Sepp Osley and Nick Van Eede Reimagine Lennon with “Dear John” – A Star-Powered Beatles Tribute

8 August 2025 rocknews

New Single “Dear John” Launches Sepp Osley’s Beatles-Inspired Album Featuring Rock Icons

Sepp Osley is back with a bold new release that’s set to electrify fans of The Beatles, John Lennon, and classic rock alike. Dropping Friday, August 8th, “Dear John” featuring Nick Van Eede of Cutting Crew is the lead single from Osley’s upcoming album Dear John (Collaborations)—a sweeping tribute to Lennon’s songwriting legacy, reimagined through live performances and powerhouse collaborations.

The album, out October 3rd on Open Eyes Records, is a genre-spanning celebration of Lennon’s music, featuring contributions from Peter Frampton, Graham Gouldman (10cc), PP Arnold, John Illsley (Dire Straits), and Maxi Jazz (Faithless). Mixed by Rush producer Terry Brown and mastered at Abbey Road Studios, the project is as technically polished as it is emotionally resonant.

Sepp Osley’s Journey from Iran to International Rock Recognition

Osley’s story is as compelling as his sound. Born in Iran and raised in Canada after fleeing conflict as a child, his first encounter with Lennon’s “Imagine” while traveling through Turkey left a permanent mark. “I had no understanding of what John was singing,” Osley recalls, “yet the sound of his piano and his voice went inside my soul and grabbed it.”

That moment sparked a lifelong connection to Lennon’s music, culminating in the launch of the Dear John concert series in 2019. Supporting War Child UK, the series brought together artists from around the globe to honor Lennon’s birthday. From virtual performances during lockdown to a live show at Under The Bridge in Chelsea, the concerts laid the groundwork for this new album and its accompanying concert film, premiering October 9th on YouTube—Lennon’s 85th birthday.

Nick Van Eede Joins Osley for a Stirring Tribute to Lennon

“Dear John” is a standout track, pairing Osley’s heartfelt songwriting with Van Eede’s unmistakable vocals. Known for his chart-topping hit “(I Just) Died in Your Arms,” Van Eede brings a raw, passionate energy to the single. “It’s been fascinating to watch the project grow year by year,” he says. “It’s a privilege to be part of this.”

Van Eede also contributes a haunting version of “Norwegian Wood” to the album, adding depth and nuance to the collection. His admiration for Lennon is clear, and his collaboration with Osley feels both reverent and fresh.

Dear John (Collaborations) – Track list and Featured Artists

The album spans 17 tracks across CD, vinyl, and digital formats, each one a reinterpretation of Lennon or Beatles classics. Highlights include:

“Imagine” featuring PP Arnold – Soulful and stirring
“Get Back” featuring Mollie Marriott – Gritty and groove-driven
“Across the Universe” featuring Graham Gouldman – Ethereal and introspective
“Power to the People” featuring Maxi Jazz – Urgent and dynamic
“Jealous Guy” featuring Jo Harman – Smooth and emotionally rich

Two versions of “Dear John” appear on the album: the 2020 duet with Van Eede and a 2025 recording featuring Peter Frampton and Mollie Marriott. Each version offers a unique emotional texture, showcasing Osley’s ability to adapt and elevate Lennon’s timeless melodies.

Top 3 Sepp Osley Songs to Stream Right Now

If you’re new to Sepp Osley or want to explore his sound beyond the Beatles tributes, these three tracks offer a dynamic introduction to his solo catalog:

“Sing – Freedom Club Mix”
A high-energy anthem blending electronic production with Osley’s passionate vocals. This track became a symbol of resilience and self-expression, especially in support of Iranian women’s rights.
“Warmaker” feat. Cutting Crew & Boris Grebenshikov
A cinematic, genre-blending track that pairs Osley’s dramatic vocal delivery with contributions from rock veterans. It’s a powerful showcase of his collaborative spirit and global reach.
“Redemption Song” feat. Toomaj Salehi
A haunting reinterpretation of Bob Marley’s classic, featuring the voice of Iranian rapper Toomaj Salehi. Released shortly before Salehi’s release from prison, this track is a poignant blend of protest, hope, and musical solidarity.

Sepp Osley’s Activism and Artistic Vision

Osley’s music has long been intertwined with his advocacy. His former band Blurred Vision gained international attention with “Hey Ayatollah, Leave Those Kids Alone,” a reworking of Pink Floyd’s protest anthem. More recently, his single “Sing” supported Iranian women’s right to self-expression, and his campaign to free rapper Toomaj Salehi drew support from Nick Cave, Chrissie Hynde, Duran Duran, Nile Rodgers, and Peter Gabriel.

These moments underscore Osley’s commitment to using music as a tool for storytelling, solidarity, and emotional truth.

RockNews Summary: Sepp Osley’s “Dear John” Is a Must-Listen Beatles Tribute

Rock News have seen plenty of tribute albums come and go—but Dear John (Collaborations) stands apart. Sepp Osley has crafted a deeply personal, musically rich homage to John Lennon that’s bursting with talent, heart, and reverence. With Nick Van Eede’s soaring vocals on the lead single, and a lineup that reads like a who’s who of rock legends, this album is a must-listen for Beatles fans and rock aficionados alike. “Dear John” isn’t just a song—it’s the start of something unforgettable.