Bob Gruen’s Iconic Photo of Lennon, The T Shirt is Part of the Exhibit

After suffering through what was most definitely the rainiest, dreariest, most super un-fun June in memory, we’ve finally gotten our much-coveted NYC summer weather! And I do not think you could have asked for better day than Sunday, when Geoffrey and I took off on one of our downtown adventures to see the John Lennon: The New York City Years exhibit at The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Annex in Soho. As described on the Annex website, “this feature exhibit explores John Lennon’s passion for music, art, politics and film, with New York City as his backdrop.

Capturing a time in Lennon’s life that was full of political and social activism, the exhibit reflects the spirit of the era during which he created some of his best work. Highlights of Lennon’s artifacts include his inimitable fashion statements, iconic photographs, legendary instruments, original handwritten lyrics and artwork.”

If you’ve been to the Annex before, you’ll probably find, like Geoffrey and I did, that you’ll want to only spend about 15 minutes revisiting some of the better exhibits at the front galleries (such as The Beatles, Rolling Stones, The Who, the CBGB’s diorama, etc) and devoting your full attention to the Lennon Exhibit, which is set up in a very brightly lit, bright white room. I

t is no secret that The Beatles are my favorite band ever in the Universe of All Time, and it follows that I have a keen, nostalgic interest in everything related to their as-a-band and individual legacies. I feel like I already know a lot about Lennon’s life and history, but through these photos, film clips, items of clothing and never-before-seen personal artwork, I was reminded of John’s extreme charisma, intelligence, vision and unique style in a way I’d not fully realized before. I especially enjoyed watching the various films of him and Yoko, particularly the filming of “Give Peace a Chance.” I had to dab the tears from my face a few times. More than anything, the exhibit made me wish John was still alive.

Admission to the HOF Annex is $26 plus a $4 service charge, but Goldstar Events has discounted admission (for weekends as well) priced at $13, plus the same $4 fee.