John Lennon’s son performs Imagine for the first time
Julian Lennon has performed his late father John Lennon’s legendary song Imagine for the first time.
Taking to Instagram on Saturday, the singer-songwriter shared a video of him performing the 1971 hit song in a candlelit room accompanied by acoustic guitarist Nuno Bettencourt.
In the caption, Julian explained that by delivering his own rendition of the song, he was breaking a vow that he would only perform the song "if it was the end of the world".
He shared the video during a benefit for Ukrainian refugees, closing out a televised European Union pledge drive that raised $10.1 billion in grants and loans for the cause.
"Today, for the first time ever, I publicly performed my Dad's song, Imagine," the 59-year-old wrote. "I had always said that the only time I would ever consider singing Imagine would be if it was the End of the World…”
"The war on Ukraine is an unimaginable tragedy... As a human, and as an artist, I felt compelled to respond in the most significant way I could."
Of the track, Julian said, "Within this song, we're transported to a space, where love and togetherness become our reality, if but for a moment in time...The song reflects the light at the end of the tunnel, that we are all hoping for."
“I’m calling on world leaders and everyone who believes in the sentiment of Imagine, to stand up for refugees everywhere!”
The fundraiser drive, called Stand Up for Ukraine, closed on April 9th, however international humanitarian organisations are still taking donations to help with the ongoing crisis of the Russian invasion.
Image credits: Instagram @julespicturepalace