Julian Lennon’s Massachusetts Connection
When I discovered Julian Lennon‘s Massachusetts connection, I became intrigued with the story of his life, particularly the relationship with his father. It’s one that is not that well known, seeing that he’s the first son of the iconic Beatle, John Lennon.
Hey Jude, Is Really Hey Julian
Yes, Paul McCartney used to call young Julian, Jude. The struggled relationship with Julian and his Dad, was not lost on Sir Paul. The smash hit, Hey Jude, written by McCartney tells the story of how a very young FIVE year old Julian, coped with the breakup of his parents. In a people.com article, Julian shares his love-hate relationship with Hey Jude and how it inspired Julian’s new album Jude.
“I wasn’t really aware of what was going on except when I started seeing Yoko [Ono] around, obviously that made a bit of an impact and apparently I struggled with the separation a great deal at five,”
While he said, the song used to remind him of his Dad leaving his mom, Julian says he’s grateful to Paul for writing it. Today, he’s all about moving on. With new album Jude, he was able to reevaluate his love-hate relationship with Hey Jude.
Julian Was Petrified To Remake Imagine
It’s Lennon’s signature solo song. Who wouldn’t be petrified to try and remake something that maybe shouldn’t be remade. Julian decided to record his version of Imagine for the charity Stand Up for Ukraine.
In the podcast Inside The Studio, Julian reflected:
“I was fearful, but I never said I would never sing it. And so, a week ago when I said, ‘Yes, OK, now’s the time,’ I thought, ‘Oh, bugger, how am I gonna do this?!’ Because for literally 30, 40 years I’ve been afraid for this moment to come.”
Julian Lennon’s Massachusetts Connection
Last year, Julian overcame his fear and for the FIRST time ever, performed LIVE his Dad’s iconic hit, Imagine at Global Citizen’s televised Stand Up for Ukraine benefit concert, which raised over $10 billion to help refugees.
What is Julian’s Massachusetts connection? Accompanying Julian on acoustic guitar is Nuno Bettencourt from the Boston band Extreme!
When you watch this wonderful version, I would guess that his Dad is proud. Imagine that.
