As you no doubt realize, today is the 30th anniversary of John Lennon's death. Howard Cosell will forever be linked to the announcement of Lennon's demise because he broke the news to a live audience. It was near the end of the Patriots-Dolphins game on "Monday Night Football," and we have all heard Cosell's famous words "dead...on...arrival" many times. If you get the chance, check out ESPN's "Outside the Lines" program this week. There is an audio clip of Cosell with color men Frank Gifford and Fran Tarkenton discussing Lennon's death off the air during a commercial break. They have just been told. Amazingly, Cosell doesn't see how he can announce the news. There is only three seconds left in regulation and a dramatic field goal will be kicked at the conclusion of the timeout. Gifford, of all people, is the voice of reason, telling Cosell that he must do it. "This is going to shake up the whole world." Cosell reluctantly agrees. "All right, I will get it in." This clip is only about 30 seconds long, but it is a must listen. Way to go, "Giff." Listen to some Lennon today. It won't hurt a bit.
In happier times, here is Lennon visiting Cosell in the booth during a "Monday Night Football" game in 1974.
John Lennon - Real Love (mp3) (from 'Acoustic')
John Lennon - Real Love (mp3) (from the 'Imagine' soundtrack)
The Beatles - Real Love (mp3) (from 'Anthology 2')
No comments:
Post a Comment