1964 John Lennon Interview In Australia During The Beatles Tour

A great interview with John Lennon touching on sport, religion, Auntie Mini and how he met Paul McCartney

[@equilibrium4193]

John probably never had an awkward conversation in his life. The guy was incredibly witty.

[@34hedgehog]

Never had an awkward conversation? Check-out the post-'Beatles are bigger than Christ' press conference. Squirm-inducing!

[@user-qt5eh9wb7g]

I agree, though Andy is right about the Christ press conference, lol. However, overall John probably never felt out of control in many conversations (from what I've seen), and his wit was tip top. I love the interview on youtube where he tells the interviewer "we all know you're a nicotine addict!", just cracks me up, his little mini stinging comments.

[@sarastrand9024]

Andy Northall - You call that inquisitory trial A CONVERSATION!! He was under horrible pressure, death threats from all the bible belt psycho bigots and the good Christians of kkk.Are you not the land of the free speech?In that witch hunt John kept cool ,explained what he had meant (he could have said: tv is more popular than Jesus, it would have been equally true and none would have blinked! Go and see his WHOLE statement.

[@bobdownes162]

He's naturally witty, 'cus he's a Liverpudlian. The females of Liverpool, I can assure you are quite 'sharp' as well.

[@sonicdoesfrontflips]

I highly doubt that. While very confident on the surface, deep down he had a lot of insecurities. "I got a chip on my shoulder that's bigger than my feet. I can't talk to people that I meet!" That's from I'll Cry Instead, which John wrote.

[@mydozer]

What I liked about John was he was an honest man that spoke the truth. even if it got him in trouble.

[@m.e.d.7997]

Truly wish he had not met Yoko.

[@sliat1981]

Margaret I wish he never met Cynthia

[@beatlelennon9168]

100%

[@chantelleadlington]

@@sliat1981 wish he never met Cynrhia? She really helped him and was his rock after his mother died. Fuck off.

[@olwencape9991]

@@andrews1597 yes Yoko loved him do much that she was having an affair they were on the verge of splitting up. Sam Havitoy lived in Dakota for the next 20years.

[@vashna3799]

Before John, no musician /pop singer acted or spoke like him. He was witty, ironic, surreal, articulate, hilarious, intellectual, and everyone as tried to copy him ever since.

[@brockytv7359]

actually, talking witty and intellectual was common back then.

[@jprg1966]

This is an unusually good Beatle interview for 1964. No stupid questions about their hair or money. And John was his usual, completely honest self.

[@chrishyde1216]

Wonder where the interviewer was going with the question about Brian being a friend?

[@ellenmurphy2150]

I like this interviewer. He listens and lets John talk. He's obviously a fanboy too.

[@steffanhoffmann8937]

Aussies are the best at interviewing.

[@ericpresley4763]

This is one of the few interviews where the interviewer didn't ask about hair

[@jimbobjimjim6500]

That was mainly asked in shallow, superficial North America.

[@jamesguy1030]

jimbobjim ~ Yeah, Check out the amazing documentary footage called = “THE WINGED BEATLE” it’s one of the most important & fascinating documentary films about the Beatles to date and is a must see for everyone that is a true fan of the Beatles The extended version is the best one YOU WON’T BE DISAPPOINTED !

[@debwallis9935]

@@jamesguy1030 definitely food for thought in this series

[@64fairlane305]

The interviewer is an intelligent man and they shows mutual respect

[@amexjam55]

John was such a cool guy.

[@coopersmith6977]

Yeah. Intelligent too.

[@amexjam55]

Without a doubt.

[@cockshield]

He was cool here, he stopped being cool after he met Yoko and became a hypocritical, obnoxious hippie.

[@lol-oe1md]

The Wolf is Awesome pretty sure that john had done drugs way before meering yoko

[@sarastrand9024]

Cockshield .Look, you can say anything about John EXEPT that he was a hypocrite.He was always brutally honest especially on his own shortcomings.Don't believe the fascist hype! And the hippie movement wasn'only sexdrugs&rocknroll.

[@omgyankeefan]

I could listen to him all day

[@subhranshudas8862]

+Cassie Rosa Me too...Can we listen together?

[@marendenison3391]

To quote A Hard Day's Night: "I could listen to him for hours."

[@barnabyaprobert5159]

I still watch "A Hard Days Night" about once a year. Lotsa Larfs!

[@isabellacolantonio521]

+Barnaby ap Robert once a year!?!?! 😂😂😂😂😂!!! I watch it maybe 3-5 times a week!!!

[@barnabyaprobert5159]

Naw, I need that time to watch "HELP!"

[@billyshears6604]

John at his best. He seemed very relaxed

[@markmullins5822]

Billy Shears This was before the drug period, This was June 64, they were introduced to Pot by Bob Dylan in late August 64 and in April 65 John and George were introduced to Acid by John's Dentist

[@m.e.d.7997]

@@markmullins5822 Very sad, they were relatively drug free prior to that. Apparently,they were given drugs to keep them alert and awake when performing on tour. The drugs affected them negatively after the Pot etc. Dylan said he was shocked when he met them and they had never tried pot. Should not have given it to them. They did not need it. Have to agree John at his very best here.

[@aliofly]

Margaret haha don’t be silly Marge

[@briancollins5117]

Yeah, I liked him during this period. But I wish I hadn't read about him post 1966 or so, because he was really nasty, selfish and cruel and heroin and LSD killed his ego, drive and patience. It seemed like he was maybe starting to come around in 1980 and then he was killed, so we'll never know.

[@waynej2608]

@@markmullins5822 Actually, I believe it was George's dentist. But, no big deal. I happen to think there music was enhanced in the later years, and certain drugs played a key part, in that. Not heroin though, that's a nowhere habit. Glad John kicked it, and wrote Cold Turkey.

[@hohaia01]

that interviewer was really very good. very relaxed and easy going. helped the interview to flow by because the relaxed atmosphere rubbed off on John.

[@sliat1981]

hohaia rangi he’s Australian. They’re laid back

[@Voxac100b]

He was great brilliant sensible questions

[@briancollins5117]

They're usually clueless, he was good and listened.

[@glennforsyth7581]

One of the best interviews ever done during beatlemania...

[@waynej2608]

One can tell that John appreciated the guy, too.

[@EchoBravo370]

John brought his Aunt Mimi on their trip to Australia. Very sweet.

[@jonburrows2883]

Great interview. Not very often that John seemed to genuinely like the interviewer

[@sonnyburnett8725]

This guy “interviewer” was so nice and professional. What a nice treat from what we usually saw and have to say I’ve never seen an interviewer who could keep John so calm.

[@MrDaiseymay]

He reminded me of a great teacher I knew in the 1950's, who not only talked to you like a favourte uncle, but encouraged you and praised your efforts.

[@westfield90]

John Lennon was amazing

[@kaymuldoon3575]

I love this interview. Shows the best of John. The interviewer gave him the chance to actually talk and I love his voice and his accent. I could listen to him for hours...in fact I could listen to him read the phone book. LOL

[@paullynnlightfoot8428]

Imagine John Lennon reading a phone book! How long do you think it would take before he had you laughing?

[@kaymuldoon3575]

paullynn lightfoot about 30 seconds into it. Lol

[@sarastrand9024]

Same here! I could also lLOOK at him, his lovely hair and smart, ironic eyes 4 hours, days, ecc.

[@Turtledove2009]

Oh yes!

[@bethanygoldsworthy9573]

John liked that interviewer alot, you can tell. Asked good questions

[@FoTwenny]

That's when you discover the other things.. Classic

[@melodymundy5985]

John was lovely in all interviews. What a unique voice.

[@saturnoc4975]

This must be the best interview someone did to Lennon in 1964. He looks so comfort and open about his work.

[@nickdryad]

Helter Skelter. True. Good questions help and Lennon is in great form. Happy memories would include Jenny Kee.

[@kevanbrown7620]

John is simply the greatest artist ever. He's a genius. An icon. 1 of the all time greatest songwriters. He's part of Lennon and McCartney. He formed the greatest and most successful band ever. He wrote some of the greatest tracks ever. Strawberry Field's Forever, A Day In The Life (with McCartney) is the greatest track ever recorded. John Lennon Airport in Liverpool. Strawberry Field's garden in Central Park in New York. He wrote Imagine, a song everyone knows. REMEMBER LENNON ✌️ 🍏⭐🕯️

[@Missjunebugfreak]

John is my favorite vocalist and songwriter of the Beatles. A truly distinctive artist that's had immense impact on me.

[@sonnyburnett8725]

I could never have been this mature at this age as someone said. When you listen to them over the years all through there twenties they continually give the greatest responses. I can’t believe it. They’re truly a once in a lifetime band or maybe group of talent.

[@catlovertea4203]

I miss you, John. They were great role models with respect to the fact that it wasn't just their music that was unique and appreciated, it was their ability to be their own persons that no amount of fame or anyone else changed. They didn't play up to anyone, yet maintained charm and respect. True gentlemen who held their own. Great role modeling there, speaking from their influence on me and the generation I watched during my preteen and teen years at the time. They gave us the freedom to be real, because they were. I remember that being a good influence.

[@hippojuice23]

Catlover tea4 Well stated.

[@briancollins5117]

True...until in a few years, jaded by the world, he wasn't.

[@morbidmanmusic]

Roll models... lol. Okay. Sure.

[@barnabyaprobert5159]

There NO WAY I could have handled this sort of fame and pressure at ***23***.

[@mandypainise1949]

*while being a parent as well

[@gretchennelson9965]

Exactly. I’d like to see anybody that could.

[@mezzetin1]

He's a lad. Awesome. Never seen this. KZbin can be a goldmine. John was very clear and decent, with regards to Brian's role in their success. Rare chat about Neil and Mal. Super cool.

[@lonedrone]

Great interview! So obvious that John liked the guy as a person. Because the guy was a real person as opposed to being a brain dead hack and asked real questions. John always responded to intelligence and sincerity in kind.

[@davecostello560]

These Melbourne interviews are quite special. Lennon seems so balanced, open and in fine form.

[@dalemunro6879]

Gotta love Johns honesty and humour

[@braedynadams2827]

i love john so much. he was such an amazing man.

[@allymayful]

Neat interview - John comes across as really pleasant - very likeable.

[@lenalennon8746]

My favourite thing about this interview is the reporter's absolute DELIGHT with John's charmingly hilarious personality. He is completely smitten with The Smart One. 💓🙏 (As well he should be!)

[@rayburnmilner7351]

All the Beatles were so genuine, straight forward, down to earth. So very real. They never worshiped their fame and success. They remained true and honest to themselves and what they truly were. Unlike the fame and glory seeking stars of today and the past. Especially in recent years, and the fraudulent so called artists, mostly in hip hop and rap where money fame and glory is the main goal, Not artistic achievement.

[@adolflenin4973]

Is James Milner your brother?

[@morbidmanmusic]

You are so clueless,

[@ItamarDorneles1970]

Rap and hip hop aren't music.

[@allenjones3130]

​@@ItamarDorneles1970 I agree!

[@russellcampbell9198]

He was a very interesting young man. One the best Beatle interviews.

[@LoisGavros]

I never realised how much the Beatles said "You know".

[@katethomas5712]

It's a Liverpool thing

[@deliusmyth5063]

See Stevie Riks' impression of John.

[@braedynadams2827]

paul did A LOT

[@Teacakes03]

Their “you know” is our “like” pretty much

[@antoineveling2650]

John is so composed and at ease. I love his cheek. And I, too, am sport agnostic!

[@icequeen8531]

His accent is lovely!

[@sarastrand9024]

Ice queen, JOHN was lovely.And sharp.And very sexy!

[@m.e.d.7997]

@@sarastrand9024 And it has also been said John was the genius behind the group.

[@sarastrand9024]

@Ice Queen Totally agree with you.At times some people "forget" HE founded the band, named it and chose the other members!

[@iwansyarif8669]

Is that scouse accent?

[@jamesguy1030]

Ice Queen ~ Yeah, Check out the amazing documentary footage called = “THE WINGED BEATLE” it’s one of the most important & fascinating documentary films about the Beatles to date and is a must see for everyone that is a true fan of the Beatles The extended version is the best one YOU WON’T BE DISAPPOINTED The Beatles are the best of British Youth Culture 🇬🇧

[@Patricia-ok1cd]

Aww John you are so nice. It's a really good interview and so good to hear your voice. You were so intelligent, funny, a fabulous musician and songwriter. It's just so wrong and unjust that you are no longer with us. We shall never forget you and all the songs and fun memories of you are ours to keep forever.

[@jbfonfrias9133]

These early interviews were so cool. Just when you get the feel they're having a private Q&A, John makes sure he's including everyone who's eavesdropping by looking at the camera. A down to earth guy across the universe !

[@JoaMaj]

Even though this was filmed before I was born, I find myself thinking, "What a well-spoken young man!"

[@iamtoothewalrus]

John's honesty, sorely lacking today...

[@chrisbodum3621]

*iamtoothewalrus* years ago John's honesty, sorely lacking today... Go on then, name 432 instances that show this to be true.

[@meganroepke9601]

This is one of those interviews that I really like to listen to. John is a great conversationalist and I enjoy that about him. The interviewer actually listened to him and asked good questions. John wasn't afraid to speak his mind but here he did it subtly, which is what I liked. This period of John I really enjoy because he is happier and healthier. I can listen to John talk all day. This is why I love him ❤

[@roydidlock1867]

The interviewer, Malcolm Searle, had hosted a popular Australian TV quiz from 1960-63 called The Coles 3000 Pound Question. At the time of the interview, he was a announcer at Melbourne Radio Station 3AK. He died in 2008.

[@geoffthomson1686]

Thanks for this info about the name of the interviewer,..I was reading the comments to find it out. You're the first one who mentions his name.

[@geoffthomson1686]

(...Just saw his name printed at the start of the video which I missed before:)

[@kimhayes3828]

He was really personable. He seemed interested in John's answers to his questions and showed respect.

[@tyronewhitehead3123]

I could watch and listen to John all day 👋🎸

[@marlenesullivan3113]

24/7 L♡VE JOHN

[@NaaHva]

His name is Colin.

[@deanharvey7556]

Fantastic interview and shows John as relaxed,funny and natural .

[@rosea2350]

I wish he was still alive; he would piss people off but he’d be telling the truth, it’s just what this world needs.

[@terrythekittieful]

Dont know who the interviewer is, he's no Michael Parkinson or Dick Cavett, but he is respectful and doesn't treat John like an idiot. It was enjoyable watching this.

[@chloethebeatlemaniac9403]

2:06 "That's when you discover the other things."

[@rakhmatwijaksana8402]

The beatles musics never die unless we're doom

[@callahanburke8486]

( ;

[@atroyz]

I could listen to this guy talk for days on end. Lennon was so witty. The press really had it out for him in the late 60’s and this relationship changed. But here he’s so open and honest. Agnostic! That’s one way of putting it!

[@michelepotterhead1079]

john was so bright and witty....i love johns voice...i could listen to john all day long

[@nickdryad]

He asked John about religion and the Australian people didn’t react to his answer by burning Beatles records.

[@EchoBravo370]

Americans are suspicious of unreligious people - in Australia it is the other way around

[@nickdryad]

@@EchoBravo370 absolutely spot on. I wonder if by getting away with it in Australia, he thought it wasn’t a very controversial thing to say. Of course it was printed by a journalist, which made it quite a serious thing to say.

[@littlemissblackdress7587]

because we aren't creepy sky fairy worshippers here.

[@nickdryad]

@@littlemissblackdress7587 So true. They’re worse now, too.

[@RogerPeet]

The 'people' in the southern U.S. are not formally educated. They are the easiest to brainwash.

[@perrin6]

I think John's humour was influenced by spike Milligan a highly imaginative comic writer who got PTSD in world war 2, his madcap humourous style was a response to stress. His 'goon shows' have similar wacky asides and use of wild imagery.

[@waynej2608]

And Peter Sellers, another from 'The 'Goons', was a favorite, too.

[@adrianburn7178]

What a mature young man. Great interview!

[@milosit]

What a great interviewer. He had done his homework and didn't ask any asinine questions.

[@dannypound7626]

This cat was really enjoying John's humor! Fun to see...

[@chrishyde1216]

60 years later and many of us are still in awe of John. He was only 23 when this was recorded. Shine on John.

[@dvinedzine]

"Agnostic about sports, too"--LOL!

[@andyrudy8627]

Me and John share the same love for sports! Lol

[@drewmango]

Church social... Agnostic church social

[@plasteredbastard]

John was intuitive and just got it for 23

[@GingerGilligan]

Nowadays if someone said "The critics say it's sick" people would take it as a compliment.

[@olivmccartney3631]

HE SOUNDED SO MUCH LIKE BRIAN THAT WAS AMAZING!

[@sunsilab2655]

Lennon in a chill AF mood, lovely lovely

[@spikebythesea]

John is gone, the interviewer (I don’t know who it is) is probably gone. Neil, Derek and Mal are all gone. Thank you very much for posting this video!

[@eldiablo8580]

It looks like they both were enjoying themselves. They sound like old friends catching up. *Best Bit* "I gave up playing football at 14. That's when I discovered other things" (cheeky grin and look at the camera)

[@Spottedstreak]

I love his interviews so much. I could listen to him talk for ages. ;u;

[@blackspace007]

This was lovely. Thank you so much. I've never seen this before. John is fantastic one on one and being sincere.

[@seagullpoet]

John was 24 years old or so. Amazing.

[@kirbygene]

Far and away the best interviewer from those early days of Beatlemania

[@cwegers3]

Great interviewer . You can tell that John is comfortable .

[@lailapspoitier1111]

Very witty for his age. Thanks for uploading! :)

[@paullynnlightfoot8428]

Very witty his whole life, and oh how much I wish he were still carrying on here with the living. (Hell, he was probably witty even before he could talk!)

[@frankhornby6873]

Lailaps Poitier ....all us scousers are naturally witty....we all want to see the funny side of every occasion.....we're just not a miserable breed....easier to laugh than cry....it's more enjoyable....👍🏻...all the Beatles are typical scousers.....but I'm disappointed that they "poshed up" their accents....

[@dixgun]

Seems to me that he found Australia relaxing or there wasn’t the same kind of pressures in Australia than in the USA and UK.

[@steffanhoffmann8937]

Perfect!

[@debradireen3625]

❤ I was always enamored of John, I loved his interviews, very intelligent man!

[@rafflesxyz4800]

Superb John. Far ahead of his time in interviews with the press!

[@deeestuary]

Lovely interview. John was very pleasant and relaxed here, but after the Beatles split up no doubt he felt the strain of all the fame and expectation and there was a time when he couldn’t say a good word about anyone including the other ex Beatles.

[@terencehennegan1439]

This is without doubt one of the best interviews with J L I’ve seen. Very down to earth. Great.

[@Voxac100b]

Top interviewer.

[@maricelagutierrez4195]

I love you John!!!

[@daymosn3977]

God bless you john i love you forever xx

[@Cryo837]

A good interviewer so Lennon felt more relaxed and gave more straight answers.

[@tdunph4250]

It's amazing to take the John Lennon in this interview and the you look at the same John Lennon being interviewed in like 1970 or 1970 and you have like two different people. The transformation is incredible!!!

[@itsonelouder1]

I agree, it's like watching two different men. I think the lsd changed his personality. Cynthia mentions it in her book, which is a very engaging read. She knew him better than anyone.

[@robertpamler5372]

Legend and great interview 👌

[@julianaylor4351]

The young John Lennon before Beatlemania got too much.❤️

[@janelleguerrero4142]

John Lennon my Loveee ❤️

[@richardbanker6041]

The interviewer did a really fine job with this interview and John looked pretty relaxed. He had the chance to male a good number of seripus points besides his characteristic humour and quick wittedness. A pleasure to watch.

[@MR-ey1ff]

Best best voice of all Times in Any way.

[@Lennon6412]

One of the best Beatlemania interviews. Far better than the American ones, disorganised and full of shouting.

[@bubbly912]

Lennon6412 Americans don't have the intelligence to ask logical questions..asking about say "their favourite food" it seemed to be the way anyway

[@laughingball]

A great find! Thanks for posting this. Good interviewer and John honest, warm and witty.

[@barnabyaprobert5159]

This is a great interview as the reporter came up with NEW questions rather then the same 20 questions (except for the "When did you meet Paul" one)

[@JannikLindquist]

"We're agnostic about sport" 😂 John fully realized that sport and religion are very similar: as long as people root for a certain team they don't question the institution itself.

[@charleswinokoor6023]

Very good interview. I give the fellow doing it a lot of credit.

[@WeirdScienceComics]

This guy is a great interviewer, him and John had a great chemistry and never interrupted John and seemed really engaged - John is so comfortable here and smiled a lot. I think that John liked that the guy laughed at the "right times" with his jokes and I'm guessing that John get a kick that he had talked to Mimi.

[@bryanpalmer9660]

this is a good,balanced interview-the reporter is pleasent,easy-going and talks to John without patronizing him and John realises that and speaks with honesty and humour Auckland New Zealand 2022

[@leftchicago]

This is one of the only times I've seen where the interviewer asked thoughtful and insightful questions and sure enough, Lennon responds in kind. Some of those early interviewers were trying their best to either get controversial comments from them or asked stupid questions about their hair.

[@sallykohorst8803]

Yes john is amazing.

[@37Dionysos]

Wish somebody would dig out The Beatles' film out-takes----bet there's a lot of fun to be seen as they did (as John says here) "an hour of rubbish" before they got the right take for each scene....

[@markzappasodi]

37Dionysos : The outtakes for A Hard Day's Night and Help! were destroyed years ago. They don't exist anymore.

[@lol-oe1md]

Mark Zappasodi what a shame. Why were they destroyed?

[@daviddeegrollert706]

A good interviewer is one who respects the interviewee, like this one!

[@johnurban7333]

Very good interview with John

[@ianwebster3489]

Tell you what's weird. I'm 34. I've loved the Beatles since I put 2 & 2 together with Ringo Starr narrating my Thomas the Tank Engine video but I rarely watch them doing much. It's difficult to watch black and white television and see actual people being filmed in black and white rather than black and white people on TV, if that makes sense. Also, whenever I've watched the Beatles do anything, it's been from the perspective of seeing adults through the eyes of a child. As one gets older I suppose we start to see these adults get younger and younger as we ourselves age. I'm seeing, for the first time, John as a very young adult. It's sweet, really.

[@gretchennelson9965]

Oh my God, I could listen to Johnny read the fucking phone book and it would make me weak in the knees. How I LOVED his voice.💙💖💚🌈

[@markussivertsenhagen2696]

John lennon is so cool

[@derek5168]

This interviewer did a great job not asking nonsense questions that's probably why John was relaxed with his questions but when journalists asked him nonsense questions he would put them in their place by insulting them with great humour

[@skywatcher4076]

If you like Monty python type humour then read John's books in his own write and a Spaniard in the works. John is my favourite Beatle He was funniest Beatle And his songs are my favorites.

[@waynej2608]

I would also recommend his third book, published posthumously, entitled. 'Skywriting by Word of Mouth'. It has some auto-biographical material, with John's wonderful wit and humor. And contains his drawings and some poetry. It's very impressive.

[@carlamohor3566]

It feels so great watching him being interviewed by respectful journalists. He even talked about being agnostic (which is not 100% truth). Putting my madness and obsession aside, he was quite interesting to talk to.