Come Together - A Tribute to John Lennon

Come Together
by Theresa

Just thought I would give you an inside Radio City view of the Tribute to John Lennon.  First of all I have to admit for the first time in my life I was a little afraid of going to NY (please note I was alone), a city I love and spend a great deal of time. When I got out of Penn station I thought NY was the same, 4:30PM rush hour traffic, busy streets, but when a police siren went off, people stopped in their tracks and got a very glazed look on their faces (not a good sign). But, I proceeded on to my hotel room and to the concert (feeling very uneasy). The street around Radio Music Hall was blocked and ticket holders entered on 50th Street, we were searched before entering the theater. Before the concert began the producer made an announcement, thanking us for coming, giving support to NY and all Americans, and telling us to have a good time not only in the spirit of John Lennon but as a sign that we are a united undefeated country. He also suggested that we encourage others to come to NY and to begin to pick up our lives. He wanted the night to be a positive experience, a tribute to a prophet of peace and love. A night of unity shared by a horrific experience. He ask us to try and spread joy and honor NY and its people.

NOW FOR THE SHOW: My seat was the the section directly behind the celebrity first section.  When Kevin came onstage, the audience went wild, of course a standing ovation. (Here is a personal note, I have never been in a room with Kevin, but let me tell you his pictures do not do him justice, he is really, really, really HOT.....(even with the bald spot in back)...also, leather is a very good choice in his attire, be still my foolish heart.). When Kevin spoke the audience hung on his every word, we were with him, sharing his pain and anger and also believing in his hope, the hope reflected in Lennon's music. The audience had great reactions to all that was said. Listening to John's belief that we could all live as a united family, if we just remembered that we all need each other.  The audience was singing, holding hands, clapping to all the singers...the response was unbelievable.

We were told that this was the first audience since September 11th, please fill the hall with love and cheer and we did. I was talking to several people sitting near me, since we had heard that Kevin was going to sing we started to suggest Lennon Songs. NOWHERE MAN, HERE COMES THE SUN, AND INSTANT KARMA (a song needing strong presentation) were suggested, never did we expect MIND GAMES.  When Kevin was singing MIND GAMES, he totally ripped the place apart, everyone was on their feet, cheering, singing, applauding, shouting WE LOVE YOU KEVIN.  It was really a trip, you would that that Kevin was a real rock star not just a great actor and director.  I tell you when you closed your eyes, you thought John was on stage.  It was so unreal, I'll  never forget the audience reaction. When Kevin finished the song the applauds and cheers wouldn't stop. We were told (as several times during the concert) that a commercial was playing, and just before the commercial ended, Kevin came on the stage just a little early, sure enough, WE LOVE YOU KEVIN, STANDING ON OUR FEET, CLAPPING, SCREAMING KEVIN, KEVIN, KEVIN, WE WERE OUT OF CONTROL. The guy behind me yelled out KEVIN SPACEY, IS THERE NOTHING THIS GUY CAN'T DO. Man he really thrilled the audience. But the SPACEY SUPRISES were not finished. During POWER TO THE PEOPLE, Kevin lead all the stars through the Radio City Audience. Since I had an aisle seat a security person was standing near me, his walkie-talkie went off and the security chief was horrified that Kevin was leading an all star line in the theater, he ordered all security to be on special alert.  The security may have hated the idea, but to the audience Kevin sent a sign, that we are all a united people, no more six degrees of separation, we are one.  It was like Kevin was telling everyone watching, we are not afraid, we are a united people and nation...so we win you lose. 

I will remember this night for as long as I live. I'm so glad I did not give into fear and stay home. And I applaud Kevin for starting that line through the theater, all watching know that we are a strong, united people, we are together. And who knows maybe John Lennon was right, "I HOPE SOMEDAY YOU'LL JOIN US AND THE WORLD WILL BE AS ONE."

October 3, 2001
 

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