Julian Lennon Posted a statement to his official web site, julianlennon.com, last week (Dec 4) reflecting on the 20th Anniversay of the tragic murder of his famous Beatle father and their relationship and John's legacy. 

Below is the statement from Julian:

"A lot of people have phoned and e-mailed me with questions about the Beatles, and about Dad and what my thoughts are on the 20th anniversary of his death. I decided that when the bells rang and the fireworks went off last New Year's that in the year 2000 I would finally stop talking about Dad and the Beatles to anyone, except to say that they were a great influence on my life musically! It's all been said and I have nothing left to offer. I feel that in the past a lot of people have considered me the book of knowledge on this subject, which I am certainly not! 

I was born John Charles Julian Lennon on 8th April 1963 and lived with my biological father, John Lennon, for just a few years. After that I only saw him a handful of times before he was killed. Sadly, I never really knew the man. I think that the work he produced was incredible and so was what he achieved with his three friends, Paul, George and Ringo. But his work hasn't given me a clear insight into what his real life was about or how he truly felt about it. 

Life is difficult enough. Trying to find one's own identity makes it even harder, especially when you're not allowed to be you. How are you supposed to define your own character when all people want from you are answers about someone else's life, a life that you don't have answers for! I am not John Lennon, I never will be! I have never lived his life and never will do! Yet a lot of people believe I have all the answers! Well - I don't! I feel sorry for all the lost souls out there who have to look outside themselves for the truth. Everything comes from within, it's just a question of being able to touch it. You learn from without but you know from within. 

I went through a series of love/hate relationships with Dad, whether he was there or not. I suppose it's much like any other relationship out there, except ours was public and there for all to see whether I liked it or not. There was a lot of anger in my life during my teens and twenties, because I didn't understand what was going on or why things were the way they were. I had a great deal of anger towards Dad because of his negligence and his attitude to peace and love. That peace and love never came home to me. 

I wonder what it would have been like if he were alive today. I guess it would have depended on whether he was "John Lennon" (Dad) or "John Ono Lennon" (manipulated lost soul). 

Once I began to look at his life and really understand him, I began to feel so sorry for him, because once he was a guiding light, a star that shone on all of us, until he was sucked into a black hole and all of his strength consumed. Although he was definitely afraid of fatherhood, the combination of that and his life with Yoko Ono led to the real break down of our relationship. We did not see each other for extended periods of time and as the saying goes, out of sight, out of mind! But the Beatles themselves played no part whatsoever in our demise. 

Anyway, I just wanted to say that wherever he is I hope he realises the mistakes he's made as I realise them and hope never to repeat them, as he did his father's. I have a brother and I love Sean very much and I hope that he's able to cope with his destiny. One thing's for sure, he's got a big brother who will protect him and love him till the end, whatever happens! 

Keep your chin up kiddo! 

I just hope you do the right thing by Dad! May karma prevail! 

And Dad, wherever you are, may your light shine as long as we do! We are one!� 

Julian Lennon 4th December 2000
www.julianlennon.com