Julian Lennon sings “Imagine” for the first time – for Ukraine

He was committed. Julian Lennon never wanted to play “Imagine” in public. The 59-year-old associates too many memories with his father John’s peace anthem; the legendary song is too closely linked to his father John.

But now he has broken the self-imposed spell. Accompanied by fellow musician Nuno Bettencourt on acoustic guitar, Julian Lennon sings “Imagine” as a world premiere. The reason for his change of heart is the “unimaginable tragedy” of Russia’s war against Ukraine.

“As a person and as an artist, I felt challenged to respond in the most impactful way available to me,” he wrote in a statement on Instagram. “This is how I interpreted my father’s song for the first time today”. The duet in the semidarkness with the Extreme guitarist is illuminated by candlelight.

“I also did it because the text expresses our common desire for world peace. The song sends us into a world where love and togetherness becomes a reality, if only for the moment,” Lennon said. “This song represents the light at the end of the tunnel that we all long for…”

The campaign is part of “Stand Up For Ukraine”. According to Real Housewives actress Bethenny Frankel, the initiative has so far raised more than $85 million for refugees and victims of the Russian invasion through various appeals.

Lennon complements his motivations. “Millions of innocent families have been forced to leave their loved ones to seek refuge anywhere in the world. I appeal to world leaders and all who believe in Imagine’s message to stand up for refugees everywhere.” He condemned the “murderous violence” of the Russians. Participating in an initiative like Stand Up For Ukraine is the least he can do.

Julian Lennon is the son of John Lennon and his first wife Cynthia. The two married in August 1962, and Julian was born a year later. The couple separated in November 1968. John Lennon married Yoko Ono in 1969 and had another son with her in 1975: Sean Ono Lennon.

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