In a surprising turn of events, Julian Lennon, son of the legendary John Lennon, has performed his father’s iconic song “Imagine” for the first time ever. The 59-year-old musician had previously vowed never to sing the song, except in the face of a global catastrophe. However, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine prompted Julian to reconsider his stance.
As part of the 2022 Global Citizen’s Stand Up for Ukraine campaign, Julian delivered a heartfelt rendition of “Imagine.” His performance was a poignant reminder of the song’s timeless message of peace and unity. Julian’s decision to sing the song was motivated by the “unimaginable tragedy” unfolding in Ukraine, which has forced millions of innocent families to flee their homes in search of asylum.
The war in Ukraine has resulted in over 4.5 million refugees fleeing the country since February. In response, Global Citizen’s fundraiser, which featured Julian’s performance, raised an impressive $10 billion in pledges to support Ukrainian refugees. The donations came from governments, corporations, and individuals worldwide, with European public financial institutions contributing significantly.
Julian, who is the son of John Lennon and his first wife Cynthia Lennon, used the platform to urge world leaders and citizens to support refugees not only from Ukraine but also from around the world. He emphasized the need for collective action, saying, “I’m calling on world leaders and everyone who believes in the sentiment of IMAGINE, to stand up for refugees everywhere! Please advocate and donate from the heart.”
Julian’s performance of “Imagine” was a beautiful tribute to his father’s legacy and a powerful call to action. As the world grapples with the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, Julian’s message of peace, love, and unity resonates more than ever.
