The 1960s–were they really that long ago? A time of peaceful protests, mind blowing music and, let’s face it, mind altering drugs, starry-eyed bell-bottom wearers who cared more about flowers and music than money fought to change the world, end war forever and just give peace a chance, already.
And fans can say Yoko Ono broke up the Beatles all they want–because, well, she was involved–but the fact remains that she and John Lennon held some of the most peaceful protests ever witnessed in history.
One such event was their “bed-in” in 1969, during which they did interviews from their bed in Montreal promoting peace. They also recorded one of the most monumental tracks about peace in our time that week–the unforgettable “Give Peace a Chance,” still played today at protests, vigils, and peace rallies worldwide.
Today Yoko Ono and Sean and Julian Lennon are extending the peaceful notions generated by their song in a way that modern people, untouched by (or having forgotten) the sixties, can understand–they’re using it to raise money.
A 40th anniversary digital single of “Give Peace a Chance,” officially by John Lennon and the Plastic Ono Band is available for downloading at iTunes for $1.29. All net proceeds will go to the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund.
“It is indeed a time when we are all getting more aware of the necessity of doing something to achieve world peace, no matter how small. I feel deeply that we are all one, regardless of where we stand,” says Ono.
Tags: john lennon, peace, peace music, peacebuilding fund, peaceful protest, the beatles, united nations, world peace, yoko ono