, new age, avant-garde, jazz band I suppose.......whatever they are, they're good. You could hear Sean applaud them with these wails. Ha ha ha! I guess he liked it, eh?
When that was over we were evacuated from the club by pushy waitresses. On the way out, we passed by this barroom where alcohol and socialization was the main stop. I spotted some of Sean's friends and then Sean......I waved but he didn't see me. I went outside and looked at him through the glass window-wall........I waved again and this time he bent to the side to see us...he also waved, smiled, and mouthed "Thanks for coming". Your welcome Sean, glad I was of assistance.