John Lennon, 29 years ago today....

I'd also say that even if the Beatles formed without John Lennon, their influence would have been lesser. He was the primary force in the Beatles that made people take notice IMHO. His music was a big part but his wit, outspokenness and apparent intellect (as evidenced in the messages the lyrics in his songs espoused as well as in spoken interviews), was the thing that put and kept the Beatles and himself on the map.

Plus, he had a dark side that also helped make him an interesting person, for better or for worse and ironically played a tragic role in his demise. Fascinating stuff!

Lennon/McCartney and LEnnon himself are fascinating topics IMHO. Ying/Yang to the max! McCartney's perhaps lesser public dark side is/was far less interesting IMHO.

it just go to show you . you can't fix stupid. thanks for all your insight. attention walmart shoppers. why don't u guys download some lady gaga

PBS had a recent special about the influence of the Beatles on Russia. In short, the people of Russia give a great deal of credit to the Beatles as a amjor force in bringing down the Iron Curtain. In my opinion, their influence was so significant to so many people that It's proposterous when someone says they were just a "rock and roll band".

He should have stayed at home in the UK, then he would still be alive today, and probably be a 'Sir', or maybe would have received an MBE, OBE, CBE, from her Royal Highness Liz II or even a CDM (cadbury's dairy milk),lol.....

He should have stayed in England because there are way too many angry, lost, and inhuman people in America. And of course, we will always have the insensitive buffoons in our midst.