On April 8, 2022 – six weeks after Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine – Julian Lennon did something he had never done before. He took to his Instagram on his 59th birthday to share a video of him singing his father’s song, ‘Imagine’ by John Lennon, as part of the Stand Up For Ukraine movement.
The caption featured a long message from Julian, who shared his personal thoughts on the ‘unimaginable tragedy’ that was unfolding in Ukraine at the time – a war that continues to rage on to this day. He shared his reasoning behind the video and praised the power (and relevance) behind the lyrics of the song.
“As a human, and as an artist, I felt compelled to respond in the most significant way I could. So today, for the first time ever, I publicly performed my Dad’s song, IMAGINE,” Julian 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.’”
As for the lyrics, Julian Lennon acknowledged how they ‘reflect our collective desire for peace worldwide’ – a peace that was being and continues to be threatened by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. He noted how his father’s song has a way of taking us to a place ‘where love and togetherness become our reality.’
“The song reflects the light at the end of the tunnel, that we are all hoping for,” Julian wrote in the caption – urging his followers to donate and advocate. “As a result of the ongoing murderous violence, millions of innocent families, have been forced to leave the comfort of their homes, to seek asylum elsewhere.”
Global Citizen’s Stand Up For Ukraine movement took center stage on April 8, 2022 as hundreds of thousands of people stood together on social media and raised billions of dollars for refugees of the senseless war. Julian Lennon was just one of the many celebrities to take part in the movement.
Others who took part are Elton John, Billie Eilish, Madonna, Celine Dion, Bruce Springsteen, Katy Perry, Stevie Wonder, Billy Joel, U2, Miley Cyrus, The Weeknd, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Stevie Nicks, Usher, Jon Batiste, Hugh Jackman, Pharrell Williams, Mila Kunis, and Ashton Kutcher.
Julian Lennon Set to Host and Executive Produce New Docuseries
On April 8, 2023 – exactly one year after posting his recreation of ‘Imagine’ – Julian Lennon took to Instagram to celebrate his 60th birthday. Two months later, it was announced that he would be taking his first real dip into television presenting as host and executive producer of a new docuseries titled Inspire.
In each episode, Julian Lennon will speak with unique artists with a story to tell, giving viewers a more in-depth look at who they are, where they come from, and what they believe in – uncovering a ‘rich tapestry of inspiring stories and allow the viewer to visit a city, region or country through their eyes.’
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“What’s so special about this series is getting to know an artist and the culture of a place through a specific lens — this unique relationship an artist has with a certain place that gets their creative juices going. It’s a new entry point into both artist and place, which is one of the brilliant strokes of this series.”