The Real Story of John Lennon’s First Acid Trip

The Beatles are legendary for their music and the stories that built their mythos. One pivotal chapter in their journey was when Paul McCartney and John Lennon shared their first acid trip, a mind-expanding experience that deepened their bond and perhaps influenced their creative path. McCartney later revealed this moment, showing us the profound connection it created between the two.

A Mind-Bending Experience Together

Although George Harrison and John Lennon had tried LSD earlier, McCartney was initially hesitant. By the summer of 1967, though, he was no stranger to it and even discussed it in interviews. During one trip with Lennon, they reached a level of closeness McCartney describes as “star-crossed poets” sharing a deep, almost surreal connection. He recalls the experience with amazement:

“We looked into each other’s eyes, the eye contact thing we used to do, which is fairly mind-boggling. You dissolve into each other. You’re looking into each other’s eyes and you would want to look away, but you wouldn’t, and you could see yourself in the other person. It was a very freaky experience and I was totally blown away.”

LSD’s Lasting Impact on McCartney

The experience was so powerful that McCartney couldn’t help but question how one could return to everyday life afterward. He reflected on how it forced him to make big decisions about his life and perspective. During this transformative moment, he even saw Lennon as an “absolute Emperor of Eternity.”

However, the trip wasn’t without its downsides. McCartney soon felt exhausted and craved rest. Although Lennon doubted sleep would help, McCartney eventually found some solace in bed, even as the hallucinations continued. Lennon’s steady presence throughout was a source of comfort—a testament to the depth of their friendship.

Reflecting on this, McCartney mused, “There’s something disturbing about it. You ask yourself, ‘How do you come back from it?’… And the answer is, you don’t.” This shared experience was a significant moment in the Beatles’ history, revealing the unbreakable bond between two friends on a unique, mind-altering journey.