What if one of rock's legends almost ditched a potential classic? That's the jaw-dropping twist from a freshly uncovered chat with John Lennon, set to captivate fans on his would-be 85th birthday. Dive in as we unpack this musical mystery and explore the man behind the myth – you won't want to miss the surprising turns ahead!
Tomorrow marks what would have been John Lennon's 85th birthday, and to celebrate, a long-lost interview with the iconic ex-Beatle is hitting the airwaves on Boom Radio. The conversation was conducted by former Capital Radio DJ Nicky Horne back in 1975, right in Lennon's Dakota apartment in New York, just before he stepped away from the music scene for a full five years. This wasn't just any chat; it spilled some real eye-openers, especially about his 1974 album Walls and Bridges – a record he initially despised and nearly scrapped entirely.
In the interview, Lennon confessed he 'couldn't stand to listen' to the studio recordings at first, even contemplating 'just throw this away.' But after sharing them with pals, their positive feedback flipped his perspective: 'Hey, it’s all right,' they said. So, he relented: 'It’s all right. Oh it’s not bad at all. I quite like some of it myself. OK, let’s put it out.' It's a relatable moment for any creator – that self-doubt before the world gets to judge. For beginners in music history, this highlights how even geniuses like Lennon grappled with insecurity, showing that behind the hits, artists often second-guess their own brilliance.
Walls and Bridges deserves more love than it often gets in Lennon's catalog. It's a hidden gem, best remembered for its standout singles: the dreamy 'Number 9 Dream' and the bubbly collaboration with Elton John, 'Whatever Gets You Thru The Night.' That track soared to Number One in the US but, oddly enough, fizzled in the UK – a classic example of how tastes can differ wildly across borders. Imagine Elton John's piano flair blending with Lennon's raw vocals; it's a feel-good anthem that still lifts spirits today.
WHATEVER GETS YOU THRU THE NIGHT. (Ultimate Mix, 2020) - John Lennon (official music video HD) - YouTube
Watch On (https://youtu.be/vjWebKavfuI)
But here's where it gets controversial... Lennon wasn't exactly his own biggest fan when it came to judging his work. Old interviews often reveal him downplaying massive chunks of his Beatles era, like dismissing songs that defined a generation. Was this humility, or did he underestimate his impact? It's a debate that sparks endless discussions among fans – did his self-criticism stem from genuine dissatisfaction, or was it a way to keep evolving? And this is the part most people miss: his harshness might have fueled his creativity, pushing him toward solo projects that redefined rock.
The chat also delved into Lennon's real-life dramas with the Nixon administration, adding a layer of intrigue beyond the music. He shared how he suspected his phone was tapped, noting the telltale 'noises' that screamed surveillance. 'I know the difference between the phone being normal when I pick it up and when every time I pick it up, there’s a lot of noises,' he explained. The harassment went further: agents lurking outside his door, tails in cars that didn't bother hiding. Lennon felt targeted, saying, '(The administration was) coming for me one way or another; I mean, they were harassing me.' For those new to this history, this was part of the broader '60s counterculture clash, where rock stars like Lennon symbolized rebellion against authority – think of it as a real-life thriller where music met politics.
He wasn't alone in this spotlight, either. Lennon pointed out that Mick Jagger pulled strings behind the scenes to help the Rolling Stones tour the US, even 'vanish up his own manhole' to sneak Keith Richards and the band in. 'All of us have problems,' Lennon noted. 'It’s just that I wanted to stay here.' This raises eyebrows: was Nixon's suspicion of these artists a justified crackdown on potential unrest, or an overreach that stifled free expression? It's a polarizing topic that still divides opinions today.
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Catch more snippets from this fascinating interview, plus Horne's recollections of meeting Lennon, tomorrow evening (October 9) on Boom Radio. It's a rare peek into the mind of a legend at a pivotal moment.
Will Simpson is a freelance music expert whose work has appeared in Classic Rock, Classic Pop, Guitarist and Total Guitar magazine. He is the author of 'Freedom Through Football: Inside Britain's Most Intrepid Sports Club' and his second book 'An American Cricket Odyssey' is due out in 2025
What do you think – was Lennon right to doubt Walls and Bridges, or should we revere it as a masterpiece? And on the Nixon front, do you see it as necessary vigilance or unfair persecution? Share your takes in the comments; I'd love to hear if you agree, disagree, or have your own Lennon stories!
