December 8, 1980, is a day etched in our memories forever.
It was the day that the unthinkable happened – John Lennon was brutally murdered by an obsessed fan named Mark Chapman.
While people were preparing for Christmas, Lennon had just finished a recording session and returned home to The Dakota apartments in New York.
Little did he know that Chapman, whom he had previously given an autograph to, was waiting for him, ready to commit this heinous act.
A new documentary series, titled “John Lennon: Murder Without A Trial,” will delve into this tragedy, exploring its impact on fame and the famous.
At only 40 years old, Lennon’s life was senselessly taken away, just as he was about to make a comeback after a five-year hiatus with his album “Double Fantasy.”
His son Sean Lennon and wife Yoko Ono were left without a father and husband.
The documentary will not only feature previously unseen crime scene photos, eyewitness interviews, and conversations with Lennon’s friends and Chapman’s lawyers but will also reveal the final words of the iconic musician.
According to Jay Hastings, a staff member at The Dakota apartments, he heard Lennon cry out “I’m shot” as he entered the building, before collapsing on the floor with blood coming from his mouth.
This incident shook the music world to its core.
But how did the remaining members of The Beatles react to the loss of their former bandmate?
George Harrison, who was working on his own album at the time, received the news of Lennon’s death while he was in bed.
In an interview with Michael Aspel in 1988, Harrison shared that his initial reaction was to go back to sleep after learning of the tragedy.
He thought it might have been a minor injury, but when he found out that Lennon was dead, he couldn’t comprehend the magnitude of the loss.
Harrison, with his beliefs about life and death, saw Lennon’s passing as a transition from one bodily condition to another.
He expressed sadness over the way Lennon died but believed that he was at peace now.
Ringo Starr, who was in the Bahamas when he heard about Lennon’s murder, revealed in the same interview with Aspel that he was devastated by the news.
He described his close bond with Lennon and how they had recently spent time together.
Starr flew to New York immediately after hearing the news, even though he knew there was nothing he could do.
In a later interview with Barbara Walters, Starr mentioned that he was the last of The Beatles to see Lennon alive and reminisced about the great time they had during their meeting.
He expressed disbelief and sorrow over the tragic loss of his friend.
Paul McCartney, when asked by a reporter about Lennon’s murder, responded with the words “Drag, isn’t it?”
This seemingly nonchalant answer received criticism from fans who expected a more emotional response from McCartney.
However, in an interview with Playboy magazine in 1984, McCartney opened up about the pain he felt upon learning of Lennon’s death.
He described the shock and the tears that filled his home as he sat with his family, watching the news.
McCartney admitted that his initial response was a result of being in a state of shock and not fully comprehending what had happened.
He later reflected on the intense grief he experienced, unable to put into words the impact Lennon had on his life.
McCartney also discussed how he wrote the song “Here Today” as a tribute to Lennon.
He revealed that after the initial shock subsided, he found solace in playing his guitar, and the emotions flowed through him.
The lyrics of the song were inspired by a heartfelt conversation the two had shared during a turbulent time in Key West, Florida.
McCartney emphasized the significance of that moment and how it was one of the few times they opened up to each other.
The loss of John Lennon had a profound impact on The Beatles and the world.
Each member reacted differently, but all were deeply affected by the tragic event.
Lennon’s memory lives on through his music, and his influence continues to inspire generations of musicians and fans alike.
