Quarrymen Banjo once played by John Lennon unveiled at Strawberry Field to mark his 85th birthday

A five-string banjo once played by John Lennon has been given a new home at The Salvation Army’s iconic Strawberry Field in Liverpool, as part of plans to celebrate his 85th birthday.

Originally owned and played by John’s bandmate Rod Davis in The Quarrymen – the band that would later evolve into The Beatles – the instrument is now on display at the attraction, giving Beatles fans the chance to delve deeper into the band’s rich heritage.

The banjo, which is kindly on loan from collector Ashley Davie, will go on display alongside the world-renowned collection of artefacts on display at Strawberry Field, including the famous ‘Imagine’ piano, on which Lennon composed one of the greatest peace anthems of the 20th century.

The banjo was played by Rod at all The Quarrymen’s early gigs, including the historic Woolton Village Fete on 6 July 1957 – the day John first met Paul McCartney.

John Lennon Bango - Strawberry Field — Credit: Anthony Devlin

Rod Davis, recalled:

“The banjo was also played by John Lennon. If he broke a string mid-song, he’d grab my banjo and carry on, the chords his mother taught him worked perfectly on it. I’d quickly fix his guitar so we could swap back before the next number. So not only did John play this banjo, but his mother Julia did too.”

Now, it forms part of a string of activities to mark the musician’s 85th birthday, which included an exclusive live performance from The Quarrymen.

The line-up also gave a first look at a brand-new photomosaic wall, featuring 1,300 images submitted by Beatles fans, Quarrymen members and Strawberry Field supporters from across the world.

Rod added: “It’s an incredible honour to be here and unveil this special banjo at Strawberry Field, a place held dearly by John and where he spent much time during his childhood.

“Performing here on what would have been his 85th birthday was a poignant way to mark the occasion and to remember his enduring legacy.”

Based in Woolton, Liverpool, Strawberry Field is an award-winning visitor attraction located at the iconic site immortalised by John Lennon in The Beatles’ hit, ‘Strawberry Fields Forever’.

The attraction, which is owned by The Salvation Army, tells the story of John Lennon’s childhood, offering visitors an immersive experience that includes the original red gates of Strawberry Field, and the magical gardens where John played, climbed trees and dreamed as a child.

As part of the schedule to mark Lennon’s birthday, a group of lucky Beatles fans were also taken on an exclusive tour beyond Strawberry Field itself to the pivotal places of Lennon’s childhood, from The Salvation Army site that inspired his iconic song to the very streets, schools and classrooms where his story began.

Visitors are being invited to mark John’s birthday by leaving their own messages of peace, which will be displayed on the original Strawberry Field gates.

Major Michelle Lovegrove-Huggins, Mission Director at Strawberry Field, said:

“We are delighted to have the very banjo played by John Lennon himself here among our ever-growing collection of world-class artefacts.

“This new addition, along with the spectacular photomosaic now on display, have only enhanced the significance of Strawberry Field as a must-visit destination for Beatles fans everywhere.

“It was wonderful to have a performance from John’s original band, The Quarrymen, and it made for an emotional way to remember him on his birthday.”