Son of the late musician with Yoko Ono reflected on the topic amid re-releases of solo albums by the eternal Beatle
John Lennon He left us in 1980, but his legacy remains enormously important. Not only for the work with the Beatlesas well as with his solo work — and his son Sean Ono Lennon wants to make this second part of his father’s career even better known.
Sean has dedicated himself, alongside his mother, Yoko Onoto his father’s solo career in recent years. In 2020, the collection was made available Gimme Some Truth: The Ultimate Mixescomposed of rarities remixed directly from the original tapes. Similar work began to be done with John’s solo albums in the 70s. And there’s a reason for that.
The Beatle’s son spoke about his motivation for republishing his father’s work in an interview with The Times. He analyzed John Lennon’s solo work and set out on a real mission to not allow those records to be forgotten.
Sean stated:
One thing that distinguishes my father’s solo career is how personal his lyrics have become. It’s like a diary. It’s my duty to bring attention to my father’s music. Not just my duty to him, but a duty to the world.”
Afterwards, he — who is also a musician — explained that the current situation in the world led him to take on this duty. The mission is personal, but seeks to offer something for everyone.
With the world the way it is now, people have forgotten so many things that I never imagined could be forgotten. I refuse to let that happen to your music – it means a lot to me.”
Greater recognition for John Lennon solo
In addition to his personal mission, Sean Ono Lennon takes into account the fact that some of John Lennon’s albums ended up forgotten over time. Sometimes, the reception was lukewarm even at the time of release. To the Daily Beasthe shared a reflection on the artistic metamorphosis that John and Yoko had in the early 70s — which, for him, is the reason why many songs were left aside by the public and critics.
Sean said:
My parents made a radical shift to avant-garde and politicized music, along with very provocative activism and performance art. This change wasn’t for everyone and much of the mainstream world wasn’t ready for it.”
The re-releases
In 2020, Sean Ono Lennon began a series of re-releases of his father’s work with the aforementioned compilation Gimme Some Truth: The Ultimate Mixeswhich brings together songs from albums, singles and rarities. All tracks were digitized and received better sound treatment from the originals.
The following year, Sean and Yoko Ono began working on the so-called Ultimate Collection. The albums were re-released Imagine (1971) and John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band (1970). Both came out in multi-CD versions, featuring hundreds of demos and alternative mixes in mono and stereo.
The project continued in 2024, with Mind Games (1973). The Ultimate Collection edition of Some Time in New York (1972) was scheduled for 2022, but was postponed for unknown reasons. Collaborated: André Luiz Fernandes.
Source: Rollingstone
Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
