In April 2022, Julian Lennon participated in the Stand Up For Ukraine event, aimed at raising funds for those affected by the war in Ukraine. Despite his prior declaration never to perform “Imagine,” he felt a compelling need to contribute to the cause. Julian shared a video on YouTube featuring his stripped-down rendition of the iconic song, which has now amassed over 2.9 million views. In the video’s description, he expressed, “The War on Ukraine is an unimaginable tragedy … As a human, and as an artist, I felt compelled to respond in the most significant way I could.”
Julian clarified his decision to go back on his word, stating, “Why now, after all these years? — I had always said that the only time I would ever consider singing ‘IMAGINE’ would be if it was the ‘End of the World’… But also because his lyrics reflect our collective desire for peace worldwide. Because within this song, we’re transported to a space, where love and togetherness become our reality, if but for a moment in time … The song reflects the light at the end of the tunnel, that we are all hoping for …”
In an interview with Consequence, Julian admitted to feeling “fearful” about performing the song but was “overwhelmed at the response.” Despite receiving requests for future performances, he asserted, “I’ve done my bit. That’s it. Onward with my work and my life now. I have a hankering to get on with my own life and my own work.”
