What if John Lennon had lived

[powderfinger]

I saw some people blogging about this in light of Lennon's 70th BD... what do YOU guys think would have happened had Lennon lived..

My thoughts...

in 1980, from what Ive read, John wasn't exactly a joke (although Yoko, probably due to her horrid singing was), but wasnt taken very serious after the initial release of Double Fantasy (alot of that had to do with Yoko, Im sure.. I hated her songs personally). I read that Double Fantasy only really picked up speed and airplay AFTER John's death. I was only 5 when Lennon died, so I dont really remember firsthand.

I think had Lennon lived, he may have done a follow up to Double Fantasy, but Im afraid it may have flopped. Lennon, IMO would have been lost in the shuffle as the new sounds of the 80s began emerging. Sure he would still bean icon, but would sorta be "forgotten" or "swept under the rug".

I think John may have had a hand in Live Aid with Bob Geldoff. And I really think that Lennon himself would have appeared as a performer at the show (solo). He probably would have written his own song for the cause (ala We Are the World). This appearance would be a resurgence in popularity for John, not only as a musician but a humanitarian.

A Beatles resurgence would soon follow, and the Beatles would end up re-uniting for a one off performance in the late 80s.. at Hyde Park maybe? Wembley? This would be one of the biggest events of century.

In the 90s, John would have retired more to private life again. I think he would be heavily involved in world affairs and humanitarian causes. After 911 I think Lennon would have stepped out and been the "big organizer" for all the relief efforts.

I think Lennon also would have been quite outspoken about the Patriot Act and Iraq War as well. Many celebs come across as corny when they get political, I think John MIGHT have been taken more serioulsy than Chevy Chase or Susan Sarandon.

After the death of Harrison, I believe Lennon would have participated in another Beatles type reunion in honor of George. Similar to the concert for George with Petty, Lynne, etc. John, Paul and Ringo would have done a small set of George songs at Royal Albert Hall perhaps.

Things that may NOT have happened.

1) Had the Beatles reunited and took back off, esp if they did another album, George may never have been asked to do the Travelling Wilburys album due to scheduling conflicts. Perhaps they would have asked Del Shannon earlier, and maybe Del wouldnt have ended up committing suicide bc his career would be back?

2) There would NOT have been a Beatles Anthology in 1995. An Anthology MAY have been released closer to 2005.

3) Michael Jackson would not have owned the Lennon.Macca songbook.

[Skitch it!]

I know he would not have involved himself in 'The Frog Chorus', that's for sure : ) I'll have a think on this one....

[username n/a]

He probably would have made a really crappy MTV Unplugged.

[powderfinger]

Originally Posted by username n/a

He probably would have made a really crappy MTV Unplugged.

Nah, George didnt go that route, just Paul..

Well, on 2nd thought... he probably would have.. and let Yoko squeal over his songs.

[MJ5150]

There is only one answer to this question....

What If?

-Mike

[wabbit]

lol ... you and your shenanigans.

[Skitch it!]

John was quite a difficult person to read, he always supported the underdog. Liverpool was tough during his upbringing and he was made of such stuff, the infamous 'for the people in the cheaper seats clap your hands, and the rest of you if you just rattle your jewellery' in the Queen's presence, he wasn't phased, Macca wrote a love song to her, John cheekily mocked her. I think he would have become a much greater spokesman for the people, great enough to get him 'scrutinised' by whichever opposition felt him a threat. John would have mellowed, but never forgotten his root's and nor could he imo.

Musically, I hoped he would have hung out more with Bowie during the 80's, Fame was a surprise little cameo, who can say, I think he could have adapted his songs to a 'funkier feel' not the correct description but somehow work it? Who know's.

As for Macca, I think they would have been O.K with each other but would have kept their own space I feel. I'd hope so, the fact that they created such brilliance with a slight focus of 'out-doing' each other was the healthiest musical competition collaboration made, it's not just the quality of their work, the quantity of that quality is quite something imo.

[60's Bluesman]

i think that the beatles may have made a few more records had john lived, ithink they would have did more then a few shows. i read somewhere that in the months before his death he had been talking about reuniting the band and that he and paul were again becoming friends. i think the music world would be much better off had he lived.

[Truktek2]

He'd probably be headlining with Elvis Presley

[MatticusMania]

Or reading poetry at the Kidz Korner of yourlocal library.

[DerHoggz]

More of this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GMHl7bmlzw

[Jawbone]

The world would be the same and Paul would be pissed as hell for not being the sole beneficiary of the royalties and the center of attention. And we'd have alot more mundane lennon solo projects out there.