Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Liverpool mayor honours legacy of John Lennon on visit to New York

Steve Rotheram attended a meeting between music leaders from Merseyside and New York to discuss future projects

Eleanor Barlow
Tuesday 22 October 2024 08:23 BST
Metro mayor of the Liverpool City Region Steve Rotheram lays a red rose at the Strawberry Fields memorial for John Lennon in New York’s Central Park while on a trade mission to the US (Kevin Matthews/Liverpool City Region Combined Authority/PA)
Metro mayor of the Liverpool City Region Steve Rotheram lays a red rose at the Strawberry Fields memorial for John Lennon in New York’s Central Park while on a trade mission to the US (Kevin Matthews/Liverpool City Region Combined Authority/PA)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The mayor of Liverpool has said he hopes to honour the legacy of John Lennon by building links with the US on a trade visit to New York.

Metro mayor of the Liverpool City Region Steve Rotheram laid a rose at the Strawberry Fields memorial in Central Park and visited the scene of the Imagine singer’s murder on Monday during his visit to the States where he hopes to drive trade, investment and tourism.

After paying tribute to the Beatles star, he attended a meeting between music leaders from Merseyside and New York to discuss future projects, including the possibility of twin music events.

Together, we can honour John’s memory while forging new connections and opportunities that will inspire the next generation of artists

Steve Rotheram

Mr Rotheram said: “John Lennon’s legacy is woven into the fabric of Liverpool and the rest of the world. As we remember him, we reflect not only on his incredible contributions to music but also on the profound impact he has had on countless lives.

“The bond between Liverpool and New York is special – both cities have been absolutely pivotal in shaping the landscape of popular music. Together, we can honour John’s memory while forging new connections and opportunities that will inspire the next generation of artists.

“But as we continue to promote our rich cultural heritage, we also have to look ahead, ensuring we do all we can to nurture that spirit of collaboration and creativity that’s been so celebrated across the world.”

The Beatles made their American debut in New York, on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1964, and in 1971 Lennon moved to the city with wife Yoko Ono.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in