Spent the morning pouring over one of my favourite collectibles, my original Rolling Stone magazine from 1981 - the issue devoted to the death of John Lennon. A bargain I picked up at a market for $8... I'd love to get it framed one day. Its a very disturbing read - news reporting from a time when news was picked up from newsman watching other tv stations - no instant internet news.... and news was graphic -Hastings (the Lennon's doorman) triggered an alarm that summoned the police and he rushed to John's side. The anguished doorman gently removed Lennon's glasses, which seemed to be pushing in on his contorted face. He struggled out of his blue Dakota jacket and placed it over Lennon. Then he stripped off his tie to use as a tourniquet, but there was nowhere to put it. Blood streamed from Lennon's chest and mouth. His eyes were open but unfocused. He gurgled once, vomiting blood and fleshy material.
Reading this is like a time capsule - it reminds you of how much the world has changed, and still is changing. Imagine a newspaper being allowed to print the last moments of a celebrity in such a graphic manner.... the magazine is on newsprint, not a glossy page in sight. The whole edition is dedicated to John, including the last interview and photos he ever did.... not a single ad anywhere.
It makes you wonder sometimes if progress is needed....
No comments:
Post a Comment