Working Class Hero

I was 19 when John Lennon was shot, and I remember the night, though I didn't know about the incident until the next day. On the evening of 8 December 1980, I had gone to bed fairly early, but my father was up watching the television and happened to catch the news bulletin. He didn't tell me until the next morning because he didn't want to awaken me with such awful news, as he knew how much I loved the Beatles and knew it would be very distressing to hear (bless him!). When he finally told me the next morning, I was absolutely stunned, as I know all fans were--I mean, who could do such a thing???? How could this be???? Not a Beatle, and certainly not John!!! I had just purchased his new album!

Well, of course, we all know the twisted tale. And I simply remember feeling shock and disbelief and profound sadness. Why do the peacemakers so often come to such violent ends? I mean, less than a year later, Anwar Sadat was assassinated--another shocking moment.

One of the vigils in John's memory was held at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, just west of Denver, on 14 December, and I attended with a close friend. The Beatles had played at this very same venue back in 1964, so it was a most fitting place to hold this tribute to our hero. Plus, it's such a beautiful amphitheatre, set in the sublime and ancient red rock formations at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. It was amazing, and I've since read that 4,500 people attended that particular vigil, which I can well believe--the place was full--a veritable sea of people! As I recall, the weather was quite fine for that time of year, and the day was bright. It was such a moving experience, coming together with all of those other people, to silently commemorate such a great artist and peacemaker, whose life ended so suddenly and violently, so needlessly.

I'll always admire John Lennon--he still touches us and fills us with inspiration and awe--not only the boomer generation, but those that have followed--amazing! I wish I could compose a more fitting tribute, but there it is--the man and his music live on as long as we remember. ♥