REACTION as EMOTIONAL STEVIE WONDER ANNOUNCES JOHN LENNON NEWS AT CONCERT

[@evelynrossetto3143]

I WAS 25 YRS OLD,,,,,,,TORE ME UP!!! IM 69 NOW,,,STILL BREAKS MY HEART!!

[@sandspurpatch]

I am exactly the same age. And it chokes me up still.

[@jamestaylor2920]

The death of John Lennon was my generation's "The Day The Music Died" moment. Elton John's 1982 tribute song "Empty Garden" left us racked with tears at the line "hey hey Johnny can't you come out to play". There have been other moments of loss, before and after, but John's passing was shared with the entire world. Rest in peace John Lennon.

[@mythgreatbritain]

You are confusing him with George Harrison, who didn't beat his wife.....

[@jamestaylor2920]

@@mythgreatbritain I am confident that John Lennon's shocking death in 1980 was "my" generation's equivalent to Don's reaction to learning of the plane crash that killed Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valance, and The Big Bopper. Elton John said in 1982 that "Empty Garden" was written to honor the memory of John Lennon's legacy and tragic 1980 death. As insightful and empathetic as Elton John is, even he couldn't imagine the circumstances of George's death so many decades later. I did not reference any one's beating of their wife as I have no direct knowledge of such. I do not condone spousal abuse of any sort regardless of the sexes involved.

[@papercup2517]

@@mythgreatbritain AFAIK, John hit Cynthia once, and once only, when they were both still very young - probably still in their teens. She left him immediately and wouldn't come back until he promised never to try it again. He came back and was as good as his word. And that was it, according to her own story. How and why some people have hyped this up into a 'Lennon the Chronic Wife-Beater' story I don't understand. Unless you know something I don't know on the subject.

[@heather6668]

@@mythgreatbritain he didn't say with one wife either. And what happened to John should never happen to anyone. Oh and if you can't say something nice, best to not comment at all on something like this.

[@akahina]

You didn't have to be close to John to feel the pain. I still remember the second I heard.

[@julilla1]

I think it was hard for him to say John's name because to say it made it reality. One thing that bothers me a lot is when people say things like "When John Lennon died" and I always think it should be "When John Lennon was murdered." Because someone took him from us with violence, and that should not be forgotten.

[@KarmasAbutch]

Was just thinking that… he didn’t “pass” he was stolen. God didn’t “need another Angel” it was murder this wasn’t part of Gods Plan or anyone else’s except the murderers. There was nothing gentle or natural about it. I fully get that people are trying to be delicate or respectful tho. But sometimes that does no justice to the truth instead.

[@chezzachezza7325]

@@KarmasAbutch 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻✌🏽✌🏽✌🏽✌🏽

[@eviekelpie1]

The day John died I remember so clearly. I was almost 19 and working in a dental surgery at Sydney University. We all stopped and were in shock. My boss sent me home because I was so upset

[@Cosmo-Kramer]

Thanks for reacting to this, Harri. Lennon had an auspicious beginning to the '80s, I would've loved to have heard what music his genius mind would've given us had he lived through the decade, and beyond. Rest in peace to an imperfect (who among us isn't), but brilliant and loving man.

[@tcanfield]

This is wild because a friend of mine was there and told me the story once. Never imagined I’d see a video of it all these years later. The part of the story that was skipped over was that the song he played as a tribute was “Happy Birthday”, to put a positive twist on it, like a New Orleans funeral celebration where people try to be glad for a soul entering a new and better life.

[@erickent3557]

I recall from a documentary, when the Beatles informed each other, it was "They killed John"... and that "they" referenced a force they knew they always contended with among the craziness and hysteria orbiting their stardom :(

[@ptrlxc]

There was a collective gasp all around the world when the news broke. I was shocked when the news came out. I felt like many others John Lennon was making a come back, enjoying his new album.

[@scruffyroses2796]

I was watching that game at a frat house in Louisville, KY. I saw words scrolling by underneath but it was a small TV & lots of people in a small space. Then I saw the words "was shot". There was a field goal kick going on, the seconds were counting down & all I could think of was someone is dying! Then we saw it was John. Then he was dead. It was like being kicked in the stomach, esp from someone who watched them on Ed Sullivan back in '64. We put together a tribute for him in the Student Union. One of the saddest days ever.

[@rbking9296]

Had to be one of the most Surreal and Profound thing he has ever had to say in his entire career, one of the saddest days in music considering how it happened, I know it was for me

[@joannerichards1750]

I cried on the night of Dec. 8, 1980.

[@markamos1911]

Stevie and John were good friends, with Stevie appearing as one of the acts performing at the Lennon-organised "One-to-One" charity concert in 1972, John's final full-scale live concert. They'd known each other since around 1964/65, when The Beatles were great champions of Motown in the UK. So, as much as anything, Stevie was responding to the murder of his friend. I do wish you had used the word "murder" or "assassination", rather than saying Stevie was announcing John's "passing". His death was not the result of illness or accident, it was a premeditated murder. He didn't pass from this world, but was ripped out of it by a man with a gun. He was a victim of a senseless act of violence in a country where there are too many lost the same way. "Passing" kind of sugarcoats the nature of John's violent and unnecessary death to me.

[@surfersilver6610]

Yes, I always despised when they (The MSM for the most part) use 'nicer/tamer words' to describe acts of violence. They were murdered/killed, they did not just 'pass/die'.

[@ethelynchristopher6995]

I'll never forget the night that he was murdered and they interrupted the football game that was being broadcast (Monday Night Football, I think). I was in college at the time and my friends and I were at the college pub when the special news bulletin was made. You could hear a pin drop and then agonized responses to the news. We were just stunned and so sad.

[@pipermccool]

Yes, it was Howard Cosell who announced it, though he didn’t think it was the appropriate setting. I can understand his thinking.

[@stephenqualtrough7322]

Paul McCartney loved Stevie Wonder. There is a braille message on the original vinyl copies of1973's Wings album Red Rose Speedway. I used to run my fingers over the bumps at the time. I think it was a shout out for them to get together of Stevie to do a duet with Paul. This was achieved in1982 with Ebony and Ivory. I am very emotionally effected even to this day by the passing of John Lennon

[@stephenqualtrough7322]

Folks this is what I think the message in braille is. If anyone knows different let's know

[@PGHPensFan87]

When Beatle Ringo Starr went to talk to Yoko Ono after this, he said “I know exactly how you feel”. Yoko said, “No you don’t”. Which is understandable. She was the love of John’s life.

[@braudabo]

Well, Ringo knew Lennon much longer, slept together in some flophouses in Hamburg, played 1400 (or more) anything but everyday concerts, spent days and nights in studios. Traveling the world, I can imagine, that Ringo Starr was at least as emotionally connected as Ono.

[@surfersilver6610]

​@@braudabo That's women for you. They don't understand the male bond/bonding. Everything goes (Big speakers, sports memorabilia, guy stuff) and gets replaced with HER things, the whole house made to suit HER taste, even though the man is usually the one paying for it all. If I ever marry that will never happen, I'll put it in the wedding vows if I have to damn it. "Do you 'female' take this man and all his manly possessions and things?" "To honor his home's layout for better or for worse?" "To not force a change in his natural surroundings?" I can understand Yoko having a 'different' type of relationship with John but to be so crass to Ringo is just tasteless, to not understand his POV in what he said and to have no empathy for his empathy in that moment. But she always struck me as that type and I don't even know her. John definitely saw something in her we didn't and never will.

[@braudabo]

@@surfersilver6610 I can understand Lennon's affection for Ono. I think. She could offer him something intellectually, show him new perspectives, could make records with her, unlike Cynthia or the groupies and whatever contacts he had with the opposite sex. From his biography it's known, that the loss of his mother hit him terribly and without a doubt, Ono also took on the role of a surrogate mother. And since Lennon was actually a deeply insecure person, she seemed to give him the stability he needed. As far as I'm concerned, I have no idea why, people get married and what the, let's call it "nonsense", is even supposed to be. 😄

[@Octavian7771]

Just before his death, John had come out of retirement and released Double Fantasy, which was received with huge acclaim, and he had three songs from that LP in the singles charts. He was on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine with an interview, and another interview that month with Playboy magazine. He was ruling the media and music world. There was nobody as big, and he was working on a follow up LP. Also, he and Paul had been seeing each other, and had agreed to meet in Los Angeles to write and record a song for Ringo. John had just come out of a break from music, and when he stepped back into the business, he conquered. He was happy in New York and riding high. He was in a good place mentally, and we were all looking forward to what he would do next. His killing was December 8th, and that Christmas, his LP Double Fantasy was #1 on the charts. I got that LP as a present, but it didn't feel like Christmas.

[@kevinsimpson3374]

I Cried My Eyes Up! It Still Hurts 42 Years On!

[@sylviafranklin7291]

Boy,this is so powerful 😢God bless you 😢 Stevie,for being human,in this tribute to John Lennon! I'm crying with you Stevie, and crying for you John! You were my favorite Beatle!!

[@24sherbear]

I had not seen this clip before, to my memory. It's hard for me to believe how long ago that was. I honestly don't remember the moment I heard about it. But, then I am reminded that my son was only two at the time so I might have been preoccupied. No one wants to be the one to break that kind of news.

[@nickfiorenza5930]

I remember when john Lennon, was murdered, my heart broke into a million pieces. We lost one of the most iconic, Beatles ever. Very sad. John was a wonderful father, husband and human being. We lost you john to soon. But, your music is with us for ever. RIP - JOHN, you are so missed.

[@angie-tq4ew]

John Lennon died on my birthday. I will remember that birthday always. Also, RIP Meatloaf.

[@choice12ozborne]

See you rocking that pink. This was a good reaction to this and I've never seen this before. Was before my time but I still like going down this old rabbit hole. THX to you

[@joelhammond4162]

Hi Harri, thanks. My mother was a huge Lennon fan and I remember clearly how distraught she was with the news of his death. With the very recent news of Meatloaf passing (RIP), in tribute, I am hoping you’ll consider reacting to his song Heaven Can Wait. Also, if I could kindly recommend another as well, many aren’t aware that Meatloaf was the lead vocalist on half of the tracks on Ted Nugent’s Free for All album. If you could sometime react to the song Together from that album. It’s a rock ballad, which is a rare find on a Ted Nugent album. I always liked Meat’s vocals on this one. Thanks Harri, love your channel and your pure love for good music. Really enjoy when a song just grabs you. It’s very relatable for others who share a great love and joy for music.

[@HarriBestReactions]

Thanx Joel.Sad to hear about Meat.I recorded this video a couple of days ago,wont be recordinh today.I got lots of editing to do.But will do a tribute to meatloaf pretty soon

[@belendawigington7618]

I was 9 yrs old and I remember. So sad, my father was devastated.

[@TexasMagnolia]

WOW, just reliving this.

[@ponfed]

Greats know greats, and have always known greats. I'm a big white french boy from Montréal. My dad gave me the Beatles and Stevie Wonder... and Aznavour, and Brel and the Ronnetes and the Commodores. Music is beauty. And music is understanding...

[@lindaaugone382]

Blown away😢

[@delmar418]

I was 17 years old. I couldn't go to high school for a week. I wore a black arm band when I returned. I am still sad and I remember every Dec. 8th. For not meeting the man, I couldn't take it as a resilient teenager.

[@dsusan17]

Harri, this made me cry. We need to remember certain historical events.

[@suzie4417]

I have not gotten over John Lennon’s murder to this day. My heart broke💔 this day, the same with Marvin. Stevie knows one musician to another & the messages they give. Imagine is such a wonderful song as is Give Peace a Chance. My girlfriend & I phoned Stevie in Detroit many years ago & told him how much we loved him & his music, he was so kind & happy to hear that 2 young women from 🇨🇦 loved him so much, I wish I could have spoken with John Lennon & told him I adored his music & especially him 😢 RIP

[@Pauba1946]

Another event that I remember like it was yesterday. I was in my office at work when the announcement came on the radio.

[@andywalkling9943]

I remember the numbness I felt , The first time I openly cried for someone else who was not my family. I was 15 and the Beatles were my everything , The only other time a celebrity's death really shook me to the bone was Princess Diana even today those deaths really get to me.

[@martinconnors6200]

The delivery of this awful news, by Stevie Wonder; was so eloquent and so respectful

[@TheAnimalIntuitiveChannel]

🤍Lovely video and message.

[@eviekelpie1]

Harri, please do a tribute to the great Meatloaf. Heaven can wait. I can't listen to it without crying. Remembering him, John, Bowie and all that have passed

[@braudabo]

I don't know.This guy voted for the moron Trump and before that, for other dubious and lousy Republicans. I think, I think, I have to remove Meat Loaf from my playlists.😁

[@eddietorres1000]

I was watching Monday Night Football with my Dad and Brothers when Howard Cosell announced to the world that John Lennon had Been shot and had Died some of my brothers Friends came over and they sat around the Kitchen Table listening to the radio because they kept playing Beatles and John Lennon Songs and they started remembering of a High School. Friend that had Died a few months earlier and they were all Crying quietly

[@joesiano21]

When John Lennon was shot I was watching Monday Night Football and they stopped the game and Howard Cossel announced that he was shot. The world cried.

[@teresakoslosky3053]

I am still heartbroken 😢

[@rodneygriffin7666]

I was 15 years old and I lost my Hero that day. I still mourn his death. Meanwhile, his killer is still alive in prison.

[@surfersilver6610]

The Penal system is a mess. Killers get to live out their life in better luxury than a percentage of the world, while the families/friends mourn and have to know the killer of their loved one are still around and may even be released.

[@joannparker1977]

I remember this. 😲😢

[@amberfuchscia709]

I found it interesting that you mentioned Marvin Gay. He was also murdered with a gun. In his case it was his father. In both cases the world lost a massive creative genius. Loved them both. They both wanted to make us better. They were both flawed but tried to work through it. Such horrible loss.

[@surfersilver6610]

Imagine if they both knew what was going on today? Rolling in their graves for sure.

[@limpopulaire]

🤚 Hi. Tree chairs was empty at the show of david bowie ( he played éléphant man at new york) the evening after the death of lennon : One chair was the chair of john , near him was the chair of yoko and just near them the chair was reserved by ... mark chapman ; sometime the destiny is very strange. Bowie was one of the famous person were in the list of the killer.

[@barbarapennell9717]

The Walker Brothers - The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine Anymore

[@TexasMagnolia]

Harri, Please react to Elton’s tribute song to John - Hey, Hey Johnny.

[@MisterWondrous]

That it should concur with Jimmy Carter's ouster does not a fine start to a decade make. And the Renaissance Faire world of the '60s and '70s became the Wall Street greed-is-good '80s. And green was exchanged for a different green, which rhymes with good, and thus a new philosophy is born, and nightmare, from which we have yet to awaken. His taker was not one of us...who mourn and still mourn. I had not seen this. Stevie represents the American reaction I experienced.

[@elizabethstrawn445]

I remember when he got shot i was in HS at the time.. it was horrible

[@SueProst]

In 1999 someone broke into George Harrison's house and stabbed him 5 times puncturing his lung also attacked Harrison's wife Olivia. He was fighting cancer for 2 years at that time and it is thought the trauma to his body caused a quicker death 2 years later.

[@eviekelpie1]

Yes I watched that too. It could've been him then. Thank goodness he recovered even for only another couple of years

[@bethcrumpton476]

Mark David Chapman knew exactly what he was doing. He has since claimed to have found Jesus and has tried to apologize.

[@williampowell6067]

Definitely a flash cube moment.

[@pauloweise]

is really Gil Scott-heron who is there beside him?

[@pipermccool]

That has to be Gil Scott-Heron next to him?

[@mr.smithgnrsmith7808]

Lennon was SACRIFICED

[@robynmatheson7687]

“McCartney” wasn’t fazed. Video of him simply saying “It’s a drag”.

[@robertrusert1855]

He was so “fazed” he didn’t know how to react. He was numb.

[@pestbsn]

Mark Chapman just wanted to make a name for himself. He had a list of famous people he could kill to achieve that goal. Paul was even on his list. But John was the most accessible.

[@LadyGator1983]

💔💔💔

[@michaelmatt2955]

Since you can't seem to see it Harri. Here is the request link I sent at the beginning of the month. kzbin.info/www/bejne/epTTd3-IZddmaJY Many thanks my friend

[@mr.smithgnrsmith7808]

Stevie can see btw

[@bobdelp2023]

IT WAS A MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL GAME HARRI :( AND HOWARD COSELL BROKE IN WITH THE NEWS :(

[@michaelmatt2955]

Did you get my messages Harri?

[@HarriBestReactions]

Nope.I havent seen your messages.But then again i didnt check yesterday or today so far

[@lennydellarocca4046]

John didn't;t pass away!

[@briandonovan1584]

I really suggest Paul's very emotional "Here Today" for John and Ringo's wonderful "Never Without You" for George. The love is overwhelming and both songs are about John and George always being here in their music. Tear jerking stuff but SO beautiful. Cheers, my soul brother.

[@spencerantoniomarlen-starr3069]

Never Without You is a beautiful song!