Julian Lennon is auctioning off NFTs of Beatles memorabilia

Julian Lennon, songwriter and son of John Lennon, joins Yahoo Finance Live discuss his new NFT auction and his thoughts on the 'Get Back' documentary.

Video transcript

KARINA MITCHELL: John Lennon's son is collaborating with Yellow Heart and Julian's Auctions on the project, which includes some never before seen personal items. Julian Lennon, singer, songwriter, philanthropist, joins us now. Sir, thank you so much for being with us today. We are very excited to have you.

And some minimum bids already reached on the auction items that you have. You have a personal connection to some of these NFTs. You've had the physical items, some of them, for many, many years. So my question is, why was now the right time to do this? And why the NFT route? Is it something that you've been interested in?

JULIAN LENNON: Yeah, it's something I've been aware of for some time. And believe it or not, it was actually my brother Sean that really got me to understand a little more about this universe. And I've always found it pretty intriguing.

You know, I've been collecting memorabilia for about 30 years now-- initially, very much my personal items that I have an attachment with that there's a story behind. And now just felt like a good time with everything that's going on. I mean, I've been lining up projects for the last two years with being in lockdown.

So the timing is kind of perfect, because it's in between, obviously, get back in a lot of the Beatles stuff going on, but it's also a tie into a musical project, an album that I have coming out a little further down the road, as you will see at the appropriate time. So it just felt the right time and the right space to do it.

ALEXIS CHRISTOFOROUS: So, Julian, I know some of these items are really personal and special for you. There are some Les Paul guitars that your dad gifted to you. Do you ever see yourself parting with the physical items? And what is one you absolutely can't do without?

JULIAN LENNON: I don't think I could part with any of them, because, you know, I mean, as I've mentioned in several other interviews before, that I was never really handed down much of it at all. So I've been collecting this not only for myself. But you know, I do hope to have a family one day.

And I would like to be able to pass these items on, you know, for generations to come hopefully. So they were very important-- excuse me, it was very important that they were personal items that I had a story with, that I could tell that story with. And doing NFTs like this was one way of sharing those stories with fans and also giving them a little insight into each item, because I decided to write a little something-- write a little something about my connection with the items.

And I felt that was a win-win for everybody-- and the fact that, you know, a portion of this goes to my foundation, the White Feather Foundation to continue to help doing the good that we do. So I feel very fortunate on many levels. And I think everybody has experienced-- I mean, this is unique for me, of course-- this is a first for me, but I'm intrigued by it all.

I think it's a unique way of sharing art, and telling stories, and also helping on the charity front as well. So you know, I look forward to many more to come potentially linked with photography, and music, and film-- who knows. You know, it's a brave new world out there.

KARINA MITCHELL: It is, indeed. And, Julian, I want to ask you, how do you think your dad would feel about this really unique way of, perhaps, exposing a whole new audience to his music, and his legacy, and getting people excited about it? And you know, how do you think your dad would feel today about being-- about still being so relevant decades later?

JULIAN LENNON: Well, you know, that's a difficult one to answer, of course. But you know, I think, you know, he admired the legacies of many of the artists that went before him. So I think being able to continue his legacy like this is just another way of being remembered for the great work that he did, and the boys did, and bringing them to a new audience too. And I think that's only a good thing.

ALEXIS CHRISTOFOROUS: You mentioned your brother Sean sort of turning you on to the whole NFT world. What did he think about this auction? I'd imagine he's supportive. And do you yourself own any NFTs or even invest in cryptocurrencies, Julian?

JULIAN LENNON: Not yet. Not yet. But you know, I am observing. I mean, there's a few pieces of artwork out there that I think I could be interested in. But yeah, I mean, Sean really gave me the insight into this universe. And I'm grateful for that.

Yes, he gave me the thumbs up, as did Uncle Paul-- McCartney, that is. Because I wanted to make sure he was comfortable with what I was doing, especially seeing as they were-- one of the items is the notes on "Hey Jude." So that was key for me to know that he was good with that.

And in fact, it was the first time we talked in a long time. And it was such a pleasure, as it's been too long. But yes, thumbs up from everybody. So I'm very thankful for that.

ALEXIS CHRISTOFOROUS: You know, Julian, I think Beatles fans, myself included, really enjoyed watching that "Get Back" documentary recently where we got to see the creative process of all the guys. I'm curious if you got to see it. And as his son, what did it mean for you to see your dad in that creative process?

JULIAN LENNON: Well, I mean, I did mention this on a social feed, that it was a very unique moment for both Sean and I. And, in fact, Stella McCartney was watching with us. We actually saw a very unique 100-minute edited version where Peter Jackson actually threw in some commentary-- in a comedic fashion, believe it or not-- which enabled us to relax a bit more knowing that we were going to see something we'd never seen before about our family, you know, and about the boys.

So initially, Sean and I were very nervous. But because of how that approach was taken with Peter, it really, really put us at ease to be able to enjoy the film. And I have to say, you know, I walked away from that-- we both walked away, but especially me having known dad in those days-- back in those days-- that it was-- for me, it really, really made me love him again in a different way than before.

Because I was able to see him as I knew him as a child when we all used to live together. And to see him working and just creating with the boys again, with the Beatles again-- and it was so-- it just brought me back to you know happier times back in the day as a kid. And I was quite blown away with it.

And it was good to see him being silly, and being cheeky, and all the things we know and love him for. So it was a very special moment.

KARINA MITCHELL: All right. And we are so happy for you stopping by, and excited about this project that you got to collaborate on with your brother as well and wish you all the luck with it. Thank you so much for stopping by, Julian Lennon-- singer, songwriter, philanthropist, could go on and on.