Lennon Shot Dead 28 Years Ago

This coming week, throngs of John Lennon fans will come together once again to celebrate his life and remember the day that he was murdered outside of his home at the Dakota. The Beatle was shot on the night of December 8th (28 years ago this Monday) by Mark David Chapman (who was just denied parole again). Shortly after, he was pronounced dead at Roosevelt Hospital, and was later cremated in Hartsdale, New York. Today, those who loved and admired him continue to commemorate his life.

In New York, the tributes take place this Sunday. While many are impromptu gatherings, the Lennon Tribute will go on as planned, and there will also be a concert called "For the Love of Lennon" presented by the New Arts NYC. Simply show up to the Central Park Bandshell at 1 p.m. to take part in the latter; the organizers say “It’s about doing something out of love for this city, and in honor of a profound artist and New Yorker who continues to touch the hearts, minds and ears of millions."

Earlier this year two movies hit theaters that documented the actions that led up to Lennon's murder; one called simply The Killing of John Lennon, and the other one starring Jared Leto. In other '08 Lennon news: not that anyone was waiting, but the church just forgave Lennon for that whole bigger than Jesus comment. Meanwhile, someone who Yoko Ono allegedly reconciled with, Lennon's "lost weekend" fling May Pang, released photos of their time together. And Ono celebrated what would have been her husband's 68th birthday with an art exhibit called "Imagine Peace."

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By Jen Carlson in Arts and Events on December 6, 2008 4:01 PM

Comments [rss]

NannyState

I remember them cutting into my TV show to announce his shooting. It was numbing.

smacky

YAY! 28 years for Lennon, 75 years for repeal day. 0 years for current stories that really fuc*ing matter.

r1b2

I still remember hearing about this on radio news, during my freshman year at university. I think it was so saddening because there was no reason for him to have been a target. I think that's why it still bothers us so much. We're okay when someone takes a shot at a candidate, but everyone is still surprised by this.

ribaldry

nope

Snoopy

rib, when you say,"you are all a bunch of fucking snarky little snobs. fuck u bitches" are you including yourself in that group?

ribaldry

you are all a bunch of fucking snarky little snobs. fuck u bitches

Snoopy

I must say that Yoko is not getting better looking as the years roll by.

VanessaNYC

Ides,

You're such a sad guy.

fakenewyorker

don't mind ides, he's just some guy who posts on the internet.

slappy

#4 Dude, shallow snarkiness is so 5 minutes ago.

Snoopy

Do I need tickets to see the art exhibit called "Imagine Peace?" Will May Pang be at the opening?

Amanda, in two years it will be the thirtieth. Can you just imagine?

Amanda Harletsch

guess what: next year would be 29 years since Lenon dead...old news.

BrooklynBredTom

It's okay to have a gathering and have a concert etc. You're right, sometimes he gets a little too much worship. But he certainly deserves much admiration and commemoration.

ides_of_march

#3 When does the canonization begin? Patron saint of limousine liberals; sounds about right.

I'll have to remember to genuflect next time I walk by the Dakota.