Watch John Lennon Play "Imagine" at His Last Live Performance

By Guitar Player Staff
published

Lennon was performing at the ATV special, 'A Salue to Lew Grade.'

On this day, 40 years ago, John Lennon was shot to death outside of his New York home by Mark David Chapman.

Take a second to remember the former Beatle's brilliance with this video of him performing "Imagine" – one of his most enduring songs – at the ATV special, A Salute to Lew Grade. It would turn out to be Lennon's final live performance.

Several poems from Yoko Ono's 1964 book Grapefruit are said to have influenced Lennon's lyrics for "Imagine," which can be found on Lennon's 1971 LP of the same name. The album features a more heavily produced sound when compared to the simple arrangements of his previous album, Plastic Ono Band.

"Imagine" is the best-selling single of Lennon’s solo career; it peaked at Number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Guitar Player Staff
Guitar Player Staff

Guitar Player is the world’s most comprehensive, trusted and insightful guitar publication for passionate guitarists and active musicians of all ages. Guitar Player magazine is published 13 times a year in print and digital formats. The magazine was established in 1967 and is the world's oldest guitar magazine.

When "Guitar Player Staff" is credited as the author, it's usually because more than one author on the team has created the story.