The Beatles are woven into the fabric of our culture, but for Sean Ono Lennon, their music serves as a deep connection to his own heritage and personal history. As he reflects on his journey through music, Sean reveals that learning to play guitar by strumming his father John Lennon’s iconic tracks was more than just a hobby; it was a heartfelt way to bridge the gap left by his father’s tragic death in December 1980. At just five years old, Sean faced the daunting task of processing loss and grief. “I never played music because I was good at it,” he shares with PEOPLE. “I lost my father and didn’t know how to fill that void. Learning how to play his songs on guitar was a way to process the loss with an activity that made me feel connected to him. When you’ve lost a parent, things like that motivate you — because you’re trying to find them. Making music always made me feel like I was getting to know him better.”
Now at 49, Sean has cultivated a rich career as an artist in his own right, with a discography that includes acclaimed solo records and innovative collaborations with musicians like Primus bassist Les Claypool and alt-rock duo Cibo Matto. He has also worked closely with his mother, Yoko Ono, who at 91 has stepped back from the public eye, allowing Sean to take the reins in managing their family’s extraordinary musical legacy. This role is not merely administrative; it is a creative endeavor that sees him reimagining how his parents’ timeless art can resonate with new generations. “I definitely feel like I was making music and art before I thought about it as a choice,” he reflects.
Under Sean’s stewardship, even the simplest ideas transform into ambitious projects. His recent vision for a new music video for his parents’ Christmas classic “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” evolved into an imaginative short film. “My idea was, ‘It’s such a famous song; maybe we need a short film that uses it as a score,’” he explains. Inspired by filmmakers like Martin Scorsese, Sean aimed to re-contextualize the song in a fresh narrative format. The result? A poignant 11-minute animated short titled War Is Over!, which not only captivated audiences but also earned an Academy Award in March. The win provided Sean with an unforgettable moment on stage, where he celebrated with fellow Oscar winner Nicolas Cage and sent warm wishes to his mother from the podium.
This summer saw the release of an extravagant reissue of John Lennon’s 1973 album Mind Games, showcasing Sean’s dedication to preserving and enhancing his father’s musical contributions. The limited edition Ultimate Collection Super Deluxe box set features remixes crafted by Sean himself, along with an array of puzzles, maps, replica artwork, and a lavish coffee table book—all housed within an impressive 40-pound cube. “It’s a monumental object, let’s put it that way!” he laughs. “I think a lot of people didn’t understand why we wanted to make something so physically big in a digital world.” For Sean, this project is about honoring an album he believes deserves greater recognition.
While some fans were puzzled by the elaborate treatment of Mind Games, which initially received mixed reviews upon its release, Sean remains passionate about its significance. “I grew up listening to all my dad’s music as a child,” he says. “At that age no one is telling you about reviews. I just loved the album.” He emphasizes that every one of John Lennon’s records holds value and meaning, especially given the limited number of albums released during John’s lifetime.
Sean’s meticulous approach extends beyond mere nostalgia; it reflects his genuine love for the music and its message. The expansive box set includes insightful liner notes and raw session tapes that provide context for each track while enhancing their clarity for modern listeners. “If we’re going to put this music out again, we have to treat it in a new way,” he insists.
The innovative nature of this project echoes lessons learned from Yoko Ono about conceptual art—an idea that transcends medium and form. “She showed me that art is conceptual,” Sean explains. “The essence of concept art is that it doesn’t matter what medium you express yourself in because it starts in your mind.” This philosophy drives him as he explores various artistic avenues, from films to rock records.
Sean acknowledges Yoko’s influence on Mind Games, noting her presence in both the songs and studio sessions. The love story between John and Yoko permeates the album, evident in lyrics that reflect deep devotion and partnership. “The whole album is about my mom,” Sean states confidently.
As he curates these projects, Sean strives not only to keep his father’s legacy alive but also to forge connections with fans who may not fully appreciate John Lennon’s solo work. “You’re constructing somebody out of fragments,” he muses about piecing together memories through archival material. For him, each recording is precious—a chance to spend more time with his father through sound.
Sean Ono Lennon is committed to ensuring that John Lennon’s music continues to resonate across generations, refusing to let it fade into obscurity. With each project—whether it’s an Oscar-winning film or an ambitious box set—he honors not just his father’s legacy but also the enduring power of music itself.
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