Sean Ono Lennon Discusses Remixing John Lennon’s “Mind Games” for a New Generation

Appearing to embrace the generation around them, the Beatles simply dominated the world as they poured their hearts and souls into the music they produced. Not only did they want to make hit songs, the Beatles truly believed in the music they created together. And thanks to the writing partnership between Paul McCartney and John Lennon, the band gained countless awards. For Lennon, he even found himself a member of both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame. While the songwriter passed away in 1980, it appears his son, Sean Ono Lennon, is giving new life to his father’s song “Mind Games.” 

Back in 1973, political unrest surged throughout the country as Lennon tried to find the silver lining. But at the time, he was constantly criticized for his beliefs and even labeled a political enemy. With the FBI keeping close eyes on the songwriter, Lennon decided to release the song “Mind Games.” With the song receiving mixed reactions from fans, it seemed to be forgotten besides other hit songs from the musician. But thanks to Sean, the song is getting a new life on the album Mind Games (The Ultimate Collection). 

Discussing his parent’s stance during the 1970s, Sean offered his thoughts on the reception “Mind Games” received. He told the Daily Beast, “My parents had made a radical shift into avant-garde and political music, along with some very provocative activism and performance art. The shift wasn’t for everyone, and much of the mainstream world wasn’t ready for it. Sometime In New York City had not been well received. On top of that, 1973 was an amazing year for a new generation of artists. There were a lot of big new names on the charts.”

[RELATED: 5 Must-Hear Songs by Sean Ono Lennon]

Sean Ono Lennon Hopes To Introduce The “New” John Lennon To Fans

With Lennon having millions of fans around the world, Sean continued, “People were having trouble adjusting to the ‘new’ John Lennon. So, I think Mind Games fell through the cracks for a number of reasons. The fact that the mixes were a bit thin didn’t help either.”

Helping bring new life to “Mind Games”, Sean is thrilled about what they produced. But for some like drummer Jim Keltner, he also loved the original. With Keltner featured on the original song, the musician insisted, “It was one of the great experiences of my life.”

Recalling how Lennon was stolen from the world, Keltner concluded, “John was cut down at a time when most people are just getting started with their art. So, it’s hard to hear this, sounding so great, and think about what John might have done. Because John’s music played itself.”

(ZUMA Wire/Shutterstock)