Working Class Hero with Tim Piper

On December 8th last year, Tim Piper attended the Imagine Memorial Vigil in New York's Central Park, to mark John's passing twenty years ago. Talking with him about this sad event, I asked him what his feelings were and also his thoughts on the NBC film 'John Lennon - In His Life'.

How did it feel singing in Central Park on December 8th?
It was exhilarating to be in the centre of 5,000 fellow New Yorkers - I was born blocks from there. On top of all this the Imagine mosaic and Johns music.

What was the atmosphere like and what did it mean to you personally?
Although there was a lot of pain and sadness, I went into it with a feeling of celebration for having had John in our lives and it carried throughout the crowd.

What reaction did you get from the many John Lennon fans that attended?
It was like a massive family reunion sharing the same kind of emotions with thousands of people a lot of love and it was a very peaceful gathering.

You sang the John vocals for the film 'In His Life'. How did this come about, what songs are featured in the movie and what did you think of the bands The Overtures and the Backbeat Beatles from the UK?
Apparently at the 11th hour of the production the producers were not satisfied with the John vocals they had heard and they tracked me down via our website. I actually sang for them over the phone and cut the deal right then and then I had to go to Capitol Records the next day to sing the tracks: 'Love Is Strange', 'Mr Moonlight', 'Twist and Shout', 'She Loves You' & 'Stand By Me'. The bands did a superb job! I believe that there is a video of the movie planned. I don't know when it's out but how did you like it?

Jo Rishton with Tim Piper of Working Class Hero
TWIL Issue Six November 2001