75th Anniversary of John Lennon's Birth to Be Celebrated Around the World Today
The former Beatle was killed in 1980.
— -- Today marks what would have been John Lennon's 75th birthday.
Born in Liverpool, England, on October 9, 1940, the singer and songwriter went on to change the music world and the cultural landscape as a member of The Beatles and as a solo artist.
A variety of events have been lined up around the world to pay homage to Lennon and mark the 75th anniversary of his birth.
His widow, Yoko Ono, will visit Videy Island in Reykjavik, Iceland, for the annual lighting of the Imagine Peace Tower, a memorial art piece she conceived as a tribute to her late husband.
The memorial is a white stone monument that projects a light beam into the sky, and promotes the "imagine peace" message that Lennon championed during his life. The tower remains lit until December 8, the anniversary of Lennon's death.
In Los Angeles, a fan gathering will be held at Lennon's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6 p.m. local time in front of the Capitol Records Tower. The Los Angeles Times reports that the event will feature live performances and guest speakers, including city councilman Mitch O'Farrell, who will present a resolution declaring "John Lennon Peace Day" in L.A.
In Lennon's hometown of Liverpool, several events have been lined up in his honor. At the famed Cavern Club, where The Beatles played many of their early gigs, a number of groups will perform tribute sets in John's honor, including The Original Quarrymen, Lennon's pre-Fab Four band.
The Quarrymen also will perform at an afternoon service held at St. Peter's Church that will honor Lennon, as well as include the unveiling of a refurbished grave for his uncle George. The city also is hosting a park walk that will take fans to various Liverpool sites where Lennon used to spend time when he was young.
In addition, various Lennon tribute concerts have been scheduled in cities around the world, including at the Brooklyn Bowl in London, Bake's Place in Washington, D.C., and the College Street Music Hall in New Haven, Connecticut.
Lennon was only 40 years old when he was killed by a fan on December 8, 1980.