LOSING JOHN: Gone 40 Years - Quick Thoughts |

John Lennon has been gone for more years than he was here. It's hard to believe how much time has passed but his assassination altered the course of pop culture and the cemented the Beatles legend as the Toppermost of the Poppermost. This also included John Lennon interviews with Elliot Mintz, Bob Harris, and Dennis Elsas.
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[@itsmadfar]

In his final interviews, John seemed healthy and at peace with himself and his Beatles brothers. There's comfort in that thought.

[@jwardbass4452]

He was on bad terms with George unfortunately but likely would have patched it up had he lived just a little longer

[@BeatlemadMike9]

The saddest thought in my mind about John's death is...with all his immigration problems behind him, he was planning to visit England to see Aunt Mimi and his family again

[@popgoesthe60s52]

That was a real shame. Several relatives were interviewed (they are here on KZbin) and they were excited to see him again. Thanks for the comment.

[@maryasbury7814]

I thought the saddest part was that he was killed in New York. He fought so hard to stay in this country and was very involved in the protest of the Vietnam War.

[@raulmacias1311]

With his obnoxious, homewrecker and money grubbing mum Yoko Ono in tow! She wouldn't let Lennon go the damned bathroom alone!

[@raulmacias1311]

The saddest thing in my mind is that John Winston Lennon couldn't control his mouth! He, to a certain extent, suffered from delusions of grandeur! I mean, comparing The Beatles to Jesus Christ was very big headed and very irresponsible! It's really a miracle he wasn't killed in '66! Lennon's killer is a born again Christian and has admitted that he partly killed John because of his '66 statement on Jesus Christ.

[@seerstone8982]

After the mid 70s John could have visited his relatives, he traveled around the world during those year's, he visited Yoko's family in Japan.

[@seerstone8982]

I was a 21 year old Beatles fanatic when John died. Somebody once explained it like this. John was the cool older brother who went out on adventures in the world, and came back and told us all about it.

[@braeganmck]

I was 9 when John died. My mother told me about it the next morning. Being a huge Beatles fan my parents got me a puppy that evening .

[@frankspence8723]

You can tell by John's tone they definitely would have worked again together. Wow, in Heaven I guess we will all be jammin' to their next album.

[@jtmichaelson]

I was 12 when John was taken from us. I remember that next morning getting ready for school and my mother had left a note at the table telling me about John Lennon. I had just discovered John as my newest hero not a year before when my father gave me some albums from his collection and I moved toward John's music, even though I was a "fan" of Paul's up until that time. John's death was literally the first time I ever dealt with that kind of loss.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

I was 12 too. I'm glad there wasn't social media at that time. The natural flow of information suited the situation better. Thanks for the comment!

[@elwin38]

I was also 12 and watching the Monday night football game(Dolphins-Patriots). Howard Cosell made the 1st announcement that John was shot while the game was playing. About 15-20min later, one of the teams called a timeout and after commercials and the teams start playing again, Cosell made the announcement John was dead. I'll never forget. I was shocked.

[@Anthony-hu3rj]

@@popgoesthe60s52 Interesting, being 12. I was 12 when they broke up. Wow, I was so into them at the very moment they had disintegrated.

[@rodneygriffin7666]

I was 15 and he was my hero.

[@ghoppr71]

I was 9. I remember my older brother, who was 20, in total shock. He came to the house in tears. He's the reason I'm a big Beatles fan to this day.

[@erniefernandez1927]

Whats so heartbreaking and pisses me off to No end is the fact that just as John Lennon gets all his personal matters in order and comesback to recording again after a 5 year hiatus and this Jerk Off of a Parsite tragically kills him! And it will always make me wonder All that was lost and what would have been of this Brilliant talented man.

[@glennprangnell5767]

I was 17 when he died. I remember That cold, dark December morning here in the UK. I had just got in to work at around 6.45am and my foreman walked in and shouted "Some nutter has shot John Lennon!" All day I refused to believe it and thought my work colleagues were winding me up. Gradually it all just seemed to be in the air- the music, the stunned look on people's faces-then I saw the newspaper stands with the headlines. One of the saddest, weirdest days of my life. I'm the same age age John's son Julian. I'm enjoying your videos. Thank you.

[@Kermit_T_Frog]

I must be weird. The death of John Lennon was the only death of a celebrity that ever affected me like the loss of a family member. But I was no kid at the time, though I only learned to appreciate his music after the Beatles broke up.

[@astronautadejakku9699]

I was born decades after his murder but I can see why and man, out of all the ways he could have died, drugs, suicide or illness, out of nowhere that crazy mf kills him and that such a high profile celebrity dies in such way is not seen everyday. His and MJ's passing are imo the most shocking celebrities death.

[@johnr.8275]

Not weird at all, Kermit. These bands that we all grew up with, or grew into adulthood with, become a part of who we are, I think. I feel the exact same way. To have someone/something so tragically and suddenly taken away - in cold blood - is bound to have a huge impact, much as the death of a family member does.

[@veecamp7088]

I feel the same way Kermit. It feels as painful as the losses of my big brother's very young and tragic death and then my dad. Its so painful, I always breakdown and I cry particularly watching just John Lennon's videos. They are my "go to" music to lift my spirits when I am down. Just pure unconditional love.

[@Bill_Woo]

JEEEEEEZZZ I've never seen these clips. What a valuable reward for my clicking here. And I had no idea how much John had come to mellow on the idea. No idea! I'm just floored at how welcoming he was to the idea - you know, that dream, the public's greatest dream in musical history ... since 1970.

[@davidrobinson2776]

It’s a hard word to say but John was murdered and that should be remembered. I’m as guilty as anyone for saying he died, passed etc but this was an appalling crime without any excuses.

[@arricammarques1955]

Lack of security checks for the mentally ill accessing firearms.

[@Onio_]

​@@arricammarques1955 And people still say there should be no psychological examination in order to possess firearms. I agree with you 100%.

[@dynjarren8355]

And the creepy stalker who did it should have been executed 40 years ago. It was premeditated murder and he shot Lennon in the back 5 times. Sadly, NY liberals don’t like the death penalty because it punishes killers. And killers need to be protected from harm. Charles Manson lived another 40 years into old age even though he directed the brutal murders of 6 people. He was all set to go to death row and be executed but California liberals got rid of the death penalty which saved his rotten existence. Another brilliant move by liberals protecting murderers.

[@blackwolf4653]

@@Onio_ never met or heard anybody who said that.

[@Onio_]

@@blackwolf4653 I have.

[@davidsradioroom9678]

There will never be another group like The Beatles. 😢

[@garytrew2766]

I was twenty-one , I got up and couldn't believe what I heard on the news. I went to buy a newspaper,then went down and bought a copy of every John Lennon lp they had, knowing there would be a run on them. I grieved a long time, American Pie, bc the song, took on new meaning that day. I believe they would have made a record, Paul and Ringo still enjoy touring. I miss John and George. God bless their families. Keep on rocking Beatles brothers and sisters ✌️🤘 BrotherGary

[@jasontheoldmillennial7197]

Lennon died 3 years before I was born so I never felt that pain of loss. When I discovered The Beatles I knew he was dead. I don’t think they would have gotten together to make new music, but it would have been awesome to see them reunite for one night at the Grammys, or Tonight Show, or SNL. What saddens me is it felt like John was finally getting his life together. His life was so full of death and sadness and he made bad decisions with drugs. But right before he died he was spending time with his son Sean, his marriage seemed to be stronger with Yoko, he didn’t seem so angry, he was getting along with Paul, and I don’t think he was messing himself up with drugs anymore. It would have been nice to see John enjoy some peace in his life.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

I think resuming his music career was the most important thing at this time. Especially "Starting Over," which was even more timely than "All You Need Is Love" or "Give Peace A Chance."

[@gerrysongs4170]

I really think there is little doubt they would have all done more albums. John especially seemed open to it on many occasions. I read Paul had it written in to his record contract he could work with them anytime. George would have been persuaded and Ringo was all in anyway. So many of their solo songs would have made even better Beatles songs.

[@jonvought700]

There are certain solo songs where I've long felt, like, whoa, that would be good performed by the Beatles as a group: Mind Games, Let Me Roll It, Cold Turkey...

[@ATOMIKAGE]

Another gem, Matt. I can see quite clearly how John’s music and the Beatles affected you. I think we all feel the same way. I remember vividly, the night of December 8, Howard Cosell reported that John Lennon was shot. Nobody could believe it. It was another day the music died. Being in the record business in the seventies, I had the honor of meeting all four Beatles at different times. Talk about a dream come true. It’s funny, when you spoke about the Beatles music always being a constant, that is so true. Just yesterday, I emailed my friend at Abbey Road Studios in London to extend Christmas greetings, as we do each holiday season. Two of the topics was the new Peter Jackson Let It Be film and the remix of the album. Talk about constant...the original Let It Be release was over 50 years ago! I think the Beatles “passed the audition” in so many ways. Keep up the good work, Matt. I always look forward to your posts. Be well......Philip C.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thank you for the kind words, Philip. You were very fortunate to meet all 4! I'm a little concerned about their relevancy continuing past the baby boomer generation, but that's a topic for another video!

[@ATOMIKAGE]

That's a great follow up video, Matt! I can tell you that my children and grandchildren listen and sing to their songs all the time. Perhaps there is hope after the baby boomers! Be well......Philip C.

[@enclavehere6495]

@@popgoesthe60s52 For what it's worth, as a member of Gen Z who is a fan of the Beatles, I've noticed many people my age are HUGE fans of the Beatles as well. I mean look at Instagram and search the comments on any Beatles post, you will find hundreds of thousands of accounts dedicated to them. Speaking from my own perspective, I think part of my generations love for their music is the positivity. I mean, we all grew up seeing things like 9/11, the wars in the middle east, the fast rise of mental illness issues, and pretty much everything else that's happened in the past 10 years (look at the events from the early summer in 2020 for just one example or heck even yesterday on Jan 6th) and I think that all in some way makes us look back to the "golden" days of the 1960s, forgetting the problems of that era and instead focusing on the music of this band who spread positivity to the baby boomer generation going through similar (if somewhat different) things that we now deal with.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

@@enclavehere6495 I'm glad to hear that people your age are delving into the old stuff. I find it endlessly joyful. I'm a Gen X guy so I came around just after the 60s and although I was out of step at the time, I stuck with it. Thanks for the comment, Alex.

[@JamesMandolare]

The day John Lennon died I said to a friend, "I don't feel old. But the day John Lennon dies, I'll be old. I'll move to a cabin in the woods and rock my life away because I'll be old." Three hours later he was gunned down.

[@arnesaknussemm2427]

My two favourite bands at that time were The Beatles and Led Zeppelin. Damn those final few months in 1980.

[@maxmiddleshirtz]

That must have been really shocking, I’m sorry

[@jmad627]

I know…right?! Love both bands as well, and it was a brutal last couple of months of the year.

[@johnr.8275]

My favorites also, to this day (along with Dylan). Don't forget Bob Marley played his very last show in September of 1980 also, on the 23rd at the Stanley Theater in Pittsburgh. Bob Marley was another HUGE loss. He was practically already quite literally dead on his feet at that time already, so yeah, I agree: damn those final months of 1980.

[@MrTheBaron]

I heard a compilation of radio broadcasts announcing his death as it happened. 40 years has passed, but hearing the radio program abruptly cut to the breaking news announcing "John Lennon is dead" is chilling.

[@michaelcaserta1414]

Always a "John guy" it was stunning and a shock to the core when he passed. Interestingly to me was how George Harrison's death actually was a more emotional experience for me. I cried. Maybe his spiritualism had subliminally effected me more than I could have imagined. That said the Beatles will never die as long as the music and the interviews like the awesome ones included here are available and accessible to future generations.

[@constantinople610]

Blessed are those who were alive to witness the John Lennon experience. My poor father to this day can’t talk about him without tears filling his eyes. As long as I’ve known him my father NEVER spoke highly about any other man except for John.

[@kt9166]

Thank you for the nice video. What you do is quite the labor of love. Me, I was walking into a college campus to give a lecture the morning of 12/09/1980. On the way in, someone handed me a newspaper. When I got to the podium, I had to say to the students "I just found out John Lennon died last night. Please give me a moment." The students were very kind, and when we got into the lecture, they and I embraced as a group who all had something very strong, very personal in common. They helped me get through a very, very bad day.

[@tellmidd3812]

Great selection of interviews! Thanks so much for the thought provoking work and dedication to this channel

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thank you, tell midd!

[@vandannadale2689]

Thanks for your analysis and the insight you bring to this whole era. I was 22 when John died, drumming in my own band. No celebrity death (or the death of anyone outside my family/close friends) had or has affected me like the loss of John. For SO many reasons that people have mentioned here. As I look back now, I see it probably changed my course. For better or worse, who knows? But we were all blessed that those 4 lads came together for awhile and have stayed with us ever since. ✌🏼

[@jeanmenard3060]

Wow ! What a great interview ! I am moved !

[@cometogether999]

I must say I truly appreciate the way you break down the topic you are speaking about. You have become my current favorite.

[@jugibur2117]

The statements of John at the end make me sad again, what all could have been... PS: Your videos are already something special here on KZbin, thanks for that!

[@terrytheman3317]

This robbed the Beatles from getting back together and dominating the 80's. They would've reunited no doubt in '81/82 and they would've taken over the world again and saved music. They would've saved Rock n Roll. I think Freddie Mercury said it best in one of his songs.... "Lennon is a genius"

[@ghoppr71]

Could you imagine them headlining Live Aid at Wembley stadium ? It would've been epic...

[@opencurtin]

They would not have had the same effect on a younger generation musically they would be a nostalgia band if they returned nothing wrong with that .

[@ml5955]

They were still really good solo, but it would have been amazing if they would have reformed. Even if it was for one more album in the 80’s or 90’s. I think if John had lived, they would have certainly have done a charity concert and perhaps one more album. I think that Lennon and McCartney would have done a project akin to Page/Plant if the Beatles could not pull it together. I would have loved if they “turned each other on again” one more time, for one one album. That would have been outstanding. Maybe in a parallel world 🌎 that may have happened - could you imagine? One more album, as a team effort, would have been mind blowing.

[@jonvought700]

Thanks for the interviews at the end. Great!

[@pennyparkin]

Matt, thanks so much for this tribute to John. On the night he was murdered, I was in utter shock when I saw the news. It took a few days for me to sob my heart out. I cried for him, being killed so young, and those who loved him, but also for my youth. I was two months away from having my first child, and the hormones were definitely a factor, as I was ultra-sensitive to everything. Even though I never knew John he was a symbol of artistic growth and exploration, and the transformative power of music.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

I appreciate the comment, Penny. It's a day we all remember.

[@pennyparkin]

@@popgoesthe60s52 Thanks, Matt. I am learning so much from your research and interviews. Many thanks!

[@pennyparkin]

@@popgoesthe60s52 Wanted to add that I lived in Manhattan when John and Yoko lived there, raising Sean at the Dakota (where I once spent the night at a friend's friend's apartment in 1969). There were numerous reasons for them to live in NYC, but I remember reading that John loved that he could walk around the city without fear of being assaulted, which now, of course, is utterly ironic and sad.

[@rickakashockshockey9151]

I was 15 in 1980. Heard it that night from Howard Cosell. The next day at school the kids were whispering about it and the teachers were crying.

[@cometogether999]

I'd never seen the two videos you posted. Thought provoking. Thank you for that.

[@DJ-bj8ku]

Gawd, I loved John. He was smart, real and down to earth, and he sang about what it meant to be human. Forty years later, he still inhabits my thoughts and I feel robbed that I didn’t get a chance to grow old with him. I was watching MNF when Cosell announced it and I was just hoping against hope they were superficial injuries. He died at the beginning of the Reagan era and I know he would’ve had a lot to say about the rise of conservatism and our coarsening culture. In fact, losses of people like Lennon are why society becomes less civil-cheapens-because we don’t have his voice anymore. He had a big impact on McCartney. Lennon kept Paul sharp, and when he died I think Paul lost some motivation. What I loved about the Beatles as individuals is that they had a humility that was borne from growing up as working class kids in the shadow of WWII. They weren’t marketing creations. Just listening to John in those interviews showed that he was a regular guy who happened to be a genius. He wasn’t full of himself. Anyway, thanks for the remembrance and keeping John’s memory alive.

[@morganamarvel7075]

It's beyond reason that we've witnessed the brightest light getting dowsed & leaving the world dimmer & dumber. Negativity has been lurking & needs us to shoo it away. 🕯️💡🕯️🎇 We must be grateful for Paul being here & always willing to talk to us.😍 And glory be for Ringo surviving all he did & speaking the words of a great man. 💞

[@plumerjr]

I was 14 and found out the next morning from our sitter(in a bit of irony she was Japanese) who'd help me and my siblings get off to school in the morning. It's hard to compare a before and after as far as the influence of his death on pop culture as I was just at the age where still absorbing it for the first time. I had maybe a Beatles record or two and maybe a McCartney or Lennon one. The event certainly solidified my admiration of the group. It pretty much grew from that.

[@inbetween8210]

Why it was an irony

[@geneobrien8907]

I was 31 when John died, I didn't know him but the loss feels personal. I was 13 in 1964 when the Beatles first came to America and I remember how different, I Want To Hold Your Hand was from everything else that came before it. I grew up listening to NYC AM radio, R&R, do-wop and early Motown but there seemed to be a bit of a lull in popular music for a short while in 1964. There was Sinatra in the 40's and Elvis in the 50's, both hugely popular in their time, lesser lights like Fabian, Bobby Rydell and Rick Nelson were well liked in the early 60's but there wasn't anyone who would galvanize 20 million American teenagers until The Beatles. For young teenage girls, John, Paul, George and Ringo were their first love and with a Beatle haircut, Beatle boots and a guitar even an awkward, shy boy could catch the eye of the girl next door! As time passed, each Beatle took their place in people's hearts for different reasons but for those of us in the counterculture it was John who was most revered for his commitment to peace. John Lennon was one of us, he lived among us, he talked to us, his voice was our voice, his dreams were our dreams, he believed in what we believe. His courage strengthened our courage, he spoke out and he took risks. John Lennon was a brother and the loss feels personal!

[@rydermike33]

I can remember driving in to work when I heard the news. It's one of those same moments that will always be with you. Many thanks Matt.

[@rebeccajelenawang4306]

You know he was a very special man indeed when so many Ppl.remember exactly where they were the day the news broke,what they were up to,wore & so on.I was only 4,but knew how to read & remember riding the subway with my gran when I noticed this man reading a paper & the Headline saying John Lennon shot something,along with his picture.I knew his face because my father was a massive Beatles' fan.Imagined him being in paradise🌄🏞🏝.🌌🌠Make Peace,not war✌🏼Rest easy & peacefully,wherever you are John L.🎸📒🖼🕯💐🙏🏼📿⚘🕊🍃🌦🌈🌬🌊💫

[@knockedoutloaded279]

john would have been great in the 80's, great songs on milk and honey, lots of great home demos recorded. would love to hear Street of Dreams his last song/demo......

[@chrisnewman7281]

I like how you refer to your notes to keep your thoughts on track well done

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Without my notes, I would run amok! Thanks for watching, Chris.

[@pleasantvalleypickerca7681]

Thanks for posting this. I'd almost forgotten December 8th is the 40th anniversary of his tragic death. I was 22 then. Still living at home. Was listening to my records in my room and went out just before 8:00 pm Pacific time to ask my Mom if supper was ready. She said "It just came on the tv that John Lennon was shot". I was in disbelief, but watched the breaking news on the TV that he had been pronounced dead. 40 years later it still seems hard to believe that a man who gave so much to the world died in such a senseless way. His assassin (I will not say his name, as it deserves to be forgotten) may still be breathing, but he is deader to me than John. As far as The Beatles getting back together goes I agree. I'm glad it never happened as their legacy is perfect the way it is. One final observation. Is it not a great irony that his final album released in his lifetime "Double Fantasy" starts with the track "Starting Over"? John had so much hope for a better future, it's sad that his killer did not.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Yes, "Starting Over" was ironic and a perfect song for the time. Thank you for the comment.

[@thehoneybeerocketscientist3533]

Enjoyed this, thank you Matt. Can't believe John has been dead longer than he was alive now, but we have his great songs and writings and thoughts and those will never die.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thanks for watching - more to come!

[@JERKsaboy]

You have a very nice style going, I like the balance you strike between conversational and studied. Would love to hear you tackle more Beatle eras, the Let it Be analysis has been great

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thank you, Jeremy. I've only been at this about a year so plenty more topics are coming!

[@whenifeellow]

great interviews with John at the end. I never realized that he was on good terms with Paul in the end

[@AnthonyMonaghan]

I was ten, I came home from school and my mum was crying. I didn't really get it at the time, it wasn't a big deal to see my mum cry, but I do remember the news reports and all the people gathered in New York. I remember that there was a slew of Beatles stuff on TV over that Christmas period, particularly remember watching Help! and Yellow Submarine. Growing up in Northern Ireland, people being shot was an everyday occurrence, it was a few years later when I discovered The Beatles for myself that I understood the resonance. For me, George's death was much more resonant. That was more to do with age and place. Thanks for another great episode. Loving your channel Matt. Peace.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thank you Anthony! More to come.

[@musicbydanny6925]

We still remember Lennon here in NYC. Strawberry Fields we celebrate his birthday and celebrate his life on October 9th and December 8th. I’ve gone for my first time and vlogged it on my channel, and i keep rewatching the footage, the amount of joy and love we all felt is unmatched. We love you John Strawberry Fields Forever ✌🏻❤️✌🏻

[@DreamRubycon]

What a great vlog thank you for posting. Happy but sad at the same time :-)

[@LearnMusclescom]

I had missed this video of yours until now. Certainly I remember the night it happened. I was 21 and in college and studying at the kitchen table when I heard it over the radio. I immediately called my older sister who introduced me to the Beatles to tell her. I remember staying up late that night. I remember the next morning. I remember listening to the radio the day of the memorial at the end of the week when they played all Beatles music and then ended with A Day in the Life, then a full minute of silence on the radio, and then Imagine. I remember it all vividly. Watching this video now after having just seen Get Back is that much more emotional for me because as much as I missed John then, I didn’t feel for him as much because his “angry” phase in the early to mid 70s was still with me. But seeing his humanity in Get Back has made me mourn his loss more than I ever had before… sorry this is so long… tough topic. To your question, as much as I REVERE the Beatles, I don’t think that if John had lived it would have changed the course or rock / pop music. His Double Fantasy album was beautiful, but I think pop music had moved to other spheres. And as beautiful as it was, I don’t think it broke any ground. This might sound strange to say, but I think John was too happy by 1980 to create raw groundbreaking music anymore. Beautiful music yes, but not revolutionary music. My thoughts anyway.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thanks for the comments of this day we'll never forget.

[@roygoad2870]

I was born in 1952, so I grew up with the Beatles and they had a big affect on my life as a kid, I can remember hearing Love Me Do for the first time in 1962 on Radio Luxembourg, my growing up years was heavily influenced by them and the music in general. The day he died I was traveling from the UK to Colombia with my new Colombian wife, will never forget that I was sad but my life was full of excitement going to a new country, so I guess that helped. If there’s one thing that John had was his natural honesty!

[@thewaymouth]

Another cool video... What I miss most is just John. We would not get to see how John's reentry into pop music / the art world would go -- I imagine it would only get better as he became more a part of the zeitgeist again. His world view, his rock 'n' roll voice: he was one of the greatest statesmen for and of our culture ever. We miss the unimaginable without him.

[@greg6351]

The Beatles had broken up almost 10 years before I got into music, and Lennon was absent from the music scene for five years. However, Paul was huge with Wings, and George had just had a hit with "Blow Away." These four men were forever linked to each other. They came to represent some sort of Nirvana or Camelot--an ideal place where young men (and women) could grow up, find themselves, find art and music, and transcend the ordinary life of school and jobs. They were a "family by choice" as one journalist put it. When Lennon released "(Just Like) Starting Over" in October 1980, it was like they were indeed starting over. The king had come back and was reclaiming his throne. (It had been three years since Elvis had died, but he was more the king of my mother's generation. Lennon and the Beatles were kings I could relate to.) To have discovered all that in a short period of time and then "lose" it through Lennon's murder was hard to take. It was like being granted a vision of something wondrous and good only to have it snatched away. I remember being numb for a few weeks after. And then "(Just Like) Starting Over rose to No. 1 on Billboard, becoming John's biggest post-Beatles hit. It was an ironic testimony to how people are deified after their deaths. I bought into the whole nostalgia craze that followed and joined the international period of mourning. It was a cruel reminder that life is impermanent and that you can never go back to the way things were. Oddly, Lennon had spent the last 10 years of his life saying basically the same thing. It's interesting that, in the interviews, he seems open to the possibility of a reunion--but only if they have something to say, if they "turn each other on." The personal relationships of the Beatles continued, as he notes. It was only the public persona of the "group" that was lost--and it was really only the public who missed out. As individuals, they came to appreciate each other and other aspects of life when they were no longer bound to each other. In hindsight, that's what I've come to appreciate the most about the Beatles and Lennon in particular. Their friendships did not end despite what they'd been through; they evolved.

[@robertnahum5823]

Your openings words were very thoughtful, well said.✌🏾

[@davidrenfrow1805]

I was 18 when John was taken from us. I too went to bed early that Monday night because I wasn’t interested in the football game. And I received a phone call from a friend the next morning myself and like you were stunned and didn’t know how to react. So I also got on with my day and went to work.

[@fittobetiedyed5315]

I was 21 when it happened and it took me a long time to get over it. For people of my generation and those a few years older we had grown up with the Beatles. They were and still are the soundtrack of our lives. Everyone who was around then will have different memories of that day and some of us remember the devastation we felt. Sorry, but for some of us it was far more than the loss of music/pop icon. I would take the opposite position and say that because I knew his music I did know a big part of the man, because John in particular made a habit of sharing his thoughts and his soul through his music. It was a real loss and it was close to the bone for many people.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

I see your point about knowing his music. Without growing up with the Beatles in real time, I was spared some grief I suppose, but you got to live with the Beatles in real time! For me, that's the real loss I have.

[@moronicpest]

I was 21 when it happened, old enough to experience the collective loss being felt. The next day I tried to do normal things like hanging laundry, but the weight of what happened made me light headed and dizzy for awhile. In Chicago the following weekend, there was a gathering near the lake at Cricket Hill where people gathered in small groups to talk and sing. It felt good being among like-minded people thinking of John and what he meant to us.

[@65TossTrap]

Thanks for your always thoughtful analysis. The part about the news at the breakfast table reminded me of my own experience. In a dorm room. Next door neighbor told me. I thought he was joking. But then when his roommate repeated it - knew it was true. First time in my life I involuntarily fell on my knees. Just that morning I had been reading a review copy of Cybthia’s latest book and was thinking, upon arrival of the Beatles in America, I wonder if John could have foreseen a marriage to a Japanese woman and total revolution of the pop world?

[@johnallenismynameandmusici2796]

I never met John Lennon but I knew John Lennon through his music. I was 13 in 1963 and 20 in 1970 on my way as a freshmen to Kent State University. I probably knew more about John than most because I was so devoted to listening to the music he was writing. The Beatles helped to raise me into a man. But many of us in America felt John's pain in some of his music. We could all empathize. It was a crazy mixed up world in the '60s.

[@SuperGogetem]

More and more it seems to be dribbling out that John and Paul WERE planning on at least getting together to possibly try writing again. Both were to make contributions to Ringo's '81 album which became "Stop and Smell the Roses".

[@marktrimnell8245]

I was 17 in Dec '80 and had been discovering/listening to The Beatles since late '79. Spent 1980 buying most of the albums, and a friend of mine was doing exactly the same thing at the same time, so we would borrow one another's discs. This speeded up the 'discovery' process, so by summer '80 I was all over the history of the Fabs. October/Nov '80 was a period when two particular albums were on constant rotation on my stereo, these being 'A Hard Day's Night' and 'Imagine'. Random, I know, but I've always tended to blast an album several times over the course of a few weeks or whatever, and these were the two choices way back then. And then, of course, 'Starting Over'. So I get a feeling of sadness and remorse when I hear the 'bells' intro to 'Starting Over ' (don't we all?) but I also get that 'Dec '80' feeling - even now - when I hear 'If I Fell' or 'I'll Be Back' or whatever. Sad, really, because the black and white Beatles of AHDN in 1964 are the ultimate Fabs image if I have to choose just one, so it's a pity personally that this wonderful youthful image of '64 Fabs is blighted by what happened 16 years down the line. Forty years on and it still hurts sometimes. How weird is that? Anyway, really enjoying your posts, fella, and look forward to hearing/seeing more. Regards from the UK. Mark.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thank you Mark. More to come.

[@evanshear5378]

Hard to believe it was 40 years. I was 13, so similar age. I don't believe The Beatles ran their course when they broke up. When I hear Paul and Ringo today still state this, I believe they had more to give. The Stones were still relevant in the 70's, The Beatles could have been too. When John died the questions of reunion ended. That was sad and having his voice in the world gone. They were a perfect quartet of happy, melancholy, spiritual, and rambunctious. 40 was far too young (especially how it happened) ... now being in my 50's and still feel sorta young, I realize how short it was. Great video, and video's. Keep it up!

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thank you Evan. I think the Beatles could have gone through the end of 1970 and manufactured a more pleasant break up for us and them but as a driving force and leader in music, I think their time was about done. They could have gone past 1970 but they would not be at the top critically or commercially again, which would have been hard for them to accept. Thanks for the comment, more to come.

[@evanshear5378]

@@popgoesthe60s52 Thx for the reply. They just finished a masterful album in AR, and obviously the talent was there for more incredible music. Obviously the personal relations were beyond tethered. Guys like Phil Collins who could go solo and continue with their band wasn't of the day, So I agree, the divorce was coming. Unfortunately their solo careers showed the genius and flaws separately. Happy Holidays to you!

[@mattwilliamson4065]

@@evanshear5378 Have a great holiday season as well! Thanks again for commenting.

[@morganamarvel7075]

You picked a good tape of John's reflection to consider what might have been. I've seen these videos & others, & seen John, as you say, nostalgic & open. I believe they would have gradually, gently, got together, tested their product, & if it had a good vibe & message for the time, they would have loved to put it out. They all loved film, mixed media, & I learned, at least two, loved sailing. ⛵🎞️🎥 Lots of other causes & interests were eternally held in common. Their comical outlooks alone might have lured them to go for a lark.🎭 They would have been perfect talk show hosts. Many roles. We lost a lot this day 21 years ago. As George said, Someone so small could take down someone so great. That's a real hard truth. With their passions & intelligence & connections & maturity, (though they were always old), they may have been well positioned to take on some project. 👨‍❤️‍💋‍👨👥🌎🎇 They were always yearning for the right soundboard to make records with. 📀 Maybe 🍎 Apple's growth & maturing would raise pride & excitement in them. 🕺😻 Would John accept a knighthood, is what I'd like to know. 🗡️ 🤴🦄 Anyway, you ask for comments ....but maybe not a book. 😳📗🤐 Thanx for your video.💝✌️🖥️🌲🌺

[@andrewgeraci8798]

We must be close to the same age because I knew the four of them as solo artists well before The Beatles proper. I did have some hand-me-down Beatles albums but there was a disconnect for me. I had no reason to think they would reunite after a decade. I had a similar response to the news of John's death: Stunned while trying to process the magnitude over the next few days. Thankfully AOR radio was still around and you would hear a lot of mini-bios, rare interviews and a culmination of his work and private life

[@leeforsythgriffiths]

Mate I love your content ... It’s genuinely high quality and engaging ...thank you

[@PeKe999]

Hi. I was 18 when John was killed. Heard it on the radio in the early hours of December 9. Over here in The Netherlands it already was Decemder 9. That day I took a day off. Went upstairs to my bedroom and listened to tributes on the radio and played some John vinyls, especially his last album Double Fantasy. I felt upset that day, it was like losing family. But I never believed in a reunion, no live gigs and no collaboration in the studio.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Wow, so you already had that album... Those radio tributes were some of my most memorable times listening to radio. It's great to hear from the Netherlands! More to come.

[@Mandrake591]

Excellent segment, Matt. We must be roughly the same age, my experience was kind of similar. I too watched MNF but didn't stay up to hear Cosell's sad announcement. My Mom woke me up before school, and told me the horrible news. She was a Beatle fan herself. All the kids at school were talking about it, but I didn't join the conversation. It was too personal for me, and I figured it was just a distraction for them. Maybe that was snobby of me. I like how in the interview with Elliot Mintz, John mentions Brian Epstein's death as being a low point. Brian did so much to make it happen for them, the fact that he wasn't able to enjoy their success for very long is tragic. The band didn't last more than 3 years without him.

[@bradprather6749]

Thank you. I heard the news as a 25 year old musician. I believe I cried...... I grew up with that band.

[@Ziraffe2]

Well re-hey Matt and Happy New Year from here. I happen to be slightly older than you and was a Fab-fan from the very beginning (started young). Have to say I believe you overlook some nuances. Being 11 when they split, I was old to enough to be very aware of The Beatles' position in society the following decade, and the truth is they faded year by year by year. It actually began as soon as the late 60s where the group - though still a huge cultural phenomenon - fell back as counter-cultural figureheads. So many wilder things saw light of day and B now kind of belonged to the establishment. This tendency went on as the 70s rolled out. Yes, they were remembered and respected, but as something from the past, , , or for entire family. McCartney, commercial as he was, didn't enjoy much credit from the hip scenes - the other 3 kind of faded into irrelevant oblivion. The Beatles had become something like the Eiffel Tower or the Godfather movie or the Grand Canyon. Surely the old songs were cherished and still rotated here, there and everywhere, , , just not where the hip fest was raging. Don't forget how much new stuff we received during those years : Glam, prog, folk, singersong, synth, symph, heavy, fusion, reggae etc. Then came came punk and new wave, which intentionally buried The Fabs under poisoned piles of black cold coal. . Not until the 90s did this begin to change. The new gentler decade seemed to re-rhyme with the JPGR-vibe and the internet revealed how much the world loved, missed, , , and needed them. The Anthology embraced'n'underlined this and from then on it (as we know) went berserk, , , like into orbit for the second time. . Yea, , that's my 5 Yen. Do go ahead and ask people who where there and you probably already have. They will confirm what I just and wrote - and the hipper they were the stronger they will recall. . CU and keep the wheels runnin' ~ All together now

[@vanillacreem816]

You made a GREAT point and one many Beatle fans do not want to accept : had they gotten back together, they may have screwed everything up... I remember The 1980 Playboy interview where John said someone ( don't remember who specifically he referenced) said something to the effect" Thanks for not getting back together and ruining it all" and John commented he really respected that- in the sense that the guy who said that understood, he got it. I totally agree. Like most kids growing up in 70s, that's when I started liking the Beatles and finding out who they were, and what they did in the 60s but as I got older and started appreciating their music and artistic talents more, I kind of understood what John said in that 1980 interview. I'm glad they never got back together. Abby Road was their last album and they went out with a bang .. I'm glad they left it at that.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thank you for the comment, JT! More to come.

[@calebgaddi1428]

John and I were together alive on this planet for roughly three months. I don’t have any recollection of a time when John was alive. I was introduced to the Beatles via Nike commercial, when Nike used Revolution in one of their ads. I was shocked to learn that the song Revolution was more than 20 years old by the time Nike used it in their ads. That got me curious, so I started digging for more Beatles song. Then I realized, I already liked some of their songs. Was just too young to bother who were the artists behind those songs. Yesterday, Strawberry Fields, Eleanor Rigby, Something and Let It Be were already my favorites before I knew they were Beatles songs. 😀

[@RobLives4Love]

It's so interesting hearing people say that they heard of The Beatles through the Nike commercial, cuz all I've ever heard was how disgusted people were at the commercial for using the Beatles music to sell their products

[@MrGman2804]

'Life is What Happens To You While You’re Busy Making Other Plans' - John Lennon. Yes. Today is 9/10/22 (in English format) and it is John Lennons 82nd birthday. In 2 months it will be the 42nd anniversary of his death. I was just 17, on that morning, and a big fan of John. I went to school as miserable as anything. The tragedy is still a tragedy. John lost many years ahead, so did Yoko, and Julian and Sean. So did the other Beatles. We will never know what else John would have done. Fortunately he did more in his 40 years than most do in 80. He was a nice guy and a genius.

[@kevinericsongs]

i was 12 when john died,it was the first time i'd heard the beatles music-my dad was not fan so there were no beatles records in the house,i remember the film 'help' was shown on tv as a tribute,i just thought it was the coolest thing i'd ever seen or heard,i fell in love,and i'm still in love 40 years later!

[@popgoesthe60s52]

The Beatles are the greatest love affair in Pop Culture history! Thanks for your comment.

[@mattfoster2021]

I’m glad nobody is making a specific reference to the killer or how he was killed. Thank you.

[@soulman4292]

I genuinely can say that even though I was born 15 years after his death, without John Lennon, and his story, and his songs. I NEVER would have been a musician. I never would have went on tour, I never would have seen the world before I was 21 with a guitar in my hands, and some songs I wrote in my pocket. Most recently, when I watched “Get Back”, and I heard Paul say “and when we are old, we will all sing together” I’m not ashamed to say that I became inconsolable, and I cried like an infant on a stormy night. John changed my life, and damn do I wish he was still here.

[@wyliesmith4244]

Matt, I had never seen these Lennon interviews, and they were a pleasure to see. I was watching MNF with a gang of friends and we were all aghast that someone, other than the FBI and Hoover, would shoot Lennon. A truly sad moment, but, in a bizarre way, there must have been an iota of relief for the other (in later years, not immediately) that they no longer had to answer questions about a reunion. I can see that you like the solo albums by the Beatles, but, to me, none of them is a match for the actual Beatles albums. The sum of all four together was greater than the parts. After Revolver, I got the feeling that each songwriter directed the group more than the earlier days. As Lennon said in one of the interviews:a reunion would work if "we turn each other on." Otherwise, you could end up with an album like "The Byrds" on Asylum which sounded like a collection of solo tracks.

[@70PaulK]

Great interviews & comments. I feel the narrative changed in the 90s, but mainly due to the passing of time, rather than the initial reaction to Lennon's murder (although there was a huge boom in Beatles & Lennon sales in the winter of 80/81). Plenty of artists in the 70s felt threatened by the Beatles' reputation, while journalists & critics resented missing out on a period which they knew was special (but couldn't bring themselves to admit). By the 90s a new generation was able to approach the 60s without any preconceptions, forming their judgement objectively- they didn't have to buy into the fashions & the philosophy, the music was enough..

[@popgoesthe60s52]

That's an interesting take on the journalists who missed out on that period, that perhaps they had an axe to grind. Thank you for the substantive comment, Paul.

[@Helo_rides_for_commies]

I was 14 when he was murdered and had been a huge Beatle fan for two years. I too had hoped they'd get back together; whether for a tv show, a concert, a song or an album, it didn't matter. Any crumb would have sufficed. I remember reading an interview with John. He was hanging out with Paul in New York and they were watching Saturday Night Live. George and Ringo were on the show. John and Paul played with the idea of heading over to NBC to join them but blew it off because they were too tired.

[@MichaelEBrown-wo4zb]

This was the first celebrity death that I remember. I was 7 years old and my mom was visibly upset and she told me what happened. It was at that point I became aware of who the Beatles were and started to become interested in their music.

[@denisrodrigues1455]

I remember being in my bedroom when one of my aunts came and said to me what happened with John. It was a painful moment to me; and that sensation of never more can see the four Beatles together in a studio or show was terrible. I know that it would never be the same, but, years after 1980, listen the Beatles playing and singing in "Free As A Bird", with the company of that so special video music, was a very special moment to me. Because, anyway, they were together again!

[@phillipgreen59uk]

Hearing the positives about working together makes me wonder if The Beatles would have been persuaded to perform on Live Aid? Now that would have been awesome. What a finale that would have been!

[@tonym994]

there's that sense of humor at the end there that they each had. especially JL ,who made a joke out of everything.

[@seerstone8982]

He had that lightning fast Irish wit.

[@scottandrewbrass1931]

The Beatles were Irish?! Since when?

[@seerstone8982]

@@scottandrewbrass1931 Their ancestry is Irish, not sure about Starkey?

[@tonym994]

@@scottandrewbrass1931 since birth. Irish blood, British upbringing. except for Ringo, to my knowledge. Paul & John have obviously Irish names. John named his 2nd kid w/ the Irish spelling of Sean.

[@arnesaknussemm2427]

In that final interview on the beach, John is clearly saying somebody ( Paul , George or Ringo) please organise this but he doesn’t want to be the one to do it himself.

[@ben5156]

I am from Scotland and was 11 in 1962 the Beatles changed music and fashion it was brilliant 🤩

[@matthewstreet1961]

Great video and a fabulous channel Matt! I just discovered it! And I'm so happy I did. I love hearing your thoughts about losing John so many years ago. Thanks again and I look forward to many more videos from you I will be binge-watching for sure! Haha! Hey I know you probably have a lot on your plate, and I surely do not want to add more. And I am definitely never, ever looking for a freebie. But if there was any way I could purchase one or two of your special Beatles album covers, I would love to and would be happy to compensate you fairly. Please let me know either here or at my channel. Thanks again and take care, Matt Street

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thank you for the kind words, Matt - I am a fan of your channel! I had a feeling the _Albums That Never Were_ would stir some interest and several have asked how to get one. I have given some out to peers who have helped me launch my channel, but since they are expensive to print and a pain in the ass to assemble I've only done a handful of prototypes. I am considering making them available in some form as a part of a membership subscription, but I have some logistics to work out before I can offer that. Let's stay in touch and as I get closer to another print run, I will reach out.

[@matthewstreet1961]

@@popgoesthe60s52 sounds like a fabulous plan Matt! Keep me posted and thanks for being supportive of my channel. Cheers and Peace! Matt Street

[@popgoesthe60s52]

@@matthewstreet1961 My pleasure.

[@matthewstreet1961]

@@popgoesthe60s52 👍🙂

[@laurame4301]

I wish I knew the dates of these 3 interviews with John. I can't help thinking they were done during his 'lost weekend'. He seems so relaxed and in good spirits. I just don't see him talking about getting together with his old mates while Yoko was in the mix.

[@ronbock8291]

I'm old enough to remember the day I heard the Beatles had broken up. I was 6. I was gutted. It made zero sense to me, because to me they seemed like the greatest possible gang of friends it was possible to be a part of, making great music every day, laughing and joking and feeding off of each other all the time, 4 against the world. I went into a shock that I haven't really recovered from when John died. It was like the core of my childhood died. Their's was the music that I judged all other music against. Style as well. Still is really. I think you're onto something there, the moment John died is when the Beatles became nostalgia. Paul and George (particularly IMO) continued to make culturally relevant music, but the Beatles were now permanently in the rearview mirror. It's precisely because the other 3 remained that this was so disorienting. They were both present and absent at the same time.

[@williamolsen20]

The sadness of John Lennon's death is the story. He was coming back out with new music, he had a more optimistic outlook than he did right after the Beatles broke up. That story narrative is what could make a person weep. I did not know him, but the Beatles music was/is a big part of my childhood. David Bowie was a lot more of an influence on me, not personally, but his music seemed to point me towards different kind of art, and literature.

[@morganamarvel7075]

Paul deserves a lot of credit & honour for how he endured the hits with poise, faith & grace. A real scholar, gentleman & knight of the realm, that Paul ❗🏅🏆🎩💎 Nobody talks about his great voice that much. It was so versatile & lovely. 🗣️🎶

[@clairedisapia]

I remember when I seen the Beatles on Ed Sullivan with my Nana and again watching A Hards Day Night with my mom and when John was murdered I was alone in my apartment and I cried. I know I didn’t know him personally but I loved his music and his gift of it to the world.

[@Jimeo722]

He's now been dead for longer than he lived, which, for someone who was a fan from the beginning, is just weird.

[@marcyfan-tz4wj]

the fact that there are only 7 albums of his original material behind you says it all. his death is a devastating occurrence even now.

[@haroldream3270]

Thank you for sharing that

[@lorirolley5365]

I was 22 years old and listening to Steve Slaten, Seattle DJ, who shared his heartfelt grief with the listeners the day John was killed. Such a tragedy. I remember my older siblings getting Meet the Beatles when It first came out. I was just a wee one but remember us huddled around the record player in excitement. We all loved the Beatles. It was an exciting and magical time to grow up with the music of the 60s and 70s and beyond. Every single Beatles album was purchased with the same excitement. I still know all the words.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

What an experience to have the excitement of a new Beatles album coming out! I never got that so I had to approach them completely on my own, which was nice too. But I sort of envy you, Lori!

[@lorirolley5365]

@@popgoesthe60s52 I vividly remember the Beatles on Ed Sullivan. Small black and white TV, my dad made popcorn and it was a great event. Sadly I also remember the day JFK died a few months before. I was in kindergarten but it was a very scary time. The Beatles on Sullivan brought joy back. Everyone felt it and we were all singing I want to hold her hand and she loves you on the bus going to school every morning. It was infectious.

[@lorirolley5365]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qIW5Za2Ert2UetU I checked and omg Steve Slaten KISW and the night John died is actually on KZbin. I will need a tall one to listen to this because this is how I spent that night in December listening to Steve who was THE Beatles DJ of the Pacific Northwest. I thinks he stills hosts a show called Breakfast with the Beatles.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

@@lorirolley5365 Wow what a mind blow. An extra tall one!

[@greg7656]

I was just shy of five years old when my family and I went to my older brother's school carnival - my sister won a raffle and got to pick out an album. We didn't know any of the titles, but a cousin said she should pick "Meet the Beatles." That was a Sunday afternoon. That night, I'm up in my bedroom when my sister calls me down to see the new group whose album she had won. They were on the Ed Sullivan Show that night. One of my earliest memories, because of the exciting coincidence. And my dad laughing at their hair. I'm looking at that very album cover now, framed on my wall. I was in college cramming for a final when I finished up and turned on the tv before bed, just in time to hear Howard Cossell break the news about John. Two memories, both like they were yesterday

[@jamesbyersmusic]

I was born in September 1981, so John's death never "affected" me, though of course I wish he was still here! I became a fan of the Beatles when I was around 4 or 5 and my obsession still continues to grow. I remember being devastated when I heard that George had passed and I'll be devastated when Paul and Ringo leave us as well. But to your point, I've never met them, I can't pretend I know them, though as fans we feel like we know them. I've seen Paul and Ringo in concert and that is most likely the closest I will ever get to them. As for a reunion, I would have liked a one off show or tour and I wish John had been involved in the 'Anthology' project, but a new album? They would have to do something better that what they did, and what they did was perfect, so how do you top that? In some ways I'm not even sure they should have even done 'Free As A Bird' or 'Real Love'...

[@glassslide]

I remember my sister waking me up to tell me and when I woke up the next day I wasn't sure if it was something I had dreamed. The other thing I remember (vividly) were these girls that I was close with who were absolutely hysterical for about 2 weeks. They were known huge Beatles fans but their reaction struck me as over-the-top. In the extreme. But it was real thats for sure, it went on and on for days.

[@tracystevenson7921]

I love your videos, keep up the great work. I was a senior in High School when John was murdered and it was such a shock! I have always loved their music and at different times of my life, really go on weeks long binges of listening to nothing but their music (I have been on one for the last month). I do think they (all 4) would have attempted to get together to, at least, put out another album together or maybe a surprise live show (Live Aid?). I often think of the music that we would never get to hear because of a deranged individual. I can't wait to see what Peter Jackson has put together for us!

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Thanks for watching, Tracy!

[@joemasse4568]

I remember the night, I had been watching Monday night Football, and fell asleep with it on. I remember half asleep hearing Cosell talking about how it’s only a game, and something tragic had happened in New York City, all the while I thought I was dreaming this? The next morning my father woke me up with the news? What a bad way to start your day!

[@alvincash3230]

I was a huge Beatles fan. After their split, every following article or interview about any of the four always had to address the possibility of a reunion. With John's death that possibly also died. It took a long time to get used to that.

[@ChrisMezzolesta]

I was 16 & a senior in high school...Getting ready for bed about 1045pm or so, local FM easy-type music station on my clock radio, from the bathroom across the hall I hear the music suddenly fade out and the local announcer comes on & says something about a man tentatively identified as former Beatle John Lennon being shot & injured outside his apartment building. Being in Long Island & closer to NYC we might possibly have had news a minute or 3 earlier than the rest of the country, I don't know...but it definitely said injured. Immediately I started tuning around trying to find out more info, ended up back on that FM station then hit the switch to go to AM, and IIRC the local station was at the same position as WABC 77 in NYC, and I immediately heard the words "shot and killed". Life forever changed at that moment. Even to now.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Yes, what a strange time and so senseless. Thanks for sharing, Chris.

[@briang768]

I was sixteen and I went to bed after the halftime highlights. When I woke up, I went to the kitchen where I found a note from my Dad written on graph paper. The thing I hated was the sanctification of John Lennon. The Beatle biographers tended to elevate John’s talent at the expense of especially Paul. George and Ringo were afterthoughts. I honestly think there wasn’t much effect on pop culture during the 80s or music for that matter. The 80s were carved up by Madonna, Bruce Springsteen, Michael Jackson, and Prince. It was the era of hair metal, nu wave, and power ballads. Those who were clearly inspired by the Beatles musically such as Marshall Crenshaw (who portrayed John in Beatlemania) and the Smithereens had more niche appeal. Also I don’t remember a sixties revival like the fifties revival of the mid 70s around the Happy Days television show. As for a reunion, it has always been my understanding that the Anthology project was in response to George Harrison’s financial problems. I know the “Long and Winding Road” project had been in limbo for years. My fantasy would have been a reunion on MTV’s Unplugged.

[@popgoesthe60s52]

Very insightful comments, Brian. I agree that a lionization of John Lennon occupied too much space - at the expense of the others. I like the idea of a stripped down show too. You are correct about the Anthology - if not for the problems with Hand Made Films, we may have never even got the Anthology!

[@ml5955]

I think the Beatles had an effect, some believe large effect, for some of the big acts of the 90’s like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Oasis etc. GnR is an 80”s early 90’s band that was also influenced by the Beatles, as well as some other hair bands of that era. Their shadow draws long over rock music, well a 1/2 century now, and future generations in centuries to come will know and appreciate the music of the Beatles like we know and appreciate the musical legends from the 18th and 19th century such as Johan Sebastian Bach, Wolfgang Amadeus, and Ludwig Van Beethoven etc. BTW, I have been loving this channel. Thank you. With the well thought out content and good production I think this channel will be big in a year or so.

[@gregwallace552]

I was 22 when John was killed. That night I had gone to see a film with some friends in L.A. and a guy came out just before the film started and announced what had happened. That was a shock and I have no recollection of the film at all. I had been into the Beatles since the Beatles cartoons were airing on Saturday mornings in the mid sixties. By the end of the '60s I was collecting their records. Paul was my favorite then but by the time I was 14 John was the Beatle I found most intriguing. It was extremely saddening and disorienting for me when John was suddenly gone forever. I spent weeks listening to Double Fantasy as well as these two double album bootlegs of the Let It Be Sessions. Somehow I found that comforting.

[@goodmorningu.s.a3595]

What were the bootlegs by chance?

[@gregwallace552]

@@goodmorningu.s.a3595 I can't remember the names of the albums but they had Commonwealth, Suzy Parker, No Pakistanis, and a bunch of other stuff from the Nagra recordings including a very funny version of She Came In Through the Bathroom Window. I have a CD this has a lot of these songs on them now. Unfortunately I lost those records while moving at some point.

[@ajbianchi85]

The world was not the same after John was taken from us. Yes he was flawed but so is everyone else. He gave so much and inspired so many

[@Octavian7771]

John was the consciousness of a generation. When we lost John, the generation lost it's soul. John was also an abitur of cool. For most of the Beatles, it was John's filter that tempered Paul's 'granny music'. Later, John was supportive of the Punk rock movement and then the emerging New Wave in New York. If John had lived, he would have continued to write and produce hit material. He was in the middle of completing his follow up LP to Double Fantasy. John and Paul were seeing more each other. Paul was subtly relentless in maintaining his friendship with John, and I they had discussions of recording in 1981-82 Los Angeles for a new Ringo Starr LP.

[@jimbullard441]

I've always felt that if John had not been killed....I could see him doing the Wilbury thing with George...or the Ringo All-Star thing. Perhaps during the 80s, when Live Aid/Farm Aid etc was the thing....John might have re-united with Paul (and perhaps the others) for one of those events.