Although Liverpool was John Lennon's birthplace, New York City could be considered the former Beatle's spiritual home. It was in New York where he spent his remaining years -- performing with Elton John in concert at Madison Square Garden, living at the famous Dakota building and recording the 'Double Fantasy' album -- up until his murder in 1980.

That memorable period of his life is now being celebrated with a new special exhibit: 'John Lennon: The New York City Years,' which opened at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Annex NYC. Created by Lennon's widow and collaborator, Yoko Ono, the exhibit contains lyrics, photographs, clothing and other items associated with Lennon and his time in the city.

Interestingly, the exhibit also features a bag of bloody clothing worn by the 40-year-old Lennon on the night he was fatally shot by Mark David Chapman. Ono said the bag, delivered from the medical examiner at New York's St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, was "hard to include" but in the end was "important for people to see that, and for people to understand what violence is about."

"All aspects of John's experiences in New York are represented in this important exhibit," Ono said during yesterday's press conference to kick off the show. "John was a musician, artist, peace activist, father and husband. New York City provided him the foundation and freedom to be all of these things. I'm happy to share that part of our lives with you."

Some of the other items on display at the Annex include Lennon's Telecaster guitar from the Elton John concert; the famous "New York City" T-shirt and glasses he wore; and a number of handwritten lyrics of songs such as 'Whatever Gets You Through the Night' and 'Nobody Told Me.' The exhibit also focuses on Lennon's deportation battle with the U.S. government because of his political views, which represented through items such as his green card, dated 1976, and letters of support from then-New York City Mayor John Lindsay and folk singer/activist Joan Baez.

The Annex will have special extended hours for the duration of the exhibit, which is expected to be open into the fall.




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