Imagine there was no Mark David Chapman. I do, a lot.
We’re approaching the 25th anniversary of John Lennon’s death. His life was taken by Chapman, a nobody who probably couldn’t scramble eggs. It’s all so pointless.
Yet I just read that a movie is being made about Chapman and the days leading up to the murder. Jared Leto will star as Chapman; Lindsay Lohan is also in the cast.
Sadly, it would be hypocritical of me to say that I won’t go see that movie. Because my fascination and admiration for Lennon is so enormous, I might. But not to get a glimpse into the pathetic life of Chapman, just another in a long line of losers whose crimes far outweigh their relevance.
I remember where I was when I heard about Lennon being shot. I was leaving a Wichita State basketball game that I had covered, just pulling on to 17th Street near Hillside. I was devastated because I so loved the Beatles and so loved Lennon.
How much more would Lennon have contributed to music? And, more importantly, society? He was controversial and poignant, a difficult and enthralling combination. And he was taken from us by a pathetic loser. Come to think of it, I am going to boycott the movie about him.
7 Comments
I’m only 27 and huge Beatles fan and finally got to see Paul McCartney live this year (in Des Moines in a new DOWNTOWN ARENA). How I would have loved to see John live also. I was only 2, so who knows what I was doing that sad day. I hope the guy never gets out of jail.
My mom loved the Beatles and John Lennon. I was born two days before John Lennon was killed. My mom was still in the hospital with me when he was shot. The doctor was very worried about her because she wouldn’t stop crying. One of my all time favorite songs is Imagine. I am pretty sure my mom used it as a lullaby for me while she and the world grieved.
I think it is really sad that any time is being given to Chapman. Forget him!
Nice post, Bob. I’m a huge Beatles/Lennon fan, and I refuse to go see this new movie. Just like I ignored NBC’s stupid special on MDC a few weeks ago.
I remember where I was the night MDC assassinated John - I was sitting in my bedroom studying when the story came on the radio. Such a sad, pointless loss. Long live John Lennon!
I will enjoy seeing the movie. It will be interesting to see how the director portrays Chapman and his level of fanaticism. I never understood why someone claiming to be John’s biggest fan would want to kill him. Maybe this movie will give some answers. I love Beatles music but feel the best work came when each member went solo. To that end, I too wonder what John was capable of.
Bob, a band called American English is going to appear at the Orpheum on December 8. They are a Beatles band. I saw them last year and they were very good….changes of costumes and they look and sound a lot like the Beatles. You should go.
Me and all of my buddies were at The Loft in Derby drinking red beer when the news of Lennon’s death came on the TV. We were so devastated that we could not continue with our pinball game. We all just held hands and sang Kum Ba Yah till closing time.
I enjoyed your comments about John Lennon. I am 28, and I saw Paul McCartney in concert in Dallas three years ago. I remember how moving it was when he performed the song he wrote for John called “Here Today.” I plan to observe the 25th anniversary of John’s death by buying the compilation CD of his solo works. I’m especially looking forward to hearing “Imagine,” “Jealous Guy” and “Give Peace a Chance.”