Lennon’s last piano docks in Liverpool

The last piano that John Lennon played has gone on public display for the first time in the UK at the award-winning Beatles Story tourist attraction in Liverpool.

Lennon’s piano was unveiled today (Thursday 27^th August) by Lennon’s sister, Julia Baird, at a press conference as part of the exhibition’s celebrations for International Beatleweek.

Previously based in the United States and last played by the Liverpool legend hours before his death in 1980, the piano will now be open to guests of the Beatles Story for the next three years.

The piano was instrumental in Lennon’s later music. He loved it so much that those closest to him renamed it as the “John Lennon Piano” due to his insistence on moving it to every studio he was working in.

Its distinctive sounds can be heard on albums including “Walls and Bridges” and “Double Fantasy”.  He even used it to compose “Fame” with David Bowie and “Whatever Gets You thru the Night” with Elton John.

Lennon’s piano has also been used by other musical legends including Bob Dylan, Lou Reed, Don McLean and Aerosmith.

Julia said: “Liverpool is John’s home and one of the most treasured instruments which he played relocates to his home city after almost a century in America

“Although he is not here in person, his legacy extends across the globe. He would be so proud to see fans from all over the world flock to Liverpool to share in a piece of history.”

Martin King, director at the Beatles Story, added: “I had goosebumps when I first saw the piano. It is a piece of musical history and I am delighted to say that we can call the Beatles Story its home for the next three years.

“We are fortunate to have so many fantastic items of Beatles memorabilia on show here at the Beatles Story and this piano helps tell the story of life after The Beatles.”

Also on display at the exhibition is never before seen pictures of John Lennon taken by American photographer, Bob Gruen.

Bob served as John’s personal photographer during his time in New York in the 1970s and is credited with taking some of the most famous pictures of Lennon in his post-Beatles career.

The Beatles Story is celebrating its 25^th anniversary this year and is credited as the world’s largest permanent exhibition solely dedicated to the lives and times of The Beatles.