Beatles Fans Gather in Central Park

[SF4-EVER]

LINK (http://dailynews.netscape.com/mynsnews/story.tmpl?table=n&cat=50880&id=200112081743000158095) to full story.

NEW YORK (AP) - More than two decades after John Lennon was gunned down by a deranged fan, devoted fans of the ex-Beatle gathered Saturday to mourn on the anniversary of his death.

Hundreds of people surrounded the Imagine mosaic in Strawberry Fields, an area of Central Park dedicated to Lennon after he was shot in 1980 by **** ***** ******* in front of the nearby Dakota, the luxury apartment building where he lived.

They sang Beatles tunes, bobbed their heads to the beat of a band, burned candles and remembered the singer who meant so much to them.

``It's a weird thing. It's been your whole life, the Beatles,'' said Larry Martin, a professional guitarist. ``I had older brothers, so from the time I was 3 or 4 my earliest memories are of the Beatles.''

Martin said his decision to attend this year was influenced by the death of George Harrison, who succumbed to lung cancer on Nov. 29.

``(Lennon) was the soul of the Beatles, Harrison was the spirit,'' Martin said. ``Paul was the heart, and Ringo was the drummer.''

Geno Barron, who said he goes to Strawberry Fields each year on Dec. 8, made the trip a family event this time, bringing his daughters, Brooke and Carly.

``The first song I ever remember hearing is 'I Want to Hold Your Hand,'' Barron said. ``Since I've was 13 they've been my group.''

Al Wunsch went to Strawberry Fields to mourn and remember another time.

``It's like they created a world, and where did that go?'' he said.

Wunsch attributed the Beatles' wild success to their self-confidence and the bond they created with their audience.

``There was such a synthesis between the Beatles and the audience,'' Wunsch said. ``They had a confidence in themselves
and you had a confidence in them.''

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"Or play the game 'existence' to the end...of the beginning..."

Author of "Move Over Ms. L." and the sequel "To Thine Own Self Be True,"
hosted at www.rooftopsessions.com (http://www.rooftopsessions.com)

[beatlebangs1964]

Thank you.

I wish I were still in New York so I could have gone. Thank you again for the article, Sandra.

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Then we will remember things we said today. Yeah.
-- Beatles, 1964

BB1964

[SF4-EVER]

You're welcome, BB. Yes, it would be nice to be physically with other Beatlefans tonight.

------------------
"Or play the game 'existence' to the end...of the beginning..."

Author of "Move Over Ms. L." and the sequel "To Thine Own Self Be True,"
hosted at www.rooftopsessions.com (http://www.rooftopsessions.com)

[HMVNipper]

Sorry to put a damper on this, but let me tell you, I AVOID Strawberry Fields like the PLAGUE on December 8th and October 9th. Every weirdo in NYC comes out of the woodwork, it gets so crowded you can't even get into the park, let alone near the mosaic, and personally, I think it's not the place to be. (Besides, it was pouring down with icy-cold rain last night -- bleah!) I used to go in the past, I went several times in the first ten years after John's death, when I didn't even live in the area, but as the people who showed up got weirder and the crowds got denser, I gave it up. I don't know if any of you remember about 15 years ago, a guy was arrested for attempting to break into Yoko's apartment...well, I actually MET that guy one December 8th in Strawberry Fields and spent the whole evening listening to him obsess about Yoko, and several nights later he was on the national news getting arrested. Sorry, but ever since then I've been QUITE turned off...

I remember John in my own way, and every single day, but I don't think I have to be with other fans to do it. I don't like to remember the day he died, anyway -- if I do anything, it's always on his birthday, because I'd rather remember his life than his death. Besides, even with all their talk of peace and love, I've seen fights break out among people who are there for the vigil, simply because of the crowds.

Perhaps those of you who don't live here think it's a romantic thing to do, but believe me, it ain't all it's cracked up to be...perhaps I'm a bit of a cynic, but I wouldn't go there on those two days (10/9 or 12/8) on a bet...

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Rooftop Sessions - The Finest In Beatles-Related Fiction. December 2001 Issue up now! Check out our George Harrison Tribute Pages!www.rooftopsessions.com (http://www.rooftopsessions.com)

"O superb! O Manhattan, my own, my peerless! O strongest you in the hour of danger, in crisis! O truer than steel!" -- Walt Whitman

[McCharlenstar]

Thanks for the info! SF4-EVER.

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http://www.beatlelinks.net/ubb/smilies/dance.gif

[SF4-EVER]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Tahoma, Arial, Sans-Serif">Quote:</font><HR>Originally Posted By HMVNipper:

I remember John in my own way, and every single day, but I don't think I have to be with other fans to do it. I don't like to remember the day he died, anyway -- if I do anything, it's always on his birthday, because I'd rather remember his life than his death. Besides, even with all their talk of peace and love, I've seen fights break out among people who are there for the vigil, simply because of the crowds.

Perhaps those of you who don't live here think it's a romantic thing to do, but believe me, it ain't all it's cracked up to be...perhaps I'm a bit of a cynic, but I wouldn't go there on those two days (10/9 or 12/8) on a bet...
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Well, yes, m'dear, you are a cynic, but we still love you anyway. http://www.beatlelinks.net/ubb/smilies/images/icons/smile.gif Sorry you had the bad experiences there, but if so many people go year after year, obviously not all of them hate it. Personally, it seems to me like it gets to be like a party at times, and I wouldn't feel like that was the right attitude for that night. If I was ever in NYC on 10/9 or 12/8, though, I'd probably go just to see what it was like for myself.

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"Or play the game 'existence' to the end...of the beginning..."

Author of "Move Over Ms. L." and the sequel "To Thine Own Self Be True,"
hosted at www.rooftopsessions.com (http://www.rooftopsessions.com)

[beatlebangs1964]

Susan raised a valid point.

Remembering John's life and celebrating his life is something I find more cheerful, healthy and productive than brooding over his death.

Sadly, the River City had such a paucity of activity. The only memorial for George was in a bar on 6th Street where the place was darkened, save for candles people held and complete silence. I really wanted to be with other Beatles fans, singing the songs I've been raised on and having others to talk to who really understood our recent loss.

Susan is right about crackpots and demented kooks congregating in Central Park. I have not been to the park in years, but I do remember seeing the kook who broke into Yoko's apartment in the late 1980s on the news. That is frightening. The man sounds like a stalker to me. And Susan actually met this creep and heard him making bizarre comments about Yoko! Definitely frightening!

I would much rather celebrate the life and accomplishments of John and all the Beatles. I think that is a giant step towards combatting grief.

One day I always celebrate is February 7 (Beatles' Day), the anniversary the Beatles arrived in America.


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Then we will remember things we said today. Yeah.
-- Beatles, 1964

BB1964

[FPSHOT]

I will be in NYC early next year and will certainly visit the Park again.

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'Love one another'
The Harrisons, November 30, 2001

[Amalthea]

I went to Strawberry Fields just the day before yesterday, in the evening, there were all the candles, and all the flowers... and talking to a clochard, he told me that on Sunday there were as many flowers for John and George as they could reach one meter from the soil. He said that once a while, like once a day, they throw the flowers, especially after it has rained, since they are kinda gone off, and he kept talking to me explaining how all the apples that people leave there, he and his friends pick them up and eat them... it made me smile, and even tho it could have seemed bad, being a sorta of not respect for our condolences, well, I truly think that this is what John and George would have wanted as well (ah, and that guy told me that he keeps also some flowers and bring them to his fiancee, lol, so nice...)... I found this a great experience, and even tho of the weirdos, that place has power, it really has... I am glad I made it, I am glad I left my message to George in that place, with the one that many others, from all around the world, did .. great experience http://www.beatlelinks.net/ubb/smilies/images/icons/smile.gif

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"Because there wasn't any reason left to keep it all inside"
- Paul McCartney 1982

[HMVNipper]

Amalthea, I didn't know you were going to be in NYC -- I live quite close to the Dakota, it would have been nice to meet you! Oh well...

I'm glad you had a good experience in Central Park -- I wasn't trying in any way to say that it's a BAD thing, by the way, just that on the particular anniversaries it can be a bit over the top, and most of the time it can be quite nice!!

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Rooftop Sessions - The Finest In Beatles-Related Fiction. December 2001 Issue up now! Check out our George Harrison Tribute Pages!www.rooftopsessions.com (http://www.rooftopsessions.com)

"O superb! O Manhattan, my own, my peerless! O strongest you in the hour of danger, in crisis! O truer than steel!" -- Walt Whitman

[Amalthea]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Tahoma, Arial, Sans-Serif">Quote:</font><HR>Originally Posted By HMVNipper:
I live quite close to the Dakota, it would have been nice to meet you! <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

And I didn't know you lived there... pity, isn't it? I hope it'll be for the next time I'll come (I have friends there) - I'd like to meet some other Beatles fan, here I am kinda isolated... say hi to Strawberry Fields whenever you go, and, now that I am writing, I really suggest you to get to the Signac exhibition at the Metropolitan... it's really a superb one http://www.beatlelinks.net/ubb/smilies/images/icons/smile.gif


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"Because there wasn't any reason left to keep it all inside"
- Paul McCartney 1982

[JCB410]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Tahoma, Arial, Sans-Serif">Quote:</font><HR>Originally Posted By HMVNipper:
Sorry to put a damper on this, but let me tell you, I AVOID Strawberry Fields like the PLAGUE on December 8th and October 9th. Every weirdo in NYC comes out of the woodwork

I remember John in my own way, and every single day, but I don't think I have to be with other fans to do it. I don't like to remember the day he died, anyway -- if I do anything, it's always on his birthday, because I'd rather remember his life than his death. Besides, even with all their talk of peace and love, I've seen fights break out among people who are there for the vigil, simply because of the crowds.

Perhaps those of you who don't live here think it's a romantic thing to do, but believe me, it ain't all it's cracked up to be...perhaps I'm a bit of a cynic, but I wouldn't go there on those two days (10/9 or 12/8) on a bet...

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>I can relate to your points-- but
in my case, I don't feel so extreme about it.
The point I mainly relate to (and I think it's a very good one) is coming out to
Strawberry Fields--(or other places similar
perhaps in the world) versus "not" on the
day of John's death-- I've always felt odd
about folks saying things like "we should
celebrate the anniversary of John's death
and head right to Strawberry Fields"!,etc. I MUCH prefer to celebrate his birthdate also--so in that way, I WILL go to S.F. on or around that particular day. My feeling about
going to S.F. is this: If you're able to go
and you get the impulse to go, I think it's
important to try and go there to follow your
heart. If upon getting there you find that
there are "too many weirdos" or there seems
to be a vibe in the air that might suggest
any fighting--(God forbid) I would probably
leave and just come back the following day
for example. I do however feel that it is
a romantic thing,etc. to try and go on his
birthdate-- my opinion. And certainly
now that George is gone, I try to go when
I can-- after all, it's a special place in
the pages of history via the fab four. In my
case, I try going in the daytime.

http://www.beatlelinks.net/ubb/smilies/xmastree.gifhttp://www.beatlelinks.net/ubb/smilies/lookaround.gifhttp://www.beatlelinks.net/ubb/smilies/xmastree.gif



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//*//--"you may say I'm
a dreamer, but
I'm not the only
one"--

[Cyn1963]

I've also gone to Strawberry Fields on 10/9 as it was a very happy place to be to celebrate John's life...I've never gone 12/8. I've always meet some great people, seems to be many from Beatlefest. I've sort of been out of the Beatle loop for a few years, I did the "hanging out at the Dakota" thing, in the 70's, and Beatlefest..then I got married and drifted. I've been back to Beatlefest the past 3-4 years. I used to have so many pen pals for years. When that was the way to go! Many years ago!!! Lost touch. One in particular I'd love to find, maybe that's for "Off the Beatle Track"!!! Anyway, it's wonderful to be back, and have this forum!!!!!

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[Lucy in the diamond sky]

I wish I was able to come to NY to join all this but I will have to wait!

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With every mistake we must surely be learning

Sophie

[Lucy]

Me too Sophie! We can wait together!

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[Hippie_Lennon]

hey!

I live only 5 hours away from Strawberry fields NY... and i really wanna go, next year i need a ride! someone drive me... but i promised that when i get a car i'd drive a friend up... hey maybe we all will run into each other

someone said beatles were all they have ever known, i'd quote it, but i don't feel like it

but... now beatles is my whole live, the music makes me happy, playing it and listening to it... and i found them on my own, not with family influence... my family dislikes it, all except for my 4 year old sister, who runs around the house singing.... (off topic now) oh no, the other day she got in mom's tool box, grabbed the hammer, and ran around singing Maxwell's Silver Hammer, she nearly hit the cat

ok but i better stop before i get too much off topic

I want to go to SFNY!!

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"Imagine All the People, Living Life in Peace." --John Lennon--

[Lucy in the diamond sky]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Tahoma, Arial, Sans-Serif">Quote:</font><HR>Originally Posted By Lucy:
Me too Sophie! We can wait together!

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Yes We Can!!!
I can wait a whole life,can you? http://www.beatlelinks.net/ubb/smilies/images/icons/smile.gif


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With every mistake we must surely be learning

Sophie

[FPSHOT]

Sophie, maybe we can arrange a European Continent memorial somewhere.

Greece would be nice, also being a track title from Gone Troppo.

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Press conference Aug 29, 1965 Hollywood & Vine building (Capitol)
Q: George, have you and the other Beatles ever been to Russia or South America?
George; We don't want particularly to go to Russia, well I don't. And South America, I don't think they've heard of us down there.

[darkhorse]

I feel soooo excluded http://www.beatlelinks.net/ubb/smilies/images/icons/wink.gif

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"Ring out the old, ring in the new
Ring out the false, ring in the true"

Happy Ding Dong, Ding Dong to everyone in Beatlelinks

[FPSHOT]

OK, changed the signature.

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George on EC on the White album;
..The next day, I happened to drive back into London with Eric and while we were in the car I suddenly said "Why don't you come and play on this track?" And he said, "Oh, I couldn't do that. The others wouldn't like it."
We'd had oboe and string players and other session people in for overdubbing, but there hadn't really been other prominent musicians on our records. So Eric was reluctant, and I finally said, "Well, sod them! It's my song and I'd like you to come down to the studio."

[Cyn1963]

Hey Hippie Lennon, you sound just like me at 13...how old are you?? You even took my fav picture of JL!!!! Now when I look for my posts I'll find yours too! I live in New Jersey, it's only a 20 min train ride to NYC. I used to go hang out at the Dakota to try to see J & Y leave the house...spoke to them a few times! I'm very honoured! Anyway, I breathed Beatles!!! Do you go to Beatlefest in NJ in March?? That's a beautiful thing for us Beatlepeople! Sorry for those of you far away....don't feel left out! I know it's easy for me to say! Peace, Cyn

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[bearkat77]

Cyn, how many times did you get to see John and Yoko and how many times did you get to talk to them?

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http://www.beatlelinks.net/ubb/smilies/cat.gif
Bearkat77's Beatlemaniac Page (http://bearkat77.www9.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to John Lennon (http://bearkatjl.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to Ringo Starr (http://bearkatrs.50megs.com)

[Hippie_Lennon]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Tahoma, Arial, Sans-Serif">Quote:</font><HR>Originally Posted By Cyn1963:
Hey Hippie Lennon, you sound just like me at 13...how old are you?? You even took my fav picture of JL!!!! <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I didn't mean to take your picture, that was the one i had orginally wanted, but i coulnd't find it, i'll be getting my own icon, once i can figure out how...

hate to say it, but i'm only 14 http://www.beatlelinks.net/ubb/smilies/images/icons/smile.gif... i found this cute little spinning submarine... i ... let me get the link with my newly found knowladge of UBB code http://www.beatlelinks.net/ubb/smilies/images/icons/grin.gif

http://content.neopets.com/guilds/l/loneicewolf/loneicewolf_logo.gif

WMAHHA ITS CRAZY!!!

http://content.neopets.com/guilds/l/loneicewolf/loneicewolf38558Pep.gif



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"Imagine All the People, Living Life in Peace." --John Lennon--

[Lucy in the diamond sky]

My father is an officer at the Harbour Guard and now he is working in the security department of the Olympic games which are going to be held here at 2004.He likes very much The Netherlands and that's why he would like to work there.

It would be nice to have some information about this country!



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With every mistake we must surely be learning

Sophie

[FPSHOT]

Well, Rotterdam is the #1 harbour in the world, so plenty of things for your dad.

See my e-mail.

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There'll come a time when most of us return here. Brought back by our desire to be,
A perfect entity. Living through a million years of crying, Until you've realized the Art of Dying,
George Harrison, written partly 1966.

[Cyn1963]

OK, my J&Y story in a nutshell;
12/30 (wow...my J&Y anniversary) 77 (I was 14) my mom took me and my friend to the museum a few blocks away, I had to go by the apt, we ate at a restaurant around the corner and I saw them walking by in full furs..I bolted out of the place and they had crossed the street into a shop, I dodged cars, NYC?? I was obsessed! We waited for them to come out, and he was not so nice that time!!! My friend, 14 as well, wanted to take a pic, he pointed his finger in her face and told her "now piss off or I'll smash that damn camera to the ground" and walked away. I was DEVISTATED. I pissed off the love of my life! I didn't go back. The following spring a pen pal was visiting w/ me and we went to the Dakota on Yoko's bday, waited by the door with flowers. They came home eventually and we said hi to both, the card fell out of the flowers and John bent over to pick it up! John, at my feet!! He had black gloves with the fingers each a different color. Longer hair, it was 78.
Then I went there off and on Saturday afternoons and hung at the park, coffee shops in the area, asked the doorman if they were in town. I guess I spoke to John about 12 times. Yoko about the same. If they were both together we'd talk to Yoko cause I was too scared to talk to John....sometimes he'd try to get into the conversation as if he were upset we were not paying attention to him!! Or unless he just got used to us! One time I remember a few dogs walked by, and he'd chat with them!! Once it was John and Sean's bday, they were going to a restaurant. Once it was a discussion about how Sean was sick because he had been at a party and "ate too much junk". Sean was an easy topic of conversation, he loved to talk about Sean....in 79 I think they were away a lot and I just stopped going, didn't want to really stalk the man. Just wanted to meet him!!!
Only thing I think about now is twice we asked for autographs and Yoko told us they had made a pact, no signing. Then 2 years later John signs one for the man who murdered him! Oh well, that's mostly it.
Amazing. Thanks for asking!!!

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[bearkat77]

Thanks for the encounters, Cyn.

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http://www.beatlelinks.net/ubb/smilies/cat.gif
Bearkat77's Beatlemaniac Page (http://bearkat77.www9.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to John Lennon (http://bearkatjl.50megs.com)
Bearkat77's Tribute to Ringo Starr (http://bearkatrs.50megs.com)

[Lucy in the diamond sky]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Tahoma, Arial, Sans-Serif">Quote:</font><HR>Originally Posted By FPSHOT:
Sophie, maybe we can arrange a European Continent memorial somewhere.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

This is an EXCELLENT idea!!!

Well you know there is a chance that my father will take a transfer at the Netherlands the following years.Is it an nice country?

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With every mistake we must surely be learning

Sophie

[This Message Has Been Edited By Lucy in the diamond sky On December 30, 2001 12:25 PM]

[FPSHOT]

Oh yes, we have a bit of everything in a very small area compared to e.g. Greece.

By car from South East to North West will be approx. 3,5 hours in weekends.

If he comes for work here (what business is your dadin?) it's likely to be west, where I live. The Area between Rotterdam and Amsterdam. Sea is close by, forrests, greens, old traditional villages, lakes, shopping.

If you want more info feel free to e-mail me.



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There'll come a time when most of us return here. Brought back by our desire to be,
A perfect entity. Living through a million years of crying, Until you've realized the Art of Dying,
George Harrison, written partly 1966.