Legacy Podcast: John Lennon | Imagine | Episode 4

Hosts: Afwa Hirsch and Peter Frankopan
Release Date: March 26, 2025

1. Introduction to John Lennon's Later Life

The final installment of the John Lennon series opens in the spring of 1980, presenting Lennon at 39 years old, navigating life as a stay-at-home father to his son, Sean. Unlike his first marriage with Cynthia, Lennon is now more involved and hands-on with parenting. During this period, the remaining Beatles members have collectively released ten solo albums over the past five years, yet Lennon himself remains creatively silent, leading many to believe he has retired. However, Peter Frankopan hints at Lennon’s creative spirit still simmering beneath the surface.

Peter Frankopan [00:45]: "Lennon's noodling at home but hasn't released anything. Most people assume he's just retired, but his creative muse isn't finished with him yet."

2. The Sailing Trip and Transformation

On April 20, 1980, Lennon and Yoko Ono celebrate their 11th wedding anniversary with extravagant gifts, including a Rolls Royce for Lennon. They embark on a sailing trip to Bermuda, influenced by their numerologist, Takashi Yoshikawa, who advises a southeasterly direction to escape impending “clouds of evil.”

Afwa Hirsch [03:18]: "On April 20, John and Yoko celebrate their 11th wedding anniversary with lavish gifts by any standards, including a Rolls Royce for John."

Despite Lennon’s minimal sailing experience, the voyage aboard the Hinckley sloop "Megan J" becomes a transformative ordeal. A severe storm hits the North Atlantic on June 7, 1980, lasting 30 hours. As seasickness overtakes the crew, Lennon alone battles the tempest, finding solace and strength in singing sea shanties, which reflects a deep connection to his seafaring ancestry.

Afwa Hirsch [05:53]: "Terror had gripped him initially, but something changed as the hours passed. John begins shouting into the wind the sea shanties he'd learned back home."

The storm not only tests Lennon’s resilience but also sparks a profound personal epiphany, rekindling his creative energies and solidifying his return to music.

3. The Making of Double Fantasy

Upon reaching Bermuda's Hamilton Harbour after four harrowing days, Lennon spends a few months there, purchasing tape recorders and speakers to work on new songs, marking the end of his five-year musical hiatus. The experience revitalizes his creativity, leading to the conception of the album Double Fantasy, inspired by a clump of yellow freesias he encounters, symbolizing his life with Yoko Ono.

Afwa Hirsch [09:45]: "For somebody for whom creativity is such a big part of his life, there must have been a relief and a joy in starting to tap into songwriting again."

Back in New York, Lennon immerses himself in the studio, balancing his artistic pursuits with family life. The album reflects a more conservative and wholesome side of Lennon, dedicated to his son Sean and Yoko Ono, illustrating his transformation into a devoted father and partner.

Peter Frankopan [11:29]: "So compared to his experimental and edgy material, this album is actually quite conservative. But it's beautiful."

However, Double Fantasy receives mixed reviews, with critics favoring Lennon's earlier, more tumultuous works, describing the new album as "indulgently sterile."

4. Assassination and Immediate Aftermath

On December 8, 1980, the episode recounts the tragic assassination of John Lennon at the Dakota Building in New York. Amidst a day filled with promotional activities, a fan named Mark Chapman, a 26-year-old former security guard, approaches Lennon, offering a signed copy of Double Fantasy. Moments later, Chapman emerges from the shadows and fatally shoots Lennon.

Peter Frankopan [19:26]: "I remember watching John Kramer’s Newsround, which broke the news to my age group that John Lennon had been shot. It was a real shock… devastating."

The episode delves into the chaos that ensues, with immediate media coverage and the emotional turmoil experienced by Yoko Ono, fellow Beatles members, and fans worldwide. The narrative highlights the cultural impact of Lennon’s death, marking the end of an era and the elevation of Lennon from a beloved musician to an enduring myth.

5. Legacy and Impact Discussion

In the aftermath, Afwa Hirsch and Peter Frankopan engage in a profound discussion about John Lennon’s multifaceted legacy. They explore his contributions as a musician, peace activist, parent, and cultural icon.

Afwa Hirsch [37:55]: "If we're going to judge John Lennon's activism by its ability to stop violence, then it definitely didn't have the legacy he would have liked. But... he set a precedent for celebrities to advocate for causes they believe in."

Peter raises critical points about the Beatles' overwhelming cultural dominance, questioning whether this focus overshadows other significant social and cultural movements.

Peter Frankopan [26:23]: "I just wonder whether also we can project so much onto their Music, their lyrics, their fashion... it's only music. It's not actually doing anything for civil rights."

Afwa counters by emphasizing the Beatles' role in societal transformation, arguing that music is a profound engine of social change that transcends mere entertainment.

Afwa Hirsch [26:59]: "There is such a profound inequality in the way that culture operates... artists who are doing the work deserve to be understood and credited."

They also delve into the complexities of race and cultural influence, acknowledging Lennon’s respect for black artists while critiquing the systemic inequities that prevented those artists from receiving equal recognition.

Afwa Hirsch [33:27]: "Even when Lennon credits the black artists that inspired him, those black artists don't get remembered, remunerated, or celebrated."

6. Conclusion and Legacy Roundup

The conversation culminates in a comprehensive roundup of Lennon’s enduring legacy. They highlight his unparalleled status as a songwriter, his pivotal role in popularizing peace activism, and the Beatles' lasting influence on global culture.

Peter Frankopan [37:19]: "John Lennon has the most number ones for a songwriter in the UK according to Guinness Book of Records. So in terms of his musical legacy and contribution, you can't touch John Lennon."

Afwa underscores the Beatles' ability to attract new generations, citing statistics that show significant streaming numbers among younger listeners, a testament to their timeless appeal.

Afwa Hirsch [46:25]: "In 2019, a Forbes report said that 18 to 29-year-olds are responsible for 47% of Beatles stream songs."

Peter reflects on the magical collaboration of the Beatles and their unmatched commercial success, pondering what Lennon’s continued presence might have contributed to the evolving music landscape.

Peter Frankopan [44:21]: "The Beatles sold 600 million records. That's more than anybody ever... speaks for itself."

The hosts conclude by celebrating Lennon’s profound impact on music, culture, and activism, acknowledging both his achievements and personal flaws, ultimately cementing his legacy as one of the most influential figures of the 20th century.

Notable Quotes

• Peter Frankopan [08:32]: "I've been in storms on a boat and it's absolutely, totally bloody terrifying. You're convinced you're gonna die?"

• Afwa Hirsch [12:09]: "It's a God awful yawn that stings."

• Peter Frankopan [33:27]: "Does that matter?"

• Afwa Hirsch [40:22]: "It's a way of basically making sure nobody ever really questions the status quo in a way that is taken seriously."

• Afwa Hirsch [41:28]: "He could be incredibly cruel. Books that I've read about him... still don't shy away from how cruel he could be."

Final Thoughts

This episode of Legacy masterfully intertwines the dramatic arcs of John Lennon's personal struggles, creative resurgence, untimely death, and complex legacy. Through insightful dialogues and vivid storytelling, Afwa Hirsch and Peter Frankopan provide a nuanced portrayal of Lennon, encouraging listeners to reflect on the profound and sometimes contradictory influences he wielded in shaping modern music and cultural paradigms.

For those seeking an in-depth exploration of John Lennon's life and enduring impact, this episode offers a compelling and comprehensive narrative that honors his multifaceted legacy.

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