John Lennon was a musical genius. His work with the Beatles produced some of the best music in rock history, and he followed that up with an amazing solo career that was cut short by a psycho’s bullet in 1980, just as Lennon was returning to the music scene with his release of Double Fantasy.
Lennon was also a political activist. He was very opinionated and brutally honest, and sometimes that made him look foolish. His flower power days made him look incredibly naive, but he acknowledged that in later years, arguing that one should never abandon a just cause after initial failures.
Lennon’s passion for life and for issues made his music even better. He and Paul McCartney were never complacent or satisfied. They always tried new things and their sound was constantly evolving, ultimately putting together a catalog of music that has stood the test of time and will be revered for generations to come.
John Lennon Interviews
Because he was opinionated and honest, Lennon is one of the best interviews ever.
Rolling Stone Interview
This interview with Jann Wenner isn’t dated, but it has some great quotes from Lennon. Check it out as he rips Mick Jagger for ripping off the Beatles! He also discusses LSD and being a genius.
Playboy Interview – 1975
John and Yoko discuss John’s decision to stop making records and raise his child.
Look Magazine Interview
From 1966.
John Lennon Quotes
“I think it’s a lot of hype. I like ‘Honky Tonk Women,’ but I think Mick’s a joke with all that fag dancing; I always did. I enjoy it; I’ll probably go and see his films and all like everybody else, but really, I think it’s a joke.” – John Lennon on the Rolling Stones
“These critics with the illusions they’ve created about artists — it’s like idol worship. They only like people when they’re on their way up,” he said. “I cannot be on the way up again. What they want is dead heroes, like Sid Vicious and James Dean,” he added in an eerily prescient screed. “I’m not interested in being a dead f—ing hero … so forget ’em, forget ’em.” From the final Rolling Stone interview
“And God help Bruce Springsteen when they decide he’s no longer God. … They’ll turn on him, and I hope he survives it.” From the final Rolling Stone interview