Julian Lennon, the son of iconic artist John Lennon, violated his promise to never publicly play his father’s song Imagine by singing it for the first time at the Stand Up for Ukraine event. Julian said that he felt he would only perform the song if the world was ending. He described it as “an unfathomable catastrophe” and tweeted:
“As a human being and an artist, I felt driven to react in the most profound manner possible.” So, for the first time ever, I played my Dad’s song, IMAGINE.”
Julian Lennon said in a Twitter thread about violating his commitment to never perform the song:
“How come now, after all these years?” I’d always stated that the only time I’d contemplate singing ‘IMAGINE’ was if it was the ‘End of the World.’ Because this music transports us to a place where love and unity become our reality, if only for a little period. “The song expresses the hope for a light at the end of the tunnel that we all have.”
Fans and artists respond to Julian Lennon’s Imagine performance.
Following Julian Lennon’s performance of Imagine, admirers flocked to Twitter to applaud him for taking a stand for peace.
❤️ Julian Lennon broke his old vow and for the first time performed the most famous solo song of his father – the founder of The Beatles John Lennon. And all because of the war in Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/Jzb1XU3xLB
— Tatyana Bartusevych (@official8191) April 10, 2022
If a celebrity was ever going to sing “Imagine” for a good cause, this was the way to do it: Julian Lennon, singing his father’s song for the first time ever—for Ukraine. Julian and John had a fraught relationship, which is why he’s never sung this before. https://t.co/fYWUKkmcXd
— Seth Abramson (@SethAbramson) April 10, 2022
Billie Eilish performed at the Stand Up for Ukraine event as well.
Billie Eilish, a Grammy winner, also played her song Your Power during the event, stating that she did it in respect of the people of Ukraine. U2, Chris Rock, Demi Lovato, Jonas Brothers, Katy Perry, Green Day, and Hugh Jackman were among the other performers during the event. The artists encouraged international leaders to assist those who have been displaced as a result of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
The ‘Stand Up For Ukraine’ event was organized by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in collaboration with Global Citizen on Saturday. The event saw $4.6 billion in donations and $5.5 billion in loans promised for humanitarian operations to help Ukrainians and refugees by Ukraine and other European governments, UN agencies, and grassroots groups.
