Jesus - John Lennon Controversy (Part 4 of 4)

Through it all, the Beatles prevailed, their records sold, and their 1966 USA tour was a success.
The documentary closes with a fascinating interview conducted backstage at their Memphis concert.

[@pokeythescowlingcat6221]

"You can't be silent about anything unless you're a monk"-John Lennon

[@Benniedixi]

OMG brings back memories, I was there, was 12 yrs old. lived in Tupelo I loved their music, the vocals, their harmonies, remembering I was pissed cause I couldn't hear them for all the screaming. I truly wanted to hear them singing live. Now at 61 fill so blessed I got to see and hear them screaming and all...they had a hugh impact on my life and love of music and harmony. How many albums today can you not only sing every word to every song, but remember the song that came after it on the album.

[@tullibee]

From Oxford. My uncle from Amory saw them as well.

[@tullibee]

I always ask my uncle about what it was like seeing the Beatles. One too many times as he says oh no, not again. Me asking what it was like. Must have been a fascinating time.

[@wendypierce2487]

Living is easy with eyes closed misunderstanding all you see......

[@cometogetherjl80]

65' 66" BEATLES at the Holly Wood Bowl and Dodger Stadium....Best time of my life. Miss John and George!!

[@n0wh3r3mann]

John was only hated for saying that because he was very famous. If someone else said what he said it wouldn't have mattered. It's not fair because celebrities words are always taken more seriously.

[@nathanwilliamson1967]

Julia Mann It's only because they influenced teenagers so much back in that day. It was so much different than it is today. People in these areas were worried that these remarks made by such an impressionable person would decrease religious faith in their children. Not saying I agree with them necessarily, but as a parent I can say that I would do anything for my kid, and if that meant keeping their soul in heaven, I would do it.

[@freddiefaulig8751]

Julia Eve I think Kanye West was the most awful thing he said. He said he was a god

[@thebrickstudios6601]

@@freddiefaulig8751 John 10:34 we all are Gods that's we all need to understand Our father is Lord of lords.

[@eppylover]

Fantastic. I really remember all this happening, because it was shortly before we went to see the Beatles Detroit concert on August 13, 1966.

[@AcaciaApparition]

George said it spot on when he was talking about the DJ Tommy Charles' "stunt".The youngest one of them all,yet most mature.

[@SubconsciousGatherer]

All this happened before I was even born, but still it embarrasses me that it happened in the country I live in. Religion is a horrible poison, and I wish America would get over it.

[@hifijohn]

we forget what a powerful church state the south was back then.

[@minnowpd]

John Lennon is still near the top of the evangelical hate list.

[@tullibee]

@@minnowpd Losing his mother didn't help him. He never healed from that. I sympathize with him.

[@tullibee]

The South went off the deep end. Hypocrisy was rampant such as denial for a college education at Ole Miss where I went to college, Kkk displaying their idiocy but supporting hangings of Black people, etc, but claiming they are Christian. But the South has changed for much better.

[@jrsmith1998]

what? 😂. Be serious! The south are hypocrites at best !!!

[@bacculus]

...oh, and then he gets killed 14 years later by a ex-Texan adult child of an abusive military dad turned born-again-christian mental patient. Fate is not without a sense of irony.

[@ClarenceFisher]

3:46 - Paul seems perturbed that George would DARE interrupt, but George had the best remark out of that conference.

[@tamargabrielkevorkian1871]

Not perturbed... He really did not mind

[@sav0618]

Paul saved the day - as he usual did. John, Brian leaned on him to get through this and he came through!

[@third.act.countdown]

George, nice and quite

[@tamargabrielkevorkian1871]

[@tunenito]

To kelseyandearth and all who have responded to this video: Even though I haven't responded to most of the posts here, I've read and appreciated all the comments. Many thanks, everyone!

[@keaton1895]

Johns statement is basically, would you go to a Beatle conert or to church if they happened at the same time.

[@nnnnnnnp]

I bet a the teenage kids were like the hell to this rally i want to go see the Beatles.

[@Thomasfannon]

people trip so hard about small things...john lennons words about Jesus were totally taken out of context

[@PeterSmith-lo4rd]

George Harrison hit the nail on the head about DJ Tommy Charles. Those bonfires were uncalled for John Lennon never meant to offend anyone with those comments & at the end of the day he was right about Christianity it vanished and shrunk a long time ago.

[@sheltiepaws1]

Hi @SubconsciousGatherer ,I would like to say, " Religion is only poisonus if it's interrupted the wrong way, a good example is this," if you have a heart full of love you will see things in a loving manner but, if you see things in a fire and brimstone way well then we're all doomed. It's not the religion part that is bad it's the interrupter that's bad.

[@markeeledge]

"Onward christian soldiers marching as to war" !!! Christ would be turning in his grave (?) John has been proved correct in his statement and apart from anything else he wrote great songs about love and peace. John Lennon the world needs YOU!

[@stephkills]

@iSago You're welcome :D It wasn't his fault, but he phrased it pretty bad, so it was easy to take out of context. At least he explained it later. People should have calmed down once he explained what he meant, I know I would've.

[@christinafrch904]

Love John.

[@TASLOCO702]

i love Jesus with all my heart,and he was,is,and will be more popular than The Beatles,, but if The Beatles weren't so popular, nobody would have made such a huge deal about what John said. If some homeless guy on the street would have said that, they would've just ignored him completely

[@goobywooby963]

5:25 john: you cant be quiet about anything unless ur a monk. george: O-o john stop that or we will get in trouble! john: srry monks i didn't mean it i meant actually.

[@tunenito]

Yes, this expanded version really puts things into perspective. BTW ... I saw your new Bobby Vee video and it rocks. Great job!

[@lifevorce]

"You can't say things like that--not unless you're a silly little child" Paul McCartney

[@tunenito]

It was a really critical episode in the Beatles' career, and also for all Beatle fans everywhere. I'm glad the boys moved on from this mess. BTW ... There exists a short video of Brian Epstein in a press conference trying to calm down the news media over this issue. As always, Brian was so eloquent!

[@friskylamar]

"Is that anything to cry over?"

[@tamargabrielkevorkian1871]

yes! haha

[@56yhh7mjkj8]

If You ask most teens now days who these rock stars are they have no freekin clue. It seems like all music stars fade. But the Lord never fades or gets forgotten

[@aaronsalisbury2717]

56yhh7mjkj The Beatles are still one of the most popular bands to ever existed, and the image of John Lennon alone has become an icon. I guarantee you most people still know who they are.

[@ladedadedaschlobonmeknob7850]

56yhh7mjkj lol they're referenced in pop culture to this day. Black Beatles for example

[@TitanLRV]

what are you talking about I'm 17 and trust me everyone still knows who they are. Everyone still knows their music. Just because music now is different than music from the 60's doesn't mean we can't appreciate it. In fact, all my friends agree that music was better back then.

[@sammieflute4579]

Ik I’m late but omg I’m 17 too and I know who they were. You’ve commented this on every single video, get over it. The Beatles AT THE TIME were more popular than Jesus.

[@tunenito]

dudeinneed60, you raise some good questions. I think that once Brian's death was declared an accidental overdose, most people pretty much went with that. I haven't heard of any further investigation about his death. It was a sad, unfortunate end to a wonderful person. Yes, I wish he had lived longer and enjoyed his life more ...

[@lifestraight]

@Moniqueee15 Yeah, but he did say Christianity will be wiped out, and disappear in 30 years or something like that which would be disrespectful to say of any religion (Buddhism, Judaism,Islam etc.) What I do agree with is the "more popular" comment because I'm sure more kids today would rather see a Lil Wayne or Hanna Montana concert than go to church or see Jesus.

[@brendaruscigno3006]

The Beatles never said they were bigger than Jesus. They simply made a statement the television and main stream music had the attention of young children more than Jesus. They very obviously thought that that was a problem.

[@Drea98]

Anyone knowhat the actual documentary is called? I need it for an AWESOME project on the Beatles, I need the site for the movie, not just the youtube part.

[@MrMisterChiliPepper88]

I think this is when John became self aware

[@ladedadedaschlobonmeknob7850]

5:24

[@StephenHardy8791]

I am a Christian, and I completely understand what Lennon meant.

[@zoltron30]

You've repented and accepted Jesus Christ as your personal saviour?

[@StephenHardy8791]

@@zoltron30 absolutely brother

[@davesuiter]

John never said he was "bigger than Jesus" He stated he was "taller than Jesus". Now we know this to be true because Jesus was known for plucking figs and olives from the lower branches; He was 5'3-5'4 tops. Lennon was 5'8.

[@TerryGrancho]

lol So you still think a person called Jesus and Christ... existed for real? What about Thor?

[@davesuiter]

You know I jest, correct?

[@alabaster30]

@tjpell68 I didn't think it was creepy at all. That's the way older folks in the south talk to kids.

[@libraryquiet]

It wasn't a mistake or something stupid. He wasn't immature. We've all made comments like that in our lifetime. Not to be taken seriously but to make a point. Like watching a fight on TV. One guy might say, "Oh my mother can beat that guy!", which isn't true, he's just pointing out how bad one of those boxers are.

[@obugger]

@alabaster30- I was speaking of the UK, as Lennon was in his original interview. The US is only 60% Christian? I'd have thought it'd be nearer 80%. Still too high for my liking though & it puts me off visiting. I have known some Southerners & very nice they were too, however they were not keen on experiences, cultures and practices which differed from those they grew up with. I fully accept what you say about visiting, the Southerners I've met may not be representative & the media may be wrong.

[@greenwich1754]

@SubconsciousGatherer Not so sure about that - The Old Testament constantly refers to a place where the dead go, and although not painted as heaven or hell, it did not seem to be a place where people would want to be. Jesus said there is a heaven and hell, and He is the "get out of jail free" card. I'd say that's pretty nice!

[@HaleksMTL]

who the hell is Harold???

[@Boxeryukon1]

@antiseptic309 What exactly did John Lennon or The Beatles say that was "arrogant"?

[@MonaeJune]

I don't agree with John (I love him tho), but America REALLY OVER REACTED about the whole thing... and the sad thing is that this happened in the country I live in..... 32 years before I was born....

[@minnagful]

Does anyone know what the girl actually says when the interviewer says "Now is that anything to cry about?"

[@bojackhorseman5367]

something like "it is if you've waited two and a half years to see them".

[@wobblyknees88]

i love john lennon for that!!!love his flamboyance.

[@tjpell68]

@ around 1 min in, reporter seemed creepy ' why are you cryin' honey ' when talking to fan.

[@jennyvalli]

they cant say one word without it getting twisted, mustv been hard for them to say anything at all. as amazing as the beatles are, we're all human, we make mistakes. they did too, its called FORGIVE AND FORGET....let it be man!!!

[@tamargabrielkevorkian1871]

Amen

[@RPM1978]

@Duggars14 We don't know that for sure, what if he repented and accepted Christ before he died? I am not saying he did, but I am not gonna say he didn't either.

[@fauxtoehead]

@JonathanHawes94 That's Harold Wilson, "Mr. Wilson" the "Taxman".

[@eppylover]

Oh my, yes. He rushed to America prior to the last tour, out of a sickbed, to try and explain what John meant ~ not that any of the good ole fundamentalists paid attention to Brian ~ they were only glad to have somebody to stir up their flocks over. I think I've got that vid on VHS or DVD somewhere; I know I have a few versions in audio format. :)

[@tunenito]

Absolutely!

[@leveetator]

@predatormax16 Certainly you have heard of John Lenin, Ringo Stalin and Paul Marx-Artney

[@Nefarioso]

As pop-meister of the group, Paul McCartney absoultely cared what the public thought of the group. John, on the other hand, didn't care. Thast's what separates the pop star (Paul) from the rock star (John.)

[@duffbaker9554]

As if all rock stars don't care what the public the public thinks of them. Got it..

[@steveconn]

I can't help that Jesus knew how to rock.

[@obugger]

@samnahnah - Football is certainly more popular than religion in Britain if that's what you mean.

[@samnahnah]

@obugger yeah.that's it. i think. english isn't my first language

[@tunenito]

I know what you mean .... thanks!

[@alonenjersey]

A classic example of why they had to stop touring.

[@obugger]

@drrobertoboogie97 I think the USA is much more conservative than the UK. Sociologically the US seems quite slow , I guess because it's historically so isolated. The UK has always had fresh ideas coming in from Europe and from the commonwealth and seems more receptive to new ideas than the US. Particularly the South. Lennon was proved correct in what he said, Christianity is almost dead in the UK now, especially amongst the young.

[@KittyHippy]

I feel so sorry for the lil kids....they could be doing something fun....like, being at a Beatles concert....

[@daleandrews9356]

I'll bet those autographs, once authenticated by these videos, would fetch quite the money at say an auction. Anyone care to guess what one might bring?

[@followthesun2115]

I hope someone told John about the love that Jesus has for him before he died.

[@duffbaker9554]

He reportedly had been studying the bible with a Norwegian missionary couple in the late 70's until Yoko found out and put an end to that.

[@plyg]

The Beatles did,nt care what the people thought of them especially John he did,nt give a shit if people liked him or not.

[@GaryDAnderson]

you just may Victor

[@RPM1978]

@SubconsciousGatherer Religion = poison? gimme a break, USA is more religious than Iran, but USA is also more tolerant in regard to which religion one chooses to practice. I am a Christian myself and I will say I appreciate when Christians who do protest at concerts go about telling attendees they are not bad people for attending whatever show/concert.such as Marilyn Manson.

[@stephkills]

@iSago There is a God I believe. I agree with John though, he was just stating a fact, he didnt mean for it to be taken out of context. I'm a Christian, and I wasn't offended at all, I really don't see why they needed to make such a big deal over it.

[@polakowla]

An A plus for your explanation dear:D

[@MuslimApostate]

Why what did he ever do to you?

[@UtopianWorld]

OH my. Those religious people are enough to scare the Jesus OUT of anyone.

[@minnagful]

@T4teens Thanks!

[@BobTheRecordGuy]

He sold out on this story, by trying to back out of a statement that he believed was true (his hatred of religion was consistent, throughout all his writings). If he really believed it, why back off? For the money. He was dishonest by trying to blame the media, as if he was misquoted or taken out of context. Read the original quotes- he wasn't. A similar thing was in 'Revolution' - 'count me out' / 'count me in' - he wanted it both ways - man of peace, guerilla fighter. I actually love the

[@greenwich1754]

@SubconsciousGatherer I've always thought that those who do not believe in God, in effect, have a stronger "faith" than those who do. No evidence? Explain the stars, how eyesight works, how a seed grows to a tree, etc, etc, etc. I find it more difficult to explain (i.e. have stronger "faith") this world we live in without God, than with one. I can even understand people not accepting the biblical God (I do), but no God at all? Yikes!

[@mrstevehartman]

I think The Beatles should of just " flowen over " Alabama to their next concert. Who needs all that crap, anyway ??

[@BobTheRecordGuy]

Obviously John had the right to his opinion but so do the religious people who decried him. What I don't like is that people still think of Lennon as an intellectual giant when he was really just clever (and of course, a great singer and a good songwriter); and as having with steadfast beliefs and the courage of his convictions, when in fact he was wishy washy and 'sold out' as often as not. He sold out his 'bad boy' image when he gave up his leather for that dumb collarless suit.

[@BobTheRecordGuy]

Beatles and even John's solo work (SOME of it) but thru age I now understand that pop stars in general are only entertainers & when you read too much into pop culture it's easy to get in trouble. Most pop stars know as much about politics and philosophy as anybody else, they have no 'special insight'. John's biggest mistake was forgetting that, and his misguided belief that he was an undiscovered genius. If you wanna comment, comment on that; but please take your religious debate elsewhere.

[@eppylover]

Parents stopped their kids from attending, some because they were so offended by John's statement, and others because they were afraid their kids might get hurt if there were any protests/altercations ~ also, "race riots" had taken place in the vicinity of the stadium just days before the concert. So there were more empty seats for that performance than you would normally see for a Beatles concert.

[@mcmchugh99]

The South is about 50-100 years behind the rest of the country. It was always that way.

[@lexo30]

@ighforever - You know that nothing that you wrote here made any sense whatever, right? I mean, I have no idea what you meant by that.

[@plyg]

Oh boy another alter call where people just sit or stand and bawl their heads off

[@nnnndddd693]

@TheKing2033 O RLY?? Firstly, I wanna let you know that I do believe in God. Sometimes. Secondly, it was *rush of emotions*, my words. Not for your dearest Jesus, but for those freaks who made John apologize for nothing (IMHO). Thiiiirdly, believe me, people will listen his music through 50 years, through 100 years and always... Lennon's music (exactly the same as The Beatles) is ALREADY classic. And it will live forever. *next comment*

[@KateMonster761]

@T4teens Awwww, I don't think that's so much an AMERICAN thing to say as it is a TEENAGE thing to say! Considering all the times I felt like my life was over given some event that turned out not the way I wanted it to when I was younger, I can understand her. Yes, I'm American, but I've also been a teenager and everything is pretty much all or nothing at that stage! :)

[@Modzio666]

i want john shades

[@BobTheRecordGuy]

John made a sarcastic comment. Okay, that's was John's personality. But his personality also is he was a bit of a coward (any reading about his younger life shows this character flaw as obvious). If he really meant to make a statement he should have stood by it. Instead he tried to back off it by saying that he didn't really say it (he did) or that it was taken out of context (it wasn't). He was just trying to be his usual smartass self and portray himself as intellectual and got called on it.

[@seenandnotheard]

wow, weird that i am reading the description and today is march 4th. haha weird

[@BobTheRecordGuy]

If you see this as a story about evil religion versus 'the truth teller', you're missing the story. Lennon could have made a similar remark about Vietnam and got a similar bad reaction from the USA; the same thing would have happened. Why didn't he? It is known that he was already opposed to the war. I believe he didn't because 'it would be bad for business'. I think he thought religion was soft target; I;'m sure he was surprised to find out different.

[@aliceborealis]

Religion is not the problem. Ignorance is the problem. Ignorance exists in politics, science, and other fields, not religion exclusively. Religious ignorance is only one part of the bigger problem, which is ignorance. In America, we have the right to seek and worship a higher power (or not), more than most, if not all other countries. That’s a fact, Jack! If you’re so embarrassed by America, there’s the door. I can hook you up with a free ticket to the Mid-East through my Uncle Sam.

[@HellomynameisN]

Cool people> Religious people.

[@carlosgarciasanchez6915]

Pure fanatism, no more than fanatism.

[@jerrysteinecke3850]

Perhaps, John Lennon's famous controversial comment in regards to Jesus, was just a deep thought in regards to the time period when Jesus actually walked upon the earth with mankind. 'The Revolution', song ,hopefully, only points back to the Roman time period when Jesus was in the flesh. There is no longer a Roman Empire. The book of the Revelation in my views is a thing of the past; all the prophecies mentioned(in then book of the Revelation) have occured to the Roman Empire. Don't do the bad stuff in the bible and continue to exist with peace and prosperity.

[@iSago]

Thank you for being reasonable :)

[@choclatesaltyballz]

Sorry monks. Haha legend

[@jordo678456]

No. I think you'll find he most DEFINETLY is NOT, some of his songs i.e. Imagine have themes of Socialism, but he didn't believe in any political ideal.

[@samnahnah]

@obugger i agree with him/her. someone said to me that most british's religion are football -just sayin'

[@nnnndddd693]

@TheKing2033 *continuation* Maybe Eminem is more popular for some people. For me & my entourage, John is popular. John said "All you need is love", he wanted to give peace a chance. And what Eminem wants?(dunno, really) John was kind and warm person with beautiful soul, that's why his music will live forever. And the last... I don't care that my words could be "blasphemy", tbh. Really. :) I want to say, that I believe in GOD, not in Jesus, Allah, Buddha, etc.

[@SubconsciousGatherer]

@greenwich1754 Regardless of what that ancient book says, there's no evidence at all that a god of any kind exists (so we can reject those silly claims immediately!) Let's live in the real world, shall we? Honesty is a beautiful and noble thing.

[@apestaartje321]

@rugbyoholic Why I assumed you were religious? "You do not believe in God because he condemns your pervertedness for your love of men!!" That sort of thing. And I don't care what crutch you choose, but it would be healthier for you to choose one that doesnt involve skydaddy's who hate homosexuals.

[@dirgesinthedark5637]

6:29 Talk about mind control...

[@dontlayeggs]

@drrobertoboogie97 It's because brittish people understand the joke which is more than just cake in the face or American funniest Homemovies , Americans don't.

[@terryperring104]

It was just incredulous hyperbole by John. Thats all, he was dumbfounded by the adulation and hysteria!

[@fearlessfosdick160]

Which tends to illustrate just what a fool he was. He was an arrogant British guitar player who did not understand Americans at all. Otherwise, he would have kept his silly, pretentious mouth shut.

[@terryperring104]

@@fearlessfosdick160 I think it was incredulous hyperbole. And understandably so.Maybe you dont know what those words mean. You're putting all Americans in one basket are you? I'm pleased to say Christianity is going down rthe pan there. At last

[@fearlessfosdick160]

@@terryperring104 Oh, I do know what incredulous means, but you obviously don't because you used it incorrectly. And yes, it likely was intended as hyperbole, but that doesn't make it any less pretentious or stupid.

[@terryperring104]

@@fearlessfosdick160 Explain how I used incredulous wrong. You are a phallus arent you. I can see you in my minds eye

[@fearlessfosdick160]

@@terryperring104 The word incredulous means, being incapable of believing something or unwilling to believe it. A person can be incredulous about something he is told, but something said to him cannot be incredulous. I presume you meant by that, unworthy of belief. Now go away, idiot.

[@SubconsciousGatherer]

@greenwich1754 Simply put, it does not require an ounce of faith to not believe in something for which there is no evidence. Can I explain why the universe is the way it is? No, but that's not my job, nor do I assume that I need to know in order to be happy. It is the person who says "A god did it!" that has the explaining to do, not me. "God" is an excuse, not an answer.