John Lennon's 'Imagine' Played Live By Davide Martello And Coldplay For Paris Attack Victims; Statement Released!
Despite the still-perceived dangers that surround Paris' Le Bataclan where recent terrorist attacks have occurred over the weekend, it did not stop a German peace pianist to set up a grand piano outside the concert venue and play John Lennon's hit song "Imagine" live as a tribute to the victims of the attacks as reported by Rolling Stone.
The man, whose name is Davide Martello, was at a pub in Konstanz, Germany when he heard of the news regarding the Paris attacks, which happened at the eve of Eagles of Death Metal's concert. Within minutes, he decided to put his piano on a trailer, called his friend about the news, got in the car and drove 400 miles all through the night, according to an additional report from The Guardian.
Martello then expressed his thoughts on playing John Lennon's "Imagine" live in the venue itself, saying: "I just knew I had to do something."
He added, "I wanted to be there to try and comfort, and offer a sign of hope." This is not the first time he had done this whole thing as he also brought out his piano and played during the 2014 Ukraine crisis.
He also stated, "I can't bring people back but I can inspire them with music and when people are inspired they can do anything. That's why I played 'Imagine.'"
Meanwhile, British rock band Coldplay also played an acoustic version of John Lennon's "Imagine" live as their opening song at their show in Belasco Theater, Los Angeles. In similar intent with Martello, the band played the song as tribute to the victims of Paris as reported by Billboard.
"We'll play a short set of old material so that your journey isn't wasted," the band said in a statement ahead of their Belasco Theatre show. "We send our love and prayers to the people of Paris. Love, Coldplay."
Rock legend and Beatles member John Lennon recorded and released the song in 1971, which soon became a worldwide hit. It became his best-selling single in his solo music career, with its lyrics encouraging listeners to think about a world of peace without barriers of division and nationality, and also living life without being too dependent on worldly possessions.