Why Re-Releasing John Lennon Material Needs To Stop

John Lennon is one of the most recognisable and iconic names in human history, and his contributions to music and peace will be appreciated for the rest of time. Lennon was murdered on December 8th, 1980 in New York by Mark David Chapman, taking one of the most influential figures out of the world. The former Beatle is missed by many, and just like many greats who have passed on, a lot of his unreleased or unused material has surfaced following his death. And by now, I'm sick of it.

John Lennon and Yoko Ono.

Numerous Beatles Box Sets, Compilations, Live Shows and Movies, you name it, there's a Beatles version of it, have been released since the group split in 1969. So considering the group dominated the 60's, releasing over 14 albums in that one decade, the 2010's marks 50 years since Beatlemania, and a hell of a lot of reissues. With many early Beatles albums not receiving any 50th Anniversary Box Set or Deluxe Edition treatment, it seems the people running Apple Records forgot the money they could be making off of Beatles fans who will seemingly buy anything, hence the label now forcing reissues down our throats the past 3 years.

The Beatles performing their last ever concert on the rooftop of Apple Records in London; 1969.

2017 saw a 50th Anniversary Deluxe Edition of 1967's 'Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band', including a remastered version of the album, a 2CD\2LP version including previously unheard outtakes and instrumentals, and then a mega 6CD Box Set, containing a 144 Page Hardback Book that'll look super good sitting on your shelf till the rest of time. This was too extreme. The CD Box Set is €140 on Ebay! 

'Sgt. Peppers' 50th Anniversary Edition; 2017.

Then at the end of 2018 to mark 50 years of 1968's 'The Beatles' (The White Album), a remastered 2LP version was released, and then a 4LP Box Set containing unheard sessions for the album from 1968. These are semi-interesting, as tensions were running high between the Fab Four at this time, but the pricing is a disgrace. €100 for the 4LP Edition, and €200 for the Super Deluxe 6CD Edition, but that does have another 164 Page Hardback Book for that shelf of yours.

'The White Album' 50th Anniversary Edition, 2018.

So, following those two collections, this year will see the 50th Anniversary of The Beatles' 'Abbey Road' (1969) in September, and 2020 will see the 50th Anniversary of their final LP, 'Let it Be' (1970). So, Deluxe Editions are expected for those two. This is a lot of product and information to take in, I understand, but there's much more, and there lies the problem and my point.

Next up is the most out of context one so far, 2018's 'Imagine' reissue. They went all out for this one, a 6CD 'Ultimate Collection' containing 140 tracks of the Original Album, Remixes and Unreleased Tracks. Also, a 120 Page Hardback Book, god they love those, costing another €100. Also released was a Deluxe 2LP version, no Book there sadly, and then a Re-Release of the actual 'Imagine' film John and Yoko made in 1970-71! IT'S TOO MUCH STUFF! They're milking these Lennon releases, if it's because Yoko Ono has spent all her royalties is unknown, but why the Record Label is pumping out these releases so close to each other is stupid. 'Imagine' was released in 1971, so this isn't a 50th Anniversary Edition, it was released to commemorate Lennon's 78th Birthday. Wow, what a milestone that would've been. Completely pointless, at least wait till 2021.

John Lennon: 'Imagine' Box Set; 2018.

So finally, we've reached the one that aggravated me the most so that I actually had to write a post about this problem. It was announced on Monday (Feb 18th) that John & Yoko's 1969 'Wedding Album' will be released as a Deluxe Remastered Edition. Who gives a f*ck about this, honestly. It marks 50 Years since the pair were Married, and I understand it may be a sentimental thing to her, but to monetize it? F*ck off. A White Vinyl and a few poster and probably a Book lets be honest, on top of the overload of stuff released the past two years, with an 'Abbey Road' Deluxe Edition seemingly on the way. Jesus Christ Yoko, how much more money could you possibly need?

John & Yoko: 'Wedding Album' Reissue; 2019.

As I've come to the end of talking about this, I realise I've no argument other than the fact that this p*sses me off. The 'Sgt. Peppers' release didn't feel special to begin with, considering how much Beatles merchandise is released every year, but to keep on pushing out Vinyl and CD's of the same sh*t we've pretty much already heard is just annoying. It completely devalues the item before it's put out. 'Another Beatles/Lennon reissue? Well I can't afford that because I forked over €200 last year for the previous one. And there's going to be another next year, and the year after? F*ck that.' Despite my ranting, Apple Records will keep this up, sadly controlling The Beatles fandom and making money off collectors, quite sad. Thank you for reading.