My Friendship with Steve Jobs | John Mayer | Oxford Union

John Mayer talks about his friendship with Apple founder Steve Jobs.
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John Mayer talks about his friendship with Apple founder Steve Jobs and goes on to reveal what he misses about having a 'boss' and being pushed harder by people you respect..
Filmed on Friday 25th October 2013
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ABOUT JOHN MAYER:
John Clayton Mayer is an American guitarist, singer-songwriter, and producer. His first two studio albums, Room for Squares (2001) and Heavier Things (2003), did well commercially, achieving multi-platinum status. In 2003, he won a Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance for "Your Body Is a Wonderland." In total he has won 7 Grammy Awards.
ABOUT THE OXFORD UNION SOCIETY:
The Union is the world's most prestigious debating society, with an unparalleled reputation for bringing international guests and speakers to Oxford. It has been established for 189 years, aiming to promote debate and discussion not just in Oxford University, but across the globe.
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[@martinzen]

John Mayer is the wisest, un-bearded person you'll ever hear in your life.

[@mckenna18971]

John can never fail to blow our minds with his words and insight

[@iampatsack]

great story teller, and has a wonderful way of words

[@rodrigomijaresm4268]

Yeah, he should become a song writer

[@brendanproud]

@@rodrigomijaresm4268 bahaha yeh he might sell one or two records.

[@lasseedvardstenersen7487]

Continium is the greatest album he has ever made!

[@LiberTBo]

OK, So assume we all know that, or accept and share that notion, what is relative about your comment? Stay in the moment, be present in the now, John wasn't ideating on albums he recorded 6 years ago. He was speaking to his relationship with Jobs and people pushing each other around, sometimes nicely, like I'm leaning on you now, and what a bombastic firestorm that could be unleashed on such an irrelevant comment. Do you have a comment on John today, in the present, the ideas set forth at the University?

[@lasseedvardstenersen7487]

Terrance Hill my comment was just an opinion. why you being such a douche?

[@LiberTBo]

Lasse edvard stenersen I didn't think so. Why can't you Pay attention for the situation you have put yourself in today. You can't possibly contribute anything to the conversation John was speaking to, when you run around calling people douches.

[@lasseedvardstenersen7487]

Terrance Hill OK! I understand what john is talking about, Actually, he makes a lot of good points that I can relate to my own life. When he was told that continium didn't have any hitsongs on it, did it matter? No. the album was nominated for album of the year in 2007. And again, my comment was just an opinion

[@Jez2008UK]

@Terrance Hill, you sound you like just learned a new way of thinking, thanks to watching this interview with John, and thought you'd practice it on Lasse. However, for me, you stumbled within your first 3 words.... You assumed wrong. Some of us, i.e. me, had only learned of this great artist earlier in the week, so to learn of someone's 'opinion' gives guys like me the idea to go check that album out. Job done ! (no pun intended).

[@2126Eliza]

What he says about no bosses is very true and insightful. There's even evidence that story arcs themselves are changing from age old ones. Young adults are being mentored by each other and social media, not older, wiser people.

[@MrPDTaylor]

When the label says "you don't have any hits on the record" you know you've created your masterwork.

[@nickhoffman4039]

Respectfully, I think you missed the point. The comment from the label is what led him to go completely rework the album that became the masterwork. The album we know is the iteration that resulted from that comment. So in a sense, the label was right. Your comment would be more spot on as "you know you're about to create your masterwork."

[@pressrepeat2000]

Mayer is a multi-talented true genius in so many ways. Incredible.

[@BySAEH]

HIS STORY TELLING SKILLS TAKE ME ON SUCH A RIDE 😍

[@yamil.343]

His song “Say what you need to say” really moves me.

[@siristarburst9]

Mayer is brilliant. He gets both sides - the free tangent & the compartmentalizing - of his brain . That's "abnormal", making it virtually impossible for most humans to relate to (him). Steve Jobs was a kindred spirit

[@siristarburst9]

***** Yes .. I believe he's greatly misunderstood. It's hard to be that artistic & relate and conform to "normalcy"

[@sdemosi]

I find myself liking Mayer because he maybe a douche at times, but he knows it and redeems himself with some casual piece of brilliance.

[@Montel9627]

You get it !

[@torduc22]

What an insightful human being

[@makaylahollywood3677]

Great Talk. Brilliant words. Beautiful man.

[@TheFunkybert]

It's very interesting to see this and hear this interview since it was 4 or 5 years ago. And what he inevitably gets to was that he missed having a mentor, an elder, and the respect he had for those who can push and discern respectfully to get the best out of him. Next thing you know.... he's onstage with the Grateful Dead. Loving the experience. I see now after this talk that the transition for him into lead guitar for the Grateful Dead and how important that was to him as to what was missing in his life meant. And still means. His ability to search through life with his gift of music as his beacon is inspirational. I'm not a huge fan of his solo stuff, just not my thing, but I have incredible respect for the man he is becoming and love his work with the Grateful Dead. Will see you soon John... 3 shows coming up down south. Keep speaking your truth Brother.

[@krsamysmith1]

John - great story teller, and has a wonderful way of words

[@mragunathan1627]

A lot of musicians act like they are intellectuals, this guys the real deal.

[@gregclarkreasons]

Wow.. this is incredible. Thank you John.

[@i_am_platinum]

I love his point of view on this. It totally puts a different perspective on things.

[@Jaylasplenty]

He described going to Art school. That's exactly what it's like. It's art though right? So you think it's going to get admired, so you can do whatever. Some musical artists think their name is going to sell their art. It doesn't always work. You actually have to be good for that to work. Some people don't get it. John is not kidding. Quality is important. Older people can tell bullshit from quality.

[@AntiquatedApe]

Then explain modern "artists" who sell and make millions off of shitty music.

[@Fridaythensaturday]

MisterJatip Because those "artists" appeal to the younger audience that enjoys bullshit over quality. Your question was already answered before you asked it.

[@justinmccabe7613]

MisterJatip Young audiences and people who just can't discern what is musically good i.e. most blue collar people.

[@i_am_platinum]

That's true it's very sad

[@swarming1092]

@@Fridaythensaturday Or maybe they recognise a quality that older audiences fail to perceive. Old poeple often fail to perceive the quality in new things, why would it be different here?

[@apan95]

9:03 waiting for the handshake

[@lucaschacon8362]

William Berntsson so awkward 😂

[@Alex-ob9pq]

Yeah right! Aghhrrr

[@ConnorJMC41]

Ya wtf

[@XTheDentist]

Wow GREAT talk, I especially enjoy his story-telling style of presenting his thoughts & ideas. He was definitely ahead of the curve here regarding sensitivity, and this was filmed ~6 & half years ago! Never heard this man speak before, super smart guy.

[@donnav7103]

Brilliant musician too.

[@reladham]

Amazing wisdom

[@tomandrews5463]

From 4 mins for anyone working in the current media climate. Its so so true. Props to Mayer for his insights. He actually has stuff to say.

[@khushilanker]

@johnmayer I love how he says: "....the guy on the top or the Woman on the top"... thank you for that. Also I believe the cohesive bond between the 'guy/woman in charge and the little people doesn't always survive. Egos are bound to take over. its tough being yelled at. Now only if I can muster up the courage to say all of this to my hell beast of a teacher ^^

[@thefunkybassist9916]

So insightful in general.

[@GraffitiBlack]

Dude this was so much better than I thought it was gonna be.

[@chanmaung]

ow..so much respect for John Mayer

[@fortyyearfitness]

man that boy can talk

[@lashawnbaptista4652]

Wow so true John your right love the messge

[@bacdi7063]

That second half is gold

[@juancpgo]

I think there are artists who should be in control because they are great at that too (multi-talented). But there are other artists who don't understand enough the industry to do what's right to sell more records, so they need managers. IT all depends on what you're capable of. So, first of all know what you want: - do you want make genuine, innovative art even if it doesnt sell? - do you want to make sells even if it's not good art? - can you combine both? (like maybe Prince, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder did) - somewhere in between? - “one for you, one for them”? After understanding your goal, you have to know your weaknesses and strengths: - can you make a hit? - can you make great art? - do you know your industry deeply? Then you can decide the best approach. But the answers above aren't easy, and sometimes you only really know after trying it.

[@uverpro3598]

See, this is actually amazingly insightful. Very pragmatic and clever.

[@christinecanzano2498]

Keep pushing 💪

[@AmberIsTheColor73192]

Continuum is a masterpiece!~

[@eflizotte]

You know he's right... I really do wonder what it's going to be like for my kids.

[@zeusfloreus]

Wow!!! Insightful

[@HenrikVendelbo]

Excellent

[@GradyRosten]

Great insight

[@playmovingpictures]

Bravo John keeping it real

[@riskcanedit]

holy wisdom.....

[@deszyoliver_]

I can't believe this.. John Mayer is a mark..

[@goneherondale]

he's my idol

[@locutusdborg126]

Pure genius. Great insight into celebrities and their editors/bosses.

[@bgimusic]

I really like this!!!

[@charlesortiz5388]

Exactly!!

[@MylaCruz11]

nice smart guy

[@Kingstonsmac]

Love his stories. Especially his watch talks.

[@koho]

Really interesting to hear him question the new music order and the lack of senior leadership

[@snyggmikael]

The best creations comes from creative and daring people, working in teams that are focused on one unified vision. But one early step in the development process is "brainstorming". In that brainstorm, there should be all kinds of visions mixing together. But in the end of the day, there should be one "master mind" puting down the final decisions on the matter. In that sense, those talented people is a vital part of the development process, while the mastermind is the one making it all come together and will be the one signing the work when it is all done.

[@siristarburst9]

You get it:)

[@kimberlykairo]

John Mayer is a brainiac. Awesome genius on genius

[@leeanucha]

Mac was just something people can love. not any more sadly. I love old macs. Just don't know why. It's like they all had souls. And every steve jobs's story is very interesting for some reasons.

[@NR-gp2il]

The new Apple sucks

[@alfredonavarrozuno6927]

I admire his music and way of thinkng. Sorry! Colud someone explain to me if after his boss told him there were no hits on the continuum album, did he wrote new songs and added them to the album? or they just listened the demo again and change the opinion about it. That was not that clear to me. Thanks!

[@alwells5779]

There is a lot that is good here. The problem isn't that we're demanding performance or excellence from our teams and doing so will cause some hurt feelings sometimes. However, we can be excellent and demand excellence while also not being d***s about how we treat each other. This is an excellent clip. Thank you for the reminder about demanding the best.

[@Joeconleyable]

Half way through the interview johns Xanax kicked in.

[@johnmsingh7978]

Beautiful Patek on his wrist

[@davidcrews6170]

Based as fuck! He’s so right. This is why cancel culture, PC movement, the offended restrict speech, all of it is dangerous. He basically defended free speech here. Well done.

[@shahilagh]

john i miss bosses and editors too. but recently i looked for someone and i found him and we r working on creating something -we write - new and he yells at me dont do this. and i love him pushing my limits.

[@tomasinacovell4293]

LOL

[@TipsterOnForex]

Yup. And if you didnt know this, you need to lead and experience it. You can lead without disrescting.

[@noahumar2528]

John Mayer is like M. Ali of music.

[@jacknick7582]

so many great artists these days have complete creative control.. to the point where they're their only critic, all the way to the point of distribution.. and they fight for that freedom, and they believe in that freedom.. but john's point is true.. maybe they'd be better off having somebody who's seen it all before to report to.

[@ToinevanKastel]

cool

[@Matthew-ez4ze]

4:30 What?!!!! "Continuum" is a masterpiece. There are a minimum of 4 songs that buskers will sing 20 years from now, and the rest is shear brilliance.

[@4gegtyreeyuyeddffvyt]

He's a lot smarter than I imagined he would be.

[@illuminatiZ]

you should watch his other speeches because it is always like that. He says very useful stuff

[@lassepetersen1940]

You can literally write a song for every speech he makes.

[@zefSF]

I am a John Mayer fan, no question about it, but good thing he is not an engineer :)

[@jmartinez562]

I'm sure 90% of people don't miss their Bosses.

[@roshsurana]

Yeah because 90% of the bosses work on hierarchy, not ideas. Only few bosses work on ideas. It’s still salt for people who don’t have good ideas but it is what it is right.

[@MrVisde]

I get John’s point, but there are very few Steve Jobs in the world - people with immaculate taste, vision, and ability to articulate the vision. There’s a lot of bad bosses out there driven by ego who’s whole identity is wrapped up in their title.

[@StanleyWith]

What he said :-)

[@youtube2snoopy820]

Re "Continuum": I'm not clear if he took the advice of the record company exec and rewrote his original album OR created a whole new one OR didn't make any changes at all.

[@bloomgardenco.2328]

He wrote “waiting on the world to change” in a night, and then the execs were happy

[@jptbaba]

So complex person like me

[@1m2a3t4t5]

THE WHOLE SEGMENT ABOUT BOSSES WAS A (why was caps on? sorry.) ted lecture.

[@gilrios1405]

1m2a3t4t5 which i dont agree with completely and that’s ok

[@1m2a3t4t5]

Gil Rios I dont either, he kinda lost me with it. Though I do see where he was coming from and where it could apply beneficially to some artists unfortunately

[@1m2a3t4t5]

btw, 6 years ago jesus christ, feels more like 1 and 1/2 or 2....

[@spimqmri9844]

yee

[@karen6187]

Interesting. I had no idea that he and Jobs were friends. I wen't to high school with both Jobs and "the Wos" and believe me neither of them were "all that" back then. But then again most geeks aren't when they're in high school. I can't honestly say I knew them because they were always in science classes or engineering clubs (that sort of thing. Jobs was a few years behind me, and Wozniak was a few years ahead of me. It's kind of a fun story to tell people about - they're always so "interested" in hearing about it. But honestly there's not much to tell about those two. Odd ducks is about all I can say. I still have my high school yearbooks that they are in. LOL!

[@pacoimeroxvida4404]

Stop lying homie

[@michaelneas2732]

he doesn't strike me as the kind of guy who would party with Tommy Lee and the Motley Crue

[@evamoreno8909]

Have him come see me

[@USBcable]

Why does John get up and clap for himself at the end? Lol

[@chriscolemusicalsound]

USBcable why do footballers applaud the crowd as they walk off the pitch? its a show of humility.

[@filiphorvath3750]

USBcable he claps for the crowd.

[@TheOceanDreamz]

+USBcable He doesn't always clap ya know? But, when he does, it's for himself. ;)

[@megalo-dono4339]

Ahem

[@Kivencito]

Who keeps coughing in the back??? i mean, leave the room X_X

[@NisseOhlsen]

So the guy is not the sharpest cutter in the cupboard. Anybody listened to his music and didn't already realize that ?

[@musicisart2]

Dead and Co.!

[@voldy3565]

did he give you a jaguar?

[@warwicksmiley3731]

Yeah Whatever. BUT at the 6.00 min. Mark He made sense

[@robertniewieski2528]

wow he said this in 13 now we have 20 and its even worse

[@drumkid1100]

Lol take a bump

[@stevemorse108]

Modesty is not his chief virtue.

[@youraveragepasser-by7367]

The talk is about his life and accomplishments.

[@samuelfinkelstein8099]

He seems oUt

[@0JenniferMichelle0]

lol

[@jameshicks7632]

I wonder how a call from Mayer to Jobs went. "Hey Stevo...can I visit one of your sweatshops when I tour Southeast Asia?" "Sure John. I'll see if the all the workers can pool their monthly earnings and buy one of your shitty records for the shop." I think I'm close.

[@santiagovela51]

.

[@indiefruit]

More bitter than a bag of lemons

[@SarthakKamat]

They make more a week than you would in a month

[@antiochiaadtaurum3786]

a whole lot of noise comes out of his mouth without making any kind of point

[@Sirvival205]

So many coughs in the audience.

[@teresavale2517]

Did JOBS abandon a daughter who is an Adult Now- - when the Same was Done to him as a Child!!! IF True ;I Could NOT have been friends with Jobs!!!

[@jaymata1218]

oof

[@annhien4159]

Exactly! Donald Trump's out! Boom! wtf are we gonna do now?! 🤣

[@likewiselikeyou104]

Sounds like a liberal is growing up! Welcome to Conservatism!

[@2126Eliza]

LikeWiseLikeYou Ha. JM a conservative. Sorry, you still only have Toby Keith and Clint Eastwood talking to an empty chair.

[@RobertMJohnson]

@@2126Eliza if you think the corporate side of arts and entertainment is managed by all leftists and liberals you're an absolute fool.

[@evamoreno8909]

Who is the ole fart?

[@BadMannerKorea]

He says so much but there's very little substance.

[@allymayful]

????????

[@youraveragepasser-by7367]

Everyone understands him but you. Says more about your intelligence than his

[@BadMannerKorea]

@@youraveragepasser-by7367 Funny you mention intelligence but you’re the one who is confusing a claim of “very little substance” with not understanding.

[@rjmprod]

John's a great guitarist but really has nothing to say....yet people listen attentively at every word! My take: just because you are brilliant at one thing don't mean you are across the board, that's all I'm sayin!

[@Jakecmuir]

***** People are listening attentively because it's interesting to hear his opinions because of the insanely unique life he's had. His opinions are innately valuable because of the 1 in 8 billion lifestyle he has lead of being one of the greatest songwriters in the world. and LUCKILY he's also quite intelligent. Out of all the rockstars he's certainly more well spoken than others.

[@rjmprod]

Jake Muir I can not argue with your opinion of the man!

[@vsrorrer]

+rjmprod His brilliant...this you can't deny...

[@rjmprod]

Vicky Rorrer I smell a crush...lol

[@vsrorrer]

+rjmprod LOL...nahhhh!

[@barrhh84]

What the fuck does John Mayer ever talk about?

[@barrhh84]

I don't know how to react to this so I'm just gonna give you a good old American Fuck yeah.

[@barrhh84]

FUCK YEAH!

[@alexmickmusic]

'Murica read some books, learn some more advanced words and maybe you will be able to comprehend

[@barrhh84]

alex2k15 K