John Lennon’s Global Message Lives On

Jane Monreal

I just learned that John Lennon would have been coming up on his 70th birthday this October! The music of the Beatles has certainly thrived for many decades. So has John Lennon’s message of peace.

The California-based organization Global Peace Initiative, commissioned a monument that will be presented to the world’s leading permanent Beatles-themed visitor attraction, the Beatles Story in Liverpool, UK.

19-year old art prodigy Lauren Voiers, was tapped for the task. (Do you remember what you were doing when you were 19? I was preparing to cheer on the sidelines during the Sugar Bowl, followed by a national team dance competition. Very Cheerios from hit tv show, “Glee.” It’s not quite in the slacker department, but it wasn’t earth shattering work either.)

So, how did one so young get invited to be part of such a project?

“The Global Peace Initiative became aware of me through ImaginArt and after seeing my art and learning about [my] commitment to peace, the GPI invited me to create the second monument.”

A study piece for Voiers' sculpture. Rendering will be released in June.

Having been interested in visiting (and not yet done so) the United Kingdom for a while now, combined with my interest in music history… I had a ton of questions for Jerry Goldman, the

Managing Director of the Beatles Story museum.

JM: What does the Peace Monument mean for Beatles Story and Liverpool?

JG: It provides Lennon fans from all over the world with an alternative focal point to Central Park New York. Strawberry Fields is tinged with sadness as it is opposite the spot where Lennon met his untimely death. This will be a celebratory monument in the City where Lennon’s peace loving spirit was created.

JM: Did Beatle Mania ever really go away?

JG: In one form it did – we do not see crowds of girls screaming any more. However the Beatles and their music are now more popular than ever with every generation. Most days the steps of the Beatles Story are crowded with school groups singing their hearts out to their favorite Beatles songs as they wait to enter the exhibition.

JM: Aside from this peace memorial, what are some of the highlights for those visiting the Beatles Story for a first time pilgrimage?

JG: Firstly the audio living history audio tour narrated by John Lennon’s sister Julia. Paul McCartney, Brian Epstein, George Martin and many many others, talk you through the story of the Fab4. The exhibition takes you through the Casbah Club, the streets of Hamburg, Mathew Street and the original Cavern club as if you were walking back in time to the world of the 1960′s. On the way you see many famous pieces of memorabilia, including George Harrison’s first guitar and John Lennon’s iconic spectacles. For children, there is an amazing interactive Discovery Zone and children and adults alike, are amazed by our new 4-D theatre experience taking you into the music of the Beatles. Finally a special exhibition – White Feather Spirit of Lennon – created by Julian and Cynthia Lennon together with the Beatles Story – telling the emotional story of their life with John.

John’s son, Julian Lennon, will unveil the monument to the world at a high profile ceremony in October 2010.