Julian Lennon performs “Imagine” for the first time for the benefit of Ukraine
John Lennon’s eldest son Julian performed his father’s famous song “Imagine” publicly for the first time to benefit war-torn Ukraine and its people.
He performed the song on Saturday as part of Global Citizen’s social media rally, Stand Up For Ukraine.
Julian Lennon, 59, had sworn never to perform his father’s song, which imagines an ideal world of peace and love, without hunger or pain, created by human intention.
But the “unimaginable tragedy” in Ukraine prompted him to respond in “the most meaningful way possible”, he wrote on YouTube. “So today, for the very first time, I publicly performed my dad’s song, ‘Imagine,'” he added.
“I always said the only time I would consider singing ‘Imagine’ would be if it was ‘End of the World’…Because in this song we are transported to a space where love and together become our reality, if but for a while,” Lennon explained. “The song reflects the light at the end of the tunnel that we’re all hoping for.”
Lennon called on the world to support Ukraine – and all refugees.
“Due to the ongoing deadly violence, millions of innocent families have been forced from the comforts of their homes to seek sanctuary elsewhere,” he wrote.
The social media rally also featured several other celebrities, including Bruce Springsteen, Elton John, Billie Eilish and Madonna. More than $10 billion has been pledged to help Ukraine and Ukrainians by Saturday, Deadline reported.