Beatles museum commemorates famous ‘Bed-In’

May 26th 2009 sees the 40th anniversary of John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s famous Montreal Bed-In for Peace and to commemorate this still powerful gesture of love and compassion, Liverpool’s Beatles Story will be hosting the European premiere of a new photo exhibition Give Peace A Chance: John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s Bed-in for Peace.

Through stories and unique photographs – many never seen before, the Give Peace A Chance exhibition of over 40 images offers guests a seat on the edge of John and Yoko’s bed in Suite 1742 at the Queen Elizabeth Hotel in Montreal between May 26 and June 2, 1969.

Photojournalist Gerry Deiter became the eyes and ears in the Lennon’s hotel room – the only one who documented the whole 8 days. He was determined to capture the essence of the happening – in particular the love between the newly wedded John and Yoko. He also candidly caught famous people who dropped in – counterculture icon Timothy Leary, comedian Tommy Smothers and humorist Al Capp, amongst others.

Deiter was originally on an assignment for Life magazine, but the story was bumped in favour of one about Vietnam. Vickie Rehberg, president of ArtVision Exhibitions who organise the exhibition takes up the story: “The photos never ran. Dieter hid them away. This is why many of the images have never been seen before. He captured the celebrity visitors, the action and intimate behind-the-scenes moments between John and Yoko.”

An exclusive souvenir book ‘Give Peace A Chance: John and Yoko’s Bed-In For Peace’ accompanies the exhibition and is available to purchase from the Fab4Store and the Beatles Story online shop.

Jerry Goldman, Managing Director of the Beatles Story said “The images in this exhibition represent vividly John’s unwavering belief in the goodness of people to make peace, not war and remains as important now as it was in 1969. We are hugely excited to welcome this exclusive exhibition to the Beatles Story for its European premier.”

Give Peace A Chance – John Lennon and Yoko’s Bed-In For Peace is on show in the Beatles Story’s special exhibition space, Albert Dock, Liverpool from May 26th – August 15th. Entry to this special exhibition is included in the price of general Beatles Story admission.

For more information, visit beatlesstory.com.