Remembering John Lennon's 70th Birthday

It's hard to imagine former Beatle John Lennon would have been 70 years old this October 9^th 2010. Rather than remember the day he was murdered (December 8, 1980), the world will remember and honor the life of John Lennon this year with a number of planned events and releases for his 70^th birthday.

Liverpool, England

The birthplace of The Beatles is planning a two month celebration in honor of John Lennon's 70^th birthday from October 9^th to December 8^th 2010. The John Lennon Tribute Season will feature events such as concerts, lectures, walking tours, a film festival, and an extended exhibit at The Beatles Story museum called White Feather: The Spirit of Lennon. (Hint: I've been to Liverpool. There are no flights from the US to John Lennon Airport. You'll have to go to Manchester Airport and then take the train to Liverpool.)

The Cavern Club rocks for Lennon

If you do make it to Liverpool for the John Lennon Tribute Season, head to the legendary underground club that made The Beatles famous. The Cavern on Mathew Street will have two days of John Lennon tribute acts on October 8^th and 9^th 2010. Tickets can be purchased through The Cavern's website here. (Hint-check out Lucy In The Sky Cafe at the Cavern Walks Mall also on Mathew Street. It's decorated with tons of Beatles memorabilia.)

Nowhere Boy debuts

According to Showbiz411.com, a film chronicling the early life of John Lennon will finally debut in America on the day before Lennon's 70^th birthday-October 8, 2010. Nowhere Boy is already being shown at various festivals in the UK to excellent reviews.

Double Fantasy Unplugged CD?

Though not officially announced, word is an acoustic version Double Fantasy may be released this year to coincide with Lennon's 70^th birthday and the 30^th anniversary of the album. The album's original producer Jack Douglas said in an interview (see here) that he is working on an 'unplugged' version of Double Fantasy with Yoko Ono and EMI Records. Let's hope this indeed comes about!

Strawberry Fields, Central Park

I contacted the folks who run centralpark.com about any planned events for John Lennon's 70^th birthday. I was told none were in the works just yet, but to keep an eye out in case that changes. Whether there will be an event to honor Lennon's 70^th birthday or not, expect hundreds or thousands of fans to descend onto Strawberry Fields on October 9^th to remember him. (Hint: Strawberry Fields is located on the west side between 71^st-74^th streets.)

Sources:

The Cavern Club Website

Liverpool to host major John Lennon Tribute Season, The Beatles Story press release March 24, 2010

John Lennon film set for 70^th birthday release, Roger Friedman's Showbiz411.com, March 26, 2010

Marinucci, Steve Beatle news briefs: 'Double Fantasy Unplugged' in the works; McCartney presale Tuesday, The Examiner, February 23, 2010

Email correspondence with www.centralpark.com