“Do Not Play”: Behind Radio’s Decision to Ban This Timeless John Lennon Track 20 Years After Its Release

John Lennon’s “Imagine” is one of the most popular songs of all time. However, popularity typically comes with a price, and Lennon is no stranger to that paradigm. Released in 1971, Lennon’s subversively inspiring song became an anthem for the dreamers, for the rebels, and for really anyone and everyone who had a bone to pick with the systemic issues of society. Though, evidently, that entailed a lot of trouble. A lot of trouble that lasted for quite a long time.

The lyrics of Lennon’s “Imagine” will likely remain relevant for as long as anyone can guess. That is how he designed it, as the themes the lyrics articulate are not specific to a time or place. Rather, they are specific to the human, spiritual, and governmental phenomena that have transpired throughout history. That being so, the contents of the song are timeless and will seemingly always remain relevant.

While John Lennon strives for peace, understanding, and mutuality in the song, he does so in a fairly divisive way. In the song, he denounces religion, government, and personal possession. Thus, it comes as no surprise that people and companies took issue with the song. Though surprisingly, these parties took issue with the song far after it was released.

The Two Major Radio Stations That Banned John Lennon’s “Imagine”

Of course, John Lennon’s song was polarizing upon its release. However, it was so idealistically potent that people and companies took issue with it more than 20 years after its release as well. Specifically, the two major radio stations that banned the song from the airwaves were Clear Channel Communications (now iHeart Media) and the BBC.

Clear Channel Communications banned the song after 9/11. The company included the song on their “do not play” list along with several other politically subversive singles. Given the political climate of the United States post 9/11, the CCC banned this song due to the fact that it contrasted the national ideals of the United States during wartime. In essence, it was seemingly viewed as anti-American.

As a matter of fact, the BBC banned the song for the exact same reason, as they banned the song in 1991 during England’s participation in the Persian Gulf War. Like the CCC, the BBC banned the song given that it juxtaposed the patriotic ideals the country was trying to uphold during the time of war.

In all, leave it to John Lennon to stir up some trouble from beyond the grave. After all, that is why he is one of the best to ever do it.

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