A historic banjo played by John Lennon during his time with The Quarrymen has been unveiled at Strawberry Field in Liverpool. The instrument's public debut is part of a series of events marking what would have been the music icon's 85th birthday, drawing fans from around the globe to the celebrated site.
The five-string banjo holds a significant place in music history, as it was played by Lennon at the 1957 fete where he first met Paul McCartney. The unveiling was accompanied by a live performance from The Quarrymen, featuring original members Rod Davis and Colin Hanton.
Key Takeaways
- A five-string banjo played by John Lennon is now on display at Strawberry Field in Liverpool.
- The instrument was unveiled to commemorate what would have been Lennon's 85th birthday.
- Lennon played this banjo on July 6, 1957, the day he met Paul McCartney.
- The Quarrymen, Lennon's original band, performed at the unveiling event.
- A new photomosaic of Lennon, made from nearly 1,300 fan-submitted images, was also revealed.
Historic Instrument Joins Public Collection
Strawberry Field, the Liverpool landmark immortalized in The Beatles' 1967 song, has added a significant piece of music history to its collection. A five-string banjo once owned and played by a young John Lennon is now available for public viewing.
The instrument was officially unveiled as part of celebrations for Lennon's 85th birthday. The event drew international visitors and featured a special performance by The Quarrymen, the skiffle group Lennon founded before The Beatles. Original members Rod Davis and Colin Hanton were part of the lineup that performed at 12:00 BST.
Alongside the banjo, a large photomosaic of Lennon was revealed. According to Strawberry Field, the artwork is composed of nearly 1,300 individual photographs submitted by Beatles fans from all over the world, creating a collective tribute to the artist.
A Place of Inspiration
Strawberry Field was originally a Salvation Army children's home located near John Lennon's childhood residence. The wooded grounds were a place of escape and imagination for him, which later inspired the psychedelic and introspective song "Strawberry Fields Forever." Today, the site operates as a visitor attraction and a center for young adults with learning disabilities.
The Banjo's Role in a Fateful Meeting
This particular banjo is more than just an early instrument of a future superstar; it was present at one of the most pivotal moments in popular music history. Lennon played this banjo with The Quarrymen at the St. Peter's Church fete in Woolton, Liverpool, on July 6, 1957.
It was on this day that a teenage John Lennon was introduced to an even younger Paul McCartney. The meeting set in motion a songwriting partnership that would change the world and form the creative core of The Beatles.
Rod Davis, who also played banjo in The Quarrymen alongside Lennon, was part of the band on that historic day. The instrument serves as a tangible link to the very beginning of the Lennon-McCartney collaboration.
The Quarrymen's Lineup
The original skiffle and rock 'n' roll group was formed by Lennon and included several of his school friends. Key members during this period were:
- John Lennon
- Rod Davis
- Pete Shotton
- Colin Hanton
- Eric Griffiths
- Len Garry
From Skiffle Group to Global Superstars
The Quarrymen were Lennon's first serious foray into music. Following the Woolton fete, Paul McCartney was invited to join the group. He later introduced his friend, George Harrison, who also became a member.
Over the next few years, the band's lineup and name evolved. By the early 1960s, Lennon, McCartney, and Harrison had become The Beatles. After a period in Hamburg with drummer Pete Best, the band secured a record contract and replaced Best with Ringo Starr in August 1962, finalizing the lineup known as the "Fab Four."
The journey from a local skiffle band playing instruments like this banjo to global domination was rapid and unprecedented, but its origins trace back to these early performances in Liverpool.
Strawberry Field's Growing Legacy
The banjo joins an already impressive collection of artifacts at the Strawberry Field exhibition. Perhaps the most famous item is the piano on which John Lennon composed his iconic solo anthem, "Imagine." The addition of the banjo further solidifies the site's importance as a key destination for music history enthusiasts.
As part of the birthday commemorations, fans are invited to leave messages of peace on the original, famous red gates of Strawberry Field, which are on display at the site. This opportunity is available until Sunday.
For those unable to visit Liverpool in person, the organization has also created an online portal where global fans can share their messages, ensuring the event is inclusive for Lennon's worldwide following.
John Lennon was shot and killed on December 8, 1980, outside his home in the Dakota apartment building in New York City. The ongoing celebrations and preservation of his early history underscore his enduring cultural impact more than four decades after his death.