Sean Ono Lennon has pursued a diverse career as a musician, producer, and songwriter. When asked about his favorite aspect of music creation, he said, “That’s simple: I love writing and recording, but I dislike finishing.”
With his mother, Yoko Ono, now in her 90s, Sean has taken on the role of preserving his father’s legacy. “Yes, technically,” he stated, “but the world also shares that responsibility. I strive to ensure that younger generations remember The Beatles, as well as John and Yoko. That’s my approach.”
I inquired, “Do you think that’s even possible?”
For his parents’ well-known song, “Happy Xmas (War Is Over),” Lennon sought innovative ways for the piece to be presented. “I aimed to evoke a feeling as if you were hearing it anew, or at least in a different context, something that would catch your attention instead of it being just another song on the radio.”
Lennon collaborated with former Pixar animator Dave Mullins to create a short film titled “War Is Over!” “We imagined a scenario where two soldiers are playing chess across the battlefield,” he shared. “I also came across an article about heroic messenger pigeons from World War I and II.”
The 11-minute film, which has made its way to YouTube, won an Academy Award last year for best animated short. “It felt surreal, like a Miss Universe pageant,” Lennon reminisced, “and I was overwhelmed with emotion.”
“I believe my parents gave me so much, so it’s my duty to uphold their legacy during my lifetime,” he remarked. “It’s deeply personal.” What does he believe their legacy embodies? “Peace and love,” he mentioned. “But beyond that, it’s an approach to activism infused with humor and affection.”
