John Lennon is iconic for several reasons. In 1960, he, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr founded The Beatles. Often regarded as the most influential band of all time, this band played a significant role in shaping the ’60s music industry. Furthermore, The Beatles are considered the pioneers of that era’s youth and sociocultural movements. Together, they released 12 studio albums, five live albums, 51 compilation albums, 36 extended plays (EPs), 63 singles, 17 box sets, 22 video albums and 53 music videos.
After The Beatles split in 1970, every member went their separate ways. John Lennon and his second wife, Yoko Ono, founded the Plastic Ono Band in 1969. The couple worked on several projects together. Furthermore, they released their debut album, John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band, with songs like Give Peace a Chance, Instant Karma!, Imagine, and Happy Xmas (War Is Over).
Post his stint with The Beatles, he was extremely vocal about the infamous Vietnam War. He criticized the violent event which resulted in the Nixon administration attempting to deport him. From the years 1973 to 1975, he and his wife separated. During this time, he worked with famous names like Harry Nilsson and Elton John.
Soon, Lenon and Ono rekindled their relationship, and in 1980, they collaborated on the album Double Fantasy. Three weeks after the album’s release, on December 8, 1980, a Beatles fan named Mark David Chapman murdered him. Chapman shot Lenon five times with a Charter Arms Undercover .38 Special revolver.
Following this tragic incident, he was rushed to Roosevelt Hospital. However, upon his arrival, the hospital pronounced him dead.
What is Apple+’s John Lennon: Murder Without A Trial about?
Apple TV+ recently created a three-part documentary series about the murder of this iconic English singer, songwriter, and musician. It is titled John Lennon: Murder Without A Trial and premiered worldwide on their streamer on December 6, 2023.
According to an Apple TV+ press release, the synopsis of John Lennon: Murder Without A Trial reads,
“John Lennon: Murder Without A Trial” is a deeply researched examination of John Lennon’s 1980 murder, which shocked and saddened the world. The production was granted extensive Freedom of Information Act requests from the New York City Police Department, the Board of Parole and the District Attorney’s office”
It further reads,
“The series includes exclusive interviews including Richard Peterson, a taxi driver who was witness to the shooting; Jay Hastings, a doorman at The Dakota building who heard Lennon’s last words; David Suggs, Chapman’s defense lawyer; Elliot Mintz, a confidant to Lennon and Yoko Ono; and Dr. Naomi Goldstein, the psychiatrist who first assessed Chapman.”
Why did Mark David Chapman murder John Lenon?
According to the New York Post, Mark David Chapman said that he killed John Lenon because he “wanted to be somebody, and nothing was going to stop that.” Furthermore, he stated that he knew that killing the English singer, songwriter, and musician was wrong. However, he wanted fame and had a downright evil mentality.
Currently aged 68, Mark David Chapman is serving 20 years to life in prison at Green Haven Correctional Facility, New York.
