Stars Honor John Lennon in Shattered NY

October 3 -- NEW YORK (ABCNEWS.com) — John Lennon's "make love, not war" hippie battle cry seemed anything but dated in a star-studded salute to the slain Beatle last night

With New York City, Lennon's adopted home, still reeling from the Sept. 11 terrorist bombing of the twin towers, the singer's peace anthems, such as "Instant Karma" and "Power to the People," took on an all-new meaning.

Host Kevin Spacey, who pulled off a rousing performance of "Mind Games," got choked up while opening the show, reminding folks that it's the "people, not the places" that must be remembered when looking back on the destruction of the World Trade Center.

Dave Matthews' rendition of "In My Life," was especially poignant, particularly as he sang "I know I'll often stop and think about them."

Similarly, as the Stone Temple Pilots ripped through the Beatles "Revolution," it was impossible not to think of recent violence as they sang the classic line, "But when you talk about destruction, don't you know that you can count me out."

Throughout each performance, footage of Lennon, often on New York City streets, graced the screen. Alanis Morissette did "Dear Prudence," Lou Reed sang, "Jealous Guy," and Lennon's son Sean performed "Julia," a tune Lennon wrote in tribute to his wife Yoko Ono and his mother.

"I think that most of us in New York are still in shock," said Ono. "And I am too."

"It just seems that now, it's very fitting," Stone Temple Pilots lead singer Scott Weiland told reporters backstage. "Almost in a spooky sort of way."

No Other BeatlesLennon's political views were heard during the broadcast, as video clips of the star were projected behind the performers throughout the night, interspersed with images of New York City fireman, police, and American flags.

One touching image was a clip of Lennon and Ono riding a ferry in the New York harbor with the twin towers in the background.

The show was initially set to air on Lennon's birthday, but was quickly turned into a fund-raising benefit for the Sept. 11 relief efforts.