Watch John Lennon Get Pissed Off About Peace And Wrong Takes
English musician, singer and guitarist with the Beatles, John Lennon (1940-1980) pictured during production and filming of the British musical comedy film Help! on New Providence Island in the Bahamas on 2nd March 1965. (Photo by William Lovelace/Daily Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
When the Beatles officially split on April 10, 1970, it was no shock to the members. By then, each was already deep into their next creative phase, with solo records nearly ready for release. John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr quickly jumped into their own musical pursuits, eager to redefine themselves outside the band’s fame. Notably, McCartney took no breaks, charging forward with a steady stream of albums and tours that kept him consistently in the spotlight.
Lennon: Embracing Activism and Experimental Art
John Lennon’s solo journey was both intensely personal and openly political. With Yoko Ono by his side, Lennon released eight studio albums throughout the ’70s, experimenting with sounds and diving into activism. He challenged social norms and questioned authority in both his music and interviews. In one now-famous exchange with a BBC reporter, Lennon’s passion and frustration came through: “I used my songwriting ability to write a song that we could all sing together,” he said of his iconic protest song “Give Peace a Chance.” He added, “I’m proud that they sang it at the moratorium… I’ll be glad to go there and sing with them.”
The video of this interview captures Lennon’s raw energy and the contradictions he faced as both an artist for peace and a man unafraid to speak bluntly. When the reporter pressed him about his commitment, he responded, “I’ve grown up, but you obviously haven’t, have you?” It was Lennon’s most candid, revealing his frustration with society’s expectations versus his authentic self.
Different Paths for the Fab Four
While Lennon embraced activism, the other former Beatles also explored new paths. George Harrison tapped into spirituality, releasing All Things Must Pass, a deeply personal and reflective album. Ringo Starr brought a fresh, down-to-earth vibe to his music, finding success with singles like Photograph. Meanwhile, McCartney’s consistent releases showed his dedication to rock and kept fans connected to that familiar Beatles spirit.
Watch the interview below:
