Paying Tribute to John Lennon

The significance of former Beatle John Lennon acquires a new repercussion in the 70th anniversary of his birth, a year that the world of music pays tribute to his contributions and legacy.

Tributes have been many so far, two months before the end of a year that can be qualified as "The Year of John Lennon", during which institutions, collectors, record companies and artists have organized activities to remember Lennon's life and work.

Japanese artist Yoko Ono and widow of one of the founders of the Beatles, the most popular band in history, asked popular singer Lady Gaga to participate in a concert next October 2 in Orpheum Theatre in L.A along with Iggy Pop, RZA, Perry Farell, among others.

The collection "The John Lennon Signature Box" will be released next October 5. It has 8 original albums of the British singer remastered and accompanied by limited edition plates, personal articles and a book of 60 pages with photos, collages, poetry and other documents.

Artists like Cyndi Lauper, Jackson Browne and Patti Smith, among others, will close the celebration with a flourish, in a New York charity concert on November 12.

Born on October 9, 1940 in Liverpool, Lennon was key in the formation of the band that changed world music in the sixties and seventies until his life was taken on December 8, 1980.

Again Beatlemania in Havana

The Beatles phenomenon arrived belatedly in our country. Since our early youth we knew that they were against the Viet Nam war; we could understand their beautiful, noble and clear ideas in their songs; and we could realize that they were, in the true sense of the word, peaceful rebels and advocates of peace and justice.

When John Lennon died, a homage was paid to him here too. In various ways we expressed our pain for that irreparable loss.

Today, when we see that there’s a park in Havana with a statue of him and bearing his name, a mixture of bitterness and pain along with a deep feeling of victory invades us. We cannot stop to think of those who are no longer, of those who died without knowing it was recognized that we were right, that we weren't mistaken 'cause we were Beatles fans.

Something we’ll always remember was the moment when Cuban musical composer and performer Leo Brower publically stated that the Beatles had revolutionized the music of the 20th century. But it was still necessary to wait many years to be able to demonstrate our affinity for this great group that has influenced not only the music of Latin America, including Cuba, but has notably influenced very important Cuban musicians.

Now we have an event called “Beatlemanía en La Habana.” In it, to our great satisfaction, several generations come together. Undoubtedly our children and even our grandchildren have grown up humming the songs of the Beatles, and now we are able to attend, hand in hand, to see and enjoy the diverse activities planned.

Once again challenging reality, since it concurred with the holding of the FIFA Soccer World Cup, this event took place at both the Plaza Cultural Center and the John Lennon Park, and concluded the next day at the Maxim Rock Theater in the evening.

There was also a photo exhibition illustrative of their songs, and in which one could also write down their feelings about the work and presence of the Beatles.

At John Lennon Park, the activities among Beatlemaniacs were set to take place at 8.00 p. m.; however, people of all ages began arriving early. Among them were those who pointedly called our attention to the adults of our generation on Harley-Davidsons.

With John Lennon as a witness, Beatlemanía in Havana concluded successfully.