As the 29th anniversary of his unspeakably tragic death recently passed, we honour and celebrate the utter legend that is John Lennon.

Please take a minute to read this message from Yoko Ono: An Affirmation For Planet Earth.

images courtesy of Sir George Martinn and orsorama

It is far too difficult for this inarticulate writer to express any kind of tribute to such a pivotal, brilliant and fascinating character as Lennon with mere words, so instead we let his own words and music paint the picture – and remember him with a few of our favourite clips (see below).

“I believe in everything until it’s disproved. So I believe in fairies, the myths, dragons. It all exists, even if it’s in your mind. Who’s to say that dreams and nightmares aren’t as real as the here and now?” – John Lennon

The face of music was literally changed forever. John lives on. Peace and love! (and basketballs and cigarettes!)

Some favourite clips from uz EMI’ers &’ ettes:

• Which one are you? (Asha)
• How old are you? (Asha)
• Would the people in the cheaper seats clap your hands (Paul G)
• The Walrus (Asha)
• Power To The People (Meegs)
• Playing basketball with Miles Davis (Craig H)
• The ballad of John and Yoko (Tara)
• Imagine (Pri)
• Beautiful Boy (Nikki)
• Jealous Guy (Nikki)
• Marlboro cigarettes commercial with George Harrison (Asha)

Hilarious early American interview. Interviewer: “Which one are you?” John: “Eric”… (Asha)

John: “How old are you? Let’s see how many rings you’ve got on your head…” (Asha)

John came out with a brillliant line at the Royal Variety show in 1963. With the Queen watching he said, “Would the people in the cheaper seats clap your hands, and the rest of you just rattle your jewelry”. So the Queen gives him a wave. (Paul G)

The Walrus. One of my favourite-ever clips, mainly for John’s hilarious facial expressions. The finest piece of nonsense ever written! (Asha)

Power To The People. You have to applaud a guy who’s not afraid to speak his mind. (Meegs)

John Lennon and Miles Davis playing basketball together Really cool footage (Craig H)

The Ballad of John and Yoko. The oversized sunnies, floppy hats, the twangy guitar. It’s such a cool ‘ballad’ about the two of them. (Tara)

Imagine. I love the Glee version… amazing (Pri)

Beautiful Boy. This song brings me to tears almost every time I hear it… Hey, I’m a softie! It’s a declaration of true and perfect love. It’s so sad he never saw him “come of age” as he sings in this beautiful song. It also has one of my favourite quotes “Life is what happens to you when you’re making other plans”. Oh, John. (Nikki)

Jealous Guy. What a melody! Such a great example of John’s near perfect coupling of purposeful melody with poignant and honest lyrics. Kills me every time. (Nikki)

John Lennon and George Harrison make a commercial for Marlboro Cigarettes. Brilliant. (Asha)