Naming the new academy after Yoko Ono “means a lot,” says son Sean
Sean Lennon has said it “means a lot” to his mum Yoko Ono that a new academy in Liverpool was named in her honor.
he son of ex-Beatle John Lennon visited his father’s birthplace to officially unveil the Yoko Ono Lennon Centre, which houses the University of Liverpool’s new 400-seat concert hall, the Tung Auditorium.
After pulling back the curtain to reveal the plaque, New York-based musician Sean, 46, quipped, “Can I keep this?”
Speaking on behalf of his mother, he said: “I am very happy to be here. It is a beautiful building and my mother sends her love to everyone here.”
Lennon later told the PA news agency: “My mum really loves Liverpool. She has a really long relationship with Liverpool University so she’s really happy about it.
“She loves this school, she loves this city and she really cares about continuing my father’s legacy in this city.
“I think it means a lot to them to be recognized in this way. It’s very nice and it’s about time, because it was often overlooked.
“I really enjoy being here. I’ve never been to school, so I’ve seen the recording studios and the rehearsal rooms, and I’ve been able to go to my mom’s construction center and see all the thriving art and music that’s going on there.”
Sean Lennon (John Stillwell/PA)
video of the day
The new center will also offer the latest teaching facilities, including a 600-seat lecture hall.
Since 1991, more than 650 students have benefited financially from the John Lennon Memorial Scholarship, established by Ono in memory of her husband.
The long-standing philanthropic supporter of the university is also an honorary graduate.
During his visit, Lennon also met graduate students who are pursuing their first master’s degree in The Beatles and learn more about the band’s influence on popular music and culture.
I think the Beatles phenomenon is very important and worth investigating and understandingSeanLennon
He said: “It was quite amazing. We talked about everything Beatles related.
“I think it’s such a cool time that you can get a degree in Beatles. The world is evolving and I think it’s a worthy area of study because the Beatles are such an important part of modern culture, not just musically, but they’re kind of a part of the fabric of our modern society.
“I think the Beatles phenomenon is very important and worth investigating and understanding.”
After Friday’s ceremony, Lennon spoke to his father’s cousin Michael Cadwallader and his wife Linda.
Mr Cadwallader told PA: “I think the people of Liverpool have taken Yoko to their hearts. She has supported so many things around town and this is another example. It’s absolutely fabulous.
“We haven’t seen Sean in person since he was a kid.
“We went to his concert here in Liverpool in 2006 but didn’t introduce ourselves because I think he was quite nervous playing in his father’s town. But as the music went on he put on a very good show. I bought his CD!
“Now when I first saw him as an adult, my knees just went weak because he is John incarnate.”
https://www.independent.ie/entertainment/naming-of-new-performance-centre-after-yoko-ono-means-a-lot-says-son-sean-41487770.html Naming the new academy after Yoko Ono “means a lot,” says son Sean
