Hear Robbie Robertson’s John Lennon Tribute, ‘Let Love Reign’
Robbie Robertson has released a new song that encourages us to follow John Lennon's pleas for peace. "Let Love Reign," which you can listen to below, is the second sneak peek at the former Band mastermind's upcoming solo album Sinematic.
"Some people think John Lennon's dream about love and togetherness went up in flames," Robertson said in an official statement. "I think that's wrong. It's everlasting."
Robertson's closest musical connection with the Beatles is actually through Lennon's bandmate Ringo Starr. He added guitar to "Sunshine Life for Me (Sail Away Raymond)" from 1973's Ringo, and to "Snookeroo" from 1974's Goodnight Vienna. Still, Lennon's message continues to resonate with Robertson.
"There was something a little naive about John Lennon going around singing about peace," Robertson added. "But in that period young people celebrating love and peace helped end a war."
In a twist, however, the swampy "Let Love Reign" didn't end up sounding anything like those old hippie anthems. "I thought of Dale Hawkins and 'Susie Q,' just as far as a groove and guitar riff – like James Burton or Roy Buchanan," Robertson said. "That song has cobwebs all over it."
Robertson recently released "I Hear You Paint Houses," featuring a guest turn by Van Morrison, as the album's first advance single. Sinematic will be released on Sept. 20 in conjunction with the premiere of Once Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson and the Band at the Toronto International Film Festival. The documentary, directed by Daniel Roher, was inspired by Robertson’s 2016 autobiography, Testimony.