On December 8, 1980, former Beatle John Lennon was assassinated outside his apartment in New York City by Mark David Chapman.
For most in my generation, Lennon’s murder was the equivalent of the John F. Kennedy assassination.
Just as everyone knew where they were and what they were doing when JFK was killed in 1963, the same was true for those of us who admired Lennon.
Earlier that evening on December 8, Lennon had autographed a copy of his album Double Fantasy for Chapman.
Chapman would plead guilty to second degree murder and was sentenced to 20 years to life. He remains in prison, having been repeatedly denied parole.
As far as I’m concerned, Chapman should remain in prison until he dies.
Being a sports fan and an avid viewer of Monday Night Football, some of the most memorable moments in the nation’s history took place during those early years of MNF.
The first of those indelible moments came in 1974 when California Governor Ronald Reagan and Lennon were interviewed during halftime of a December 9 game.
When Howard Cosell learned who the halftime guests were he immediately said “I’ll take the Beatle,” anxious to spend a few minutes with the iconic Lennon.
Six years later – almost to the day – Cosell announced the terrible news that Lennon had been gunned down during a December 8, 1980 Monday Night Football telecast.
“This, we have to say it, is just a football game, no matter who wins or loses. An unspeakable tragedy confirmed to us by ABC News in New York City. John Lennon, outside of his apartment building on the West Side of New York City, the most famous perhaps of all The Beatles, shot five times in the back, rushed to Roosevelt Hospital, dead … on … arrival.”
Lennon’s death sent shock waves around the globe, a figure that for many symbolized the core of an entire generation.
John Lennon was more than just one of the Beatles. He was one of the first to use his celebrity to promote peace and spoke out about governments as being the culprits for most of the world’s problems.
Having just turned 40, Lennon was maturing and had cast aside the vice’s of his youth. While his relationship with Yoko Ono was much maligned, it was her influence that lead him to become a man that was at peace with himself.
Lennon will forever be associated with The Beatles, but his impact far exceeded that of the other members of the band.
Below are several videos featuring John Lennon, the first is the Monday Night Football interview in 1974. The others are some personal favorites from The Beatles White Album and Abbey Road.
Howard Cosell Interviews John Lennon During Halftime of a 1974 Monday Night Football game
Mean Mr. Mustard, Polythene Pam, She Came in Through the Bathroom Window
The Ballad of John and Yoko
