A Tour of John Lennon's New York City

[@UrbanistExploringCities]

🙏 This video has been a long time coming, I hope you enjoy! What's your favorite John Lennon song?

[@steverickenbacher7110]

As a longtime fan, I don't even have to think - it's "Instant Karma" :) I just love the message, and well as the musical structure with the repeating downbeats. Here's something many don't know - Alan White, who went on to fame as Yes' drummer just 2 years later, played drums on this track. I happen to think he did a fantastic job at accentuating those downbeats that make the track.

[@janolaful]

I grew up with the beatles in fact still have the sargent rgent pepper album, ironic how the usa people adored him totally different from when they were burning their albums because of lennon joking about being bigger than Jesus, and thanks ariel for doing the real peace sign the correct way round... when it's done the other way around we call it the 2 finger salute in the UK,

[@jan_c]

Thank you for this inside tour!

[@ajisabubakar4592]

All You Need Is Love

[@ridzkymarliantohadi5800]

Mind Games

[@Bartonfink3434]

Rest In Peace John, we miss you!

[@lilise3965]

I really enjoyed your video under all aspects: storytelling, visuals, background music. From Venice, Italy.

[@adrianburn7178]

Thank you for your very informative and sensitive video about Lennon in NYC. As a Lennon fan for over 50 years, I learnt a lot from your video. Well done.

[@mrctito]

It’s a wonderful video and I enjoyed it so much! Congratulations for the quality of images, songs and info, and thank you about this so warm trip!

[@MrOctavio85]

Great video! More videos like this about XX century pop culture and NYC: Warhol, Punk Scene, The Ramones, Cult movies, Taxi driver, etc!

[@mano1971music]

What a beautiful tribute to John Lennon.....Thank you Ariel for sharing

[@UrbanistExploringCities]

🙏 I appreciate those who watched and so glad many of you enjoyed this video too! CORRECTIONS: 1. I meant to say John came to NYC in 1971 AFTER the Beatles broke up. The Beatles broke up within themselves in 1970, however they were legally broken up a few years after. 2. Whilst The Beatles did come to NYC in 1964 for Ed Sullivan show and Carnegie Hall performances, from my research John more fondly remembered when he came back to NYC that following year for Shea Stadium 🙂 (Remember this show isn’t scholarship, an academic lecture, nor journalism. These are fun videos that are done with a love for history and travel, but they are done with priority of putting something out there promptly for people to do their own explorations. Do your own research before repeating any of these stories in an academic or journalistic setting.)

[@jchow5966]

I miss John Lennon. He was so cool. ☮️💟

[@SJF15]

And to think he'd still been alive now if he'd stayed in England.

[@pgroove163]

you know it's really strange but I'm a New Yorker but I always viewed Lennon as this quintessential Liverpool cat..would have been great if he moved back to Liverpool back in the day...really connected with his roots

[@ollyf5088]

He loved New York. It was where he wanted to be.

[@SJF15]

@@ollyf5088 Him and me both.

[@Pamledger478]

Mark David Chapman would have traveled to England to try and assassinate John.

[@PaulMarentette]

I’m late to the game, but this is one of your finest efforts, Ariel. I used to live around the corner from Lennon’s apartment on Bank St. Your take on his love of New York is spot on. Beautifully executed video.

[@UrbanistExploringCities]

Hey Paul, that means a lot. Thank you so much for watching. And that so cool you lived near Bank St!

[@johnlennon1049]

It was a New York City police car that took him to the hospital not an ambulance. I lived in Brooklyn at that time. I was at the Dakota that next day. I was listening to 1010 WINS News Radio AM when it was all going down. I was 30 years old then. I’m 71 now…my how fast time goes…

[@alejpix]

Fantastic work Ariel! I’m really impressed by how young you are and how deep your knowledge of the story of John Lennon is. This just is an outstanding. I remember that one of the first thing we did while visiting NYC with my parents back in 1982 (one year after his death) was to pay tribute to him in front of the Dakota building. And I must say that every time I go to NYC I have to pass in front of the Dakota just to say “hello” to John. Thank you for your video.

[@richt.4900]

Nailed it! This production is a real work of art Ariel, wow! John is sorely missed, last time I was over there I can still recall listening to ‘Imagine’ whilst walking past Carnegie Hall on my way to Central Park, to The Dakota. 🤗 happy, happy but very emotional memories 🧡. From this side of the pond here in Brexitland (England).

[@UrbanistExploringCities]

I'm so happy you enjoyed this production, I can't wait to continue this series in Liverpool and in Abbey Road, London

[@AmbientWalking]

Imagine all the people. Living in peace. (My hope for the world, via Lennon)

[@johnharrison9685]

Lennon first visited NYC in February 1964. Shea Stadium was the next year, August 1965.

[@MrPhilreilly]

Another thing that Lennon liked about New York is that it has a similar vibe to Liverpool. The Dakota Building is the spitting image of the original building at Strawberry Fields. Lennon even saw a similarity in the accent. When Lennon moved to New York, you rightly pointed out how he engaged in the political left. Liverpool is a very left-wing city. Lennon also spoke about moving to Ireland when he was older. So, there is nothing to say he would have definitely remained in New York.

[@DaveSCameron]

Shout la. 👍

[@NYCgirl927]

Yoko wanted to live in NYC not John. He grew to like it.

[@curtandoscar]

Lifelong Beatles and Lennon fan here. Can't tell you how much I enjoyed this. You really rose to the spirit of the places you visited. A beautiful, respectful job, and importantly, you didn't fawn too much. Just the right balance. And thank you also so much for your choices of music - particularly the stunning versions of Come Together and especially Beautiful Boy - wow. Bravo.

[@HorizonMelt]

Totally agree.

[@renancmmuniz]

Thanks for the video! Amazing stories and images. I'm from Brazil and a big fan of John, a wish I could visit all these places some day

[@juanm.farias9005]

Wow this was so special for me, even though I knew about his killing as I was at that moment in the City, the additional information that you mentioned gave me a more clear perspective of John. Thank you Ariel saludos from CDMX

[@davet1081AA]

Of course he didn't notice the music at the Plaza - 'Yesterday' is a McCartney song. Why the Plaza played that as a tribute to Lennon is beyond me...

[@Ltb3105]

Forgot his favorite coffee shop, La Cafe Fortuna. Also I forgot the name but there was a Japanese restaurant he loved too.

[@pauld2810]

That was beautiful.

[@michaelleonard6241]

If u go to all this trouble even for an amateur little homage to John, then get yer facts right.He wa taken to hospital after he was shot in the back-seat of a police car, not an ambulance. You made quite a few little errors like that mate. But it don't really matter, I am not upset about it.. all good mate....

[@roowke]

Nice bit. Thanks for making it. Some remarks. John was taken to hospital in the backseat of a police patrol car and not an ambulance. And please don’t stand on the imagine monument, it’s disrespectful although it was not your intention to offend. Urban legend says some of his ashes are in there. Just saying.

[@cojaysea]

Very cool thanks .. I spent most of my life working on the upper west side at ABC tv studios and walked by the Dakota a million times and through the park walking west to east , I even worked a few gigs in the plaza hotel ( I was there on 9/11 ) but as much as I wanted to bump in to him it never happened .

[@steverickenbacher7110]

Thanks for doing this. Lennon was my first musical hero. Fwiw, the Beatles broke up in 1970, not 1971. Also, you forgot an important landmark in John and Yoko's NYC life - Cafe La Fortuna at 69 W 71st Street. Otherwise, you did a great job!

[@UrbanistExploringCities]

My pleasure! I'm so happy you enjoyed it. And yea the Beatles broke up within themselves in 1970, but the court case officially breaking them up as a band last longer than that. I meant to say 1971 is the year John came to New York after the Beatles broke up :) And oooh Cafe La Fortuna, I wish it was still around! But it closed in 2008 :/

[@steverickenbacher7110]

@@UrbanistExploringCities Yes, I was sad that it did. It really was a cozy spot for Italian coffees and desserts! One other thing I forgot to mention (and this isn't a criticism): the reason Lennon probably ignored "Yesterday" being played whenever he appeared at the Plaza was because it was a Paul McCartney composition. LOL. If the musicians had bothered to delve deeper, I'm sure John would have enjoyed hearing something like "Come Together" or "I Am the Walrus" :)

[@UrbanistExploringCities]

@@steverickenbacher7110 hahaha yea John and Paul's feud never ended, that's funny! I was also going to mention in the video that John told George Martin he especially hated Strawberry Fields Forever and wish he could re-record, which makes the name of the park with his memorial very ironic lol

[@steverickenbacher7110]

@@UrbanistExploringCities I agree. As with many musicians, John was his own worst critic. He famously stated that the medley from Abbey Road was made up of a bunch of crappy musical bits. I happen to think that the album is one of only two perfect rock albums (the other is Rush's "Moving Pictures" IMHO).

[@janeyd5280]

@@UrbanistExploringCities awe.. that's a shame, the cafe is no more. I would have visited for a coffee.

[@mikea8293]

Very well done.!!. I found it moving . i've always thought that it was not the public that was robbed of John but his family and John was so tragically robbed of his life. How sad. god bless you John! RIP

[@HorizonMelt]

This video turned out to be so much more than I expected. It wasn't just a composite of facts. It was a MOMENT. Emotional. Respectful. Fantastic!

[@ArielViera]

That means so much! Thank you!!

[@danfarrelly2732]

Been to Dakota and strawberry fields several times . Going to New York again in April , planning on taking my first look at his bank st apt .

[@susanlongb4]

Yes, that was beautiful, Ariel. # 9 Dream is my favorite. I still remember that my alarm clock radio would sometimes give me the gift of that ethereal and lovely song to start my day and head to school.

[@_mat_hue3437]

First video that made me cried in a while. Thank you for the vid 👍

[@UrbanistExploringCities]

I'm glad this video resonated. thank you for watching 🙏

[@certavietvici2708]

Born and raised in Liverpool gunned down in New York City. To many guns and crazy ass people in America 🇺🇸 and it is ten times worse now. I am positive if he were alive today he would not live in the USA but in a country estate in rural Britain 🇬🇧 America has become a country of entitlement and lawlessness. Very sad. 🙏🏻 But excellent video well done.

[@Bumbaclartios]

God I loved this video thank you for the effort you put into this

[@gvantassel]

Ariel a WONDERFUL VIDEO that gave me goosebumps. My late son-in-law would go to NYC every year on the date of his death to pay tribute to a one of a kind person. Thank you for this video which I have shared on my Facebook account.

[@UrbanistExploringCities]

I’m so happy you enjoyed this! The area in Central Park is so peaceful and wonderful 🙏 I appreciate you sharing it too

[@erickjerland1281]

John Lennon was a genius!

[@johnmc3862]

100%.

[@johnstreeter700]

chapeau for this video

[@tomcarl8021]

John's optometrist is at 79th Street between Broadway and Amsterdam. His shop was originally closer to the Dakota during John's life. John loved the Village Oldies Record Store on, I think, Carmine Street. It's still there. The owner told me John spent a fortune there and he always paid with an Apple Records credit card. John loved Nathan's Hot Dogs on the corner of 8th Street and Sixth Avenue, and he often browsed in the B. Dalton book store directly across the street. Both stores are now vacant.

[@gregquinnthrift9632]

Your video I just watched for the first time hit me like a ton of bricks it brought many tears to my eyes I've been too the Dakota in New York City and strawberry fields in 2011 I took many pictures of the Dakota and strawberry fields and I cherish each and every one of them. Rest in Peace.

[@Rumours_77]

The first time John Lennon was in New York was when him and the the rest of the Beatles came here for the Ed Sullivan show, then toured around the country, about a year before the Shae Stadium Concert.

[@cookingartguy2170]

I guess it sounds strange to say something's wonderful about such a horrible subject, but this was just very touchingly and well done. I'll never forget that day when I got the call from a co-worker in Lauderdale-By-The-Sea where I lived saying that John Lennon had been murdered. It was inconceivable then and it's inconceivable now. Truly the most senseless of murders. It still hurts when you see something like this and realize how much he gave and how much he would have given, and I would love to hear his voice now in the midst of the current chaos we are experiencing. Though I really admired this, it left me with a sad sense of futility, unfortunately. Hopefully that will pass. Anyway, very well presented and thank you.

[@gvantassel]

I agree with you 100% and you said it perfectly. Such sadness and how we need someone like John Lennon today in our world. Thank you for such a great posting.

[@rimatus]

I am still surprised by the fact there is no memorial or reference to Lennon whatsoever at the entrance of Dakota building.

[@markboyd9275]

The park is literally across the street, & it’s a much more positive way to remember him.

[@grantjohnson6438]

It is a good video to hear more details, but the facts don't seem to be in line. It was not an ambulance that took John to the hospital, the police rushed him their while trying to stop the bleeding.

[@JLL83102]

A few things. John’s first time in NY was not Shea Stadium in 1965 but actually the Ed Sullivan Show in 1964. Also, the song is “I Saw Her Standing There”, not “I Saw You Standing There”. Once more thing, John was not taken by ambulance. 2 police officers took John to Roosevelt Hospital in the back of their police car. Hope this helps.

[@marcfoster6685]

Really enjoyed the video and loved John very much! Thanks for doing it!

[@LennyJohnson5]

Maybe if John had been born in New York he would have moved to Liverpool in the early 70's and still be alive today. Your gun laws suck big time. (PS Good video... very enjoyable).

[@walterfechter8080]

"Took a walk down the street, through the heat whispered trees." -- "Number 9 Dream" (John Lennon).

[@danb1391]

great video. Amazing dertail put into it, surprisingly there are a few details that re incorrect here, but Still a great video. John was never placed in an ambulance. The policed knew there was no time and took him in a squad car.........There are a couple other things, but I really enjoyed the video. Thanks for putting it together. The Plaza was the first hotel the Beatles stayed at when they came the US.

[@thelolguy007]

Thank you so much for not saying that scumbags name. Because that’s why he did it, to be famous. And some idiot tv personalities actually interview him from prison etc and give him that fame and platform he wanted 🤦‍♂️😡

[@72showboat]

There are so many errors in this, I'd have to watch it over again with a notebook and pencil to list them all. I couldn't even keep them all in my memory because there were so many. It needs to be scrapped, researched again more thoroughly, and re-made. It's a total mess! History has to be accurate or people in the future will believe the mistakes just because they see them in a film. If you're serious about making documentaries, check and double-check your research or get help from a professional.

[@davejohnson2466]

Details: Lennon was taken to the hospital by a police car, not an ambulance as they didn’t want to wait for an ambulance. Thanks for your video, much appreciated!

[@reneemarino8733]

Omg what a beautiful tribute to John I remember the day he was shot so sad this video touched my soul 😭

[@paulbruno8327]

When the mosaic was first put in Yoko asked that no one walk on it. For many, many years nobody would, even if they weren’t a fan they would know not to walk on it, but things change unfortunately. Thank you for not mentioning the ‘name’ ✌🏻

[@LennyJohnson5]

Maybe if John had been born in New York he would have moved to Liverpool in the early 70's and still be alive today. Your gun laws suck big time.

[@sonny10940]

John wants to live a normal life with people, your video is informative & nice, but it's a police car that rushed John Lennon to the hospital, not an ambulance, because they cannot wait for the ambulance that time John was losing so much blood they have to hurry him to the nearest hospital. Thanks for the nice video & God bless.

[@jtking76]

I was born in late 1964 and spent my childhood listening to the Beatles on the radio with my young mother (she was seventeen when I was born). Before I understood the words to Beatle songs I appreciated the music. When John was assassinated l mourned with my mother, it was a bonding experience. I visited NYC for the first time last June 2022 and quite accidentally passed by the Dakota with the plaque honoring Lennon. Like him I fell in love with NYC and would love to live there if only I had the ways and means. He had many faults but he was a great artist and a decent person. Thank you for making this video.

[@hello55125]

Thankyou so much for making this great video. I hope one day to get to New York and visit these sites.

[@nige-g]

I was doing ok, until we went to the mosaic, then tears. Anyway a fine video of his short time in New York. R.I.P John

[@ArgentPure]

Correction - The Dakota territories had nothing to do with the name for the Dakota building nor did the distance from downtown.

[@JB-up4pm]

Very well done. John taken by police car not ambulance thought, they couldn't wait.

[@matts1364]

Ambulance did not take him, two policemen put him in their car and raced to the Hospital. It would have been too long a wait for the ambulance.

[@jchow5966]

I will never forget when he was killed. Everyone was devastated including me.

[@tonimactavish9937]

Very well done, Thank you !

[@ginapassaro1142]

He didn’t take an ambulance to the hospital. He was put into the car and driven there.

[@rca6576]

I'm sure he didn't respond to them playing "Yesterday" in his honor because John didn't write Yesterday, Paul did and so it wasn't one of John's songs.

[@michaellack5139]

Rushed to hospital in a police cruiser not ambulance….just saying

[@judithmcbride4023]

Thank you so much for this beautiful tribute to John!❤️

[@Robert-cy3qx]

this was so awesome!! thank you for doing you man. you seem so kind, beautiful soul :)

[@jchow5966]

Thank you for not saying thname of the person who killed him.

[@MrJoelalcasey1971]

I'm sorry to say, there's some inaccurate information about his death, he actually ran and turned right into the office and the police put him in the back of the patrol car

[@philipbonner6486]

Are you sure about this I thought John staggered a few steps and fell to the ground hurting his head, it's so sad what happened to John, I just hope the scumbag who took John away from us has it's last breath aa soon possible.

[@jeffreyrobert9460]

It was actually 2 policemen who drove John to the hospital.

[@fernandocoronado4428]

Great job,and thank you for not to mention that scumbags name.

[@bradwonnacott5945]

A wonderful and unique approach in 2020. HATS OFF AND CHEERS!

[@lifeisdead01]

Your choice of covers used is fantastic, they breathe new life into these well-worn tracks

[@UrbanistExploringCities]

I’m so glad you enjoyed them!!

[@judithhinton5784]

Ariel, this was an absolutely beautiful tribute to a very special artist. I grew up with the Beatles...we kids used to walk down the street singing "Imagine" as loud as we could. This video was very moving...thank you, Ariel.

[@UrbanistExploringCities]

awww I'm so happy you found it moving Judith, the more I learned about John the more I admired him as an artist and a man. Such a great person, with a big heart.

[@judithhinton5784]

@@UrbanistExploringCities Just sent a tip through PayPal to cover the videos I missed. I enjoy your work. Thanks again!

[@UrbanistExploringCities]

@@judithhinton5784 just saw it, thank you!! I really appreciate it 🙏

[@shirleyjjohnston5469]

Ariel -- hearing his music with your words...happiness yet sadness. ⭐️⭐️

[@erix1971]

Thank you for this wonderful video! Next time I’m in NYC I’ll definitely visit some of the places mentioned here. Great work, Ariel.

[@paulfitzpatrick2688]

John was taken to hospital in a police car not an ambulance

[@jenspaul1795]

Yeah! I´m a BeatlesFan since 1987 and John is my favourite!!! I will enjoy this video!!!

[@richt.4900]

Grats for smashing the 10K sub mark the other night, nice one!

[@UrbanistExploringCities]

Thanks a ton Rich! :D

[@thatamerican3187]

Dude JOHN was always Political. lol

[@susanpeter9776]

Did you ever notice john lennons nose? Much too long. Or too big...like fake !!!! Lmao

[@philipbonner6486]

What a rude human being you are.

[@joachimzegke9301]

Ariel, you have done very, very well ...thanks a lot - best wishes from Germany 😇 shalom

[@UrbanistExploringCities]

Thank you so much Joachim 🙏

[@florais93]

Cheers.

[@UrbanistExploringCities]

cheers to you too!

[@Irishmist1000]

Such a wonderful, wonderful tribute. Thank you!

[@johnmc3862]

New Yoike as John would say.

[@brucetowell3432]

Thanks for sharing your tribute, very touching and I learned things I never knew. As far as Lennon wanting to be where the action is, I guess I beat him to it by a few years, cause that's exactly what I wanted when I had just turned 16!! I ran away from home (Ohio) after Christmas in 1967 with a school friend of mine and we hit Greenwich Village first, cause that's where the action was:-)

[@moonstar4292]

So beautiful - made me cry

[@tyronewhitehead3123]

Well presented and a great dedication to John watching it now I miss New York we did see Central Park strawberry fields and the Dakota building thanks 🙏

[@FreeSociety1]

Very Nice Work & History!!!!

[@lauriew110]

great video and well done ariel :) enjoyed this and would like to see others like it on more people and their history there....i remember that day when i heard the news.

[@jenspaul1795]

Wow! I´ve seen it now...THANK YOU VERY MUCH for this Video!!! It´s so nice for every fan... I have tears in my eyes.... Thank you, Peace and Love to NewYorkCity!!!

[@GFjurgsAdventuresTV-d1o]

Awesome Video! Thank You For Doing This Video Of John Lennon's New York City.

[@jchow5966]

This is beautiful.

[@DcEvanpeters]

Does anyone know about the Korean health food shop John and yoko used to frequent would be good to see if they still exist?

[@edhammond6911]

Hendrix died in 1970.

[@GaryChambers-p5m]

Great video! And thank you for not mentioning that Monsters name! 😞🌞🚶‍♂🚶‍♂🚶‍♂🚶‍♂❤

[@Chanel95-d6u]

I know someone of similar stature, currently living in London. He goes to get the occasional groceries, and has coffees locally. I once bumped into him at the dry cleaners! Where he lives it’s accepted that there are a number of high profile residents, and - generally - people turn a blind eye, and let him move around freely. Yes, tourists do take photos outside the house, but it’s not an overwhelming number. So surprising to hear that John Lennon found that Londoners took away some of his privacy. Maybe just different times - after all there certainly was ‘’Beatle-Mania! I was lucky enough to go to a Beatles gig. My parents took me - I was a child. I clearly remember all the girls screaming loudly, all around me! It was at the Hammersmith Palais I believe.

[@Official_KC]

Lennon didn't first see New York during the Shae Stadium trip. Also, I'm a bit confused because with the first quote during the St Regis section, Lennon mentioned "both cities", but you didn't say what the other city was

[@CommackMark]

Good job w this video. So sad. So beautiful too.

[@UrbanistExploringCities]

I’m glad you enjoyed this video 🙏

[@Dan.Solo.Chicago]

There’s no way Johns first time in New York was the Shea Stadium show. The Ed Sullivan show was in New York. That was February 9th 1964. I’ll always remember that because February 9th is my birthday. My aunt’s as well, and she was in high school in 1964.

[@violimo]

Visited NYC in 1984 and Stayed in Columbus Circle. Paid my respects at the Imagine garden. Mu birthday is December 8.