Sean Ono Lennon, son of the late John Lennon and Yoko Ono, has provided insights into why his father may have grown to "resent" his time as a member of The Beatles. Lennon explained that his father's disillusionment was not with music itself, but with the specific nature of global pop stardom and the demands of a massive musical machine.
The musician and producer shared his perspective during an interview with Chris Hawkins on BBC Radio 6 Music. This discussion comes after Sean oversaw the audio mastering for the concert footage in the recent documentary film, *One To One: John & Yoko*, which details his parents' life in New York City during the early 1970s.
Key Takeaways
- John Lennon's son, Sean Ono Lennon, believes his father resented a specific type of fame.
- Lennon sought to move beyond The Beatles' pop machinery.
- His relationship with Yoko Ono was a catalyst for this shift.
- Early post-Beatles musical projects, like *Some Time in New York City*, faced public resistance.
- Sean Ono Lennon has curated a new boxset, *Power To The People*, focusing on his parents' New York era.
John Lennon's Shift from Pop Stardom
Sean Ono Lennon clarified that his father's feelings were not about music itself. Instead, they focused on the constraints and expectations that came with being a Beatle. "I don’t feel that he’d fallen out of love with music," Sean stated. "I think he’d fallen out of love with a certain kind of fame."
He described John Lennon's desire to break free from what he called a "machinery, of a pop machine." This framework, Sean explained, was something his father actively rebelled against even during The Beatles' most famous period.
"I think he’d fallen out of love with having to be a part of a machinery, of a pop machine, you know."
Fact File: The Beatles' Global Impact
- The Beatles formed in Liverpool in 1960.
- They achieved 20 number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
- The band sold over 600 million records worldwide, making them the best-selling music act of all time.
- Their influence on music, fashion, and culture remains significant decades after their breakup.
Yoko Ono as a Catalyst for Change
The relationship between John Lennon and Yoko Ono played a crucial role in Lennon's desire for change. Sean noted that his mother was a significant "catalyst" for his father's decision to move in a new direction. Lennon wanted to be a "radical artist and activist" alongside Yoko, whom he had deeply loved.
This period marked a transition for John Lennon. He sought new ways to create and express himself, pushing boundaries beyond the established norms of pop music. This ambition, however, came with challenges.
Post-Beatles Artistic Exploration
John Lennon's post-Beatles work often explored more experimental and politically charged themes. This was a departure from the more polished sound The Beatles were known for. Sean referred to this period as having "growing pains."
One notable example was the album *Some Time in New York City*, recorded with Yoko Ono. Sean believes the songs on this album are "really great," but acknowledges they were "less manicured than what people were used to." The recording process was impulsive and quick, reflecting a "rock and roll spirit" that Sean described as "almost like a punk, a proto-punk kind of spirit."
Background: The Early 1970s in NYC
During the early 1970s, John Lennon and Yoko Ono lived in Greenwich Village, New York City. This era was marked by their deep involvement in protest politics and activism. They used their platform to advocate for peace and social justice, often integrating these messages into their music and public appearances. Their benefit concert at Madison Square Garden was a notable event from this time.
The album's heavily political messaging, combined with its raw sound, was not well-received by all audiences. "I don’t think people were ready for that," Sean commented. The album's commercial performance also presented difficulties. "I think when it didn’t sell, I think that was hard for them."
Documentary Insights and Reissues
The recent documentary film, *One To One: John & Yoko*, has received critical acclaim. NME awarded the film five stars, praising its structure and its blend of political, informative, and inspiring elements. The review highlighted the bittersweet feeling of wondering what kind of figure Lennon would have become in the 21st century.
Sean Ono Lennon has been actively involved in preserving and reissuing his father's work. Last year, he oversaw the production of the *Mind Games* reissue boxset. This album was originally released during what Sean described as a "really terrifying" time for his parents.
The *Mind Games* album represented a shift away from overt radical activism. Sean explained, "I think they felt like they didn’t want to be in that world anymore." They decided to focus on music that emphasized "peace and love again," rather than directly attacking the establishment.
Personal Connection to Music
Sean also shared a personal reason for his own musical journey. He revealed last year that his mother, Yoko Ono, has never fully recovered from John Lennon's death. For Sean, making music became a way to cope with his father's loss.
"I never played music because I was good at it," he stated. "I lost my father and I didn’t know how to fill that void. Learning how to play his songs on guitar was a way to process the loss with an activity that made me feel connected to him." This emotional connection highlights the lasting impact of his father's legacy on his own life and artistic endeavors.
New Boxset Release: *Power To The People*
Sean Ono Lennon has now curated a new boxset titled *Power To The People*. This collection is set for release on October 10.
The boxset focuses on John and Yoko's New York City era. It includes a variety of unreleased material, providing a deeper look into their creative process during this significant period. The collection will feature:
- Unreleased demos
- Home recordings
- Jam sessions
- Live cuts
- Unique mixes
Additionally, *Power To The People* will include a newly restored version of the iconic song 'Instant Karma! (We All Shine On)'. This release offers fans and scholars new insights into the couple's artistic and activist efforts.
In other news, the younger Lennon recently collaborated with Zak Starkey’s band Mantra Of The Cosmos on their track ‘Rip Off’. This project also involved James McCartney, son of Paul McCartney, bringing together the sons of two legendary Beatles on a new musical endeavor.