Wednesday’s breaking news – Lennon’s New York Universe

As London, Liverpool and much of the world celebrates John Lennon’s 70th birthday today, New York marks its own claim on the former Beatle, who spent most of his final decade here before being gunned down in 1980. Events include a free public screening of “LENNONYC, ” a new documentary that traces his personal, political and artistic life in New York, including inside accounts of the recording of albums such as “Double Fantasy.” The film also delves into the FBI’s surveillance of the rocker and his immigration problems. (The Central Park screening will take place at Rumsey Playfield. About 100 people attended the dedication, which marks the start of a weekend of events in honor of Lennon’s birthday. The capsule is scheduled to be opened in 2040, on Lennon’s 100th birthday. But FBI scrutiny soured this bohemian idyll. The tower will remain lit until December 8, the anniversary of Lennon’s death. Two days later, Lennon was shot dead on the street in front of his apartment. Lennon, killed on his doorstep at 40, would have been 70 this Saturday, Oct. 9, when the New York Society for Ethical Culture will host an evening of his music with guests Pete Seeger, Marshall Crenshaw and three of the original Quarrymen. The activists often powwowed at the apartment—and consoled themselves there on the night of Richard Nixon’s 1972 re-election.

And on Nov. 22, PBS’ “American Masters” series will air a documentary called ” LennoNYC ,” taking a look at the last decade of Lennon’s life, living in New York with Ono. For Lennon, that included a reckless sexual encounter, with Yoko and friends mortified in the next room.

Proceeds from the show will benefit the Playing for Change Foundation, an organization whose mission is to promote peace and positive change. He describes his interview with the rock legend as a surreal experience. We know what happened to John and Paul and George, and eventually Ringo: they were the most loved, admired, innovative and attractive figures in the popular culture of their time. “There really wasn’t a model for a father who stayed home with his kids, for a father to be as involved in raising his family and making that a priority,” said Alan Light, a rock critic for Rolling Stone.

For Raiola, losing Lennon was very personal, and not just because he’s a fan of the Beatles and Lennon’s solo work.

But, later, he managed to turn his pain around to give the world many beautiful songs and important messages which changed our heads and the way of our lives. “There are a lot of Lennon connections that I have over the years, and when John died, on that tragic night, we took it very very bad. And I think I especially did not take that well.” Theatre Within’s first Lennon tribute came in 1981. She kisses his hand, demands a peck on her cheek, tells him moonily, “You’re my dreeeeam.” Julia also introduces him to American rock and rockabilly, less for the movie than as an emblem of her courtship. Mr. Douglas, the producer, recalls meeting Lennon and Ono there for breakfast during their “Double Fantasy” period. “You know what it means, rock ‘n’ roll?” she whispers warmly. “You couldn’t find anything to wear in there. Unless you were John Lennon,” Mr. Epstein says.