Podcast Summary: Under the Influence with Terry O'Reilly

Episode: Double Fantasy Guitarist Earl Slick Talks About Lennon
Date: December 8, 2025
Host: Terry O'Reilly
Guest: Earl Slick

Episode Overview

This episode offers a remarkable behind-the-scenes look into the making of John Lennon's final albums, Double Fantasy and Milk and Honey, through the eyes of legendary guitarist Earl Slick. Terry O'Reilly takes listeners on a deep dive into the creative process, studio anecdotes, the lasting cultural impact of Lennon's music, and Slick’s own journey from Brooklyn to playing with some of rock’s biggest icons. The conversation is candid, insightful, and filled with humor and humanity, connecting the dots between pop culture, the music industry, and personal stories.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

Earl Slick’s Early Influences and Musical Awakening

• Earl describes his New York upbringing, absorbing disparate musical influences from his parents—swing bands and country music.
• The Beatles’ Ed Sullivan show appearance on February 9, 1964, was a life-changing moment:

  “Literally the next day after that Beatles appearance on Ed Sullivan, we were already putting bands together… even though none of us played.” (Earl Slick, 03:37)

• His early days were divided between dreams of playing for the Yankees and a growing obsession with the guitar, which ultimately won out after an injury sidelined his baseball ambitions.

Reflections on The Beatles' Innovation

• Earl and Terry discuss the creative leap from Rubber Soul to Revolver to Sgt. Pepper:

  "Where my most successful art came from... I always peak when it’s 24 hours a day. And that’s what they did, those two guys…there was anomalous thinking in those boys' heads.” (Earl Slick, 05:29)

• Earl pays tribute to producer George Martin:

  “He could see something that other people couldn’t see, plus his instincts… How do you take an acoustic version of Strawberry Fields and turn it into an acid trip psychedelic piece of music?” (Earl Slick, 06:33)

Becoming “Earl Slick”

• The origin of Slick’s stage name is recounted with humor, stemming from a mispronunciation in his Italian-Brooklyn household and a bandmate’s joke:

  “So Earl became Oil and Oil became Slick. Oil Slick, Earl Slick.” (Terry O’Reilly, 09:17)

Getting the Call: Double Fantasy Sessions

• Earl shares how he was chosen as the “wild card” in an otherwise top-tier session band for Lennon:

  “John wanted one guy in there who was from a rock and roll street band to offset the session guys. So Jack Douglas referred to me as the wild card.” (Earl Slick, 10:58)

• Yoko’s use of numerology and astrology for band selections is recalled, including a time she excluded Slick from a later session due to a numerological reading.

  “She said that something’s not good’s going to happen if you do this.” (Earl Slick, 12:55)

The First Meeting and Studio Atmosphere

• Earl describes his anxiety before the first session with Lennon, despite prior experiences with legends like David Bowie.
• A memorable first interaction with Lennon turned into an in-joke throughout recording:

  “It gives me the ‘oh, it’s good to see you again,’ and I was a little bit like ‘we met?’... It became a running joke… Lennon would turn to Earl, look over his glasses and say, ‘You remember me now?’” (Earl Slick, 15:13, 16:38)

Keeping Double Fantasy Secret

• Precautions were taken to keep the sessions under wraps, yet rumors quickly spread:

  “Even a cabbie knew where he was recording. It must have been very hard to keep that secret… it’s the fucking Beatles.” (Terry O’Reilly/Earl Slick, 22:23)

Working Process and Relationships in the Studio

• Lennon favored early takes, focusing on feel over perfection—“the really good magic tracks are going to happen within the first five or six takes, tops.” (Earl Slick, 24:22)

• Lennon’s egalitarian bandleader approach:

  “He wanted to be part of the band. You see, I’m just the lead singer in the band. So he would take input from guys.” (Earl Slick, 41:14)

• The dynamic between John and Yoko had “two gears,” alternating between spousal teamwork and professional collaboration (Earl Slick, 35:17).

On Lennon’s Musicianship

• Slick offers high praise for Lennon as a rhythm guitarist:

  “His rhythm playing on some of the tunes, especially when we’re doing the rock tunes, was similar to that feel that Keith [Richards] had. I love John’s feel.” (Earl Slick, 31:24)

Favorite Songs and Moments

• Slick’s favorite tracks to play on or perform: “Watching the Wheels,” “Nobody Told Me,” “I Don’t Wanna Face It,” “I’m Losing You.”
• His standout personal moment:

  “I’m Losing You… probably one of the most memorable solos in my career. And the way we did it… was John’s idea. He came up with the idea; we came up with the notes.” (Earl Slick, 32:53)

The Final Session and Aftermath

• The album was finished with just Slick and Lennon recording together, echoing methods Lennon and Harrison used in The Beatles:

  “That was the end of it for me. That was the last day. And it’s kind of good because the memory... it was just me and him in the room.” (Earl Slick, 43:33)

• The news of Lennon’s murder devastated Slick. Decades later, the trauma resurfaces every December 8th, the anniversary of the assassination:

  “It affected me profoundly in hindsight, much more than I actually realized it did.” (Earl Slick, 45:34)

Double Fantasy’s Legacy

• For Slick, the album remains cherished by fans, and its positive tone stands apart:

  “The last piece of work that John did was on a positive note. The songs were positive. It was a happy record.” (Earl Slick, 50:40)

• Slick’s most enduring memory: Lennon in the vocal booth with his guitar, leading with humor and warmth:

  “It was always positive. Always.” (Earl Slick, 52:11)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Literally the next day after that Beatles appearance on Ed Sullivan, we were already putting bands together.” (03:37)
• “Jack Douglas referred to me as the wild card. And that’s why I was there [in the Double Fantasy sessions].” (10:58)
• “You remember me now?” – Lennon’s running joke with Slick about not remembering their first meeting. (16:38)
• “[John] wanted to be part of the band. You see, I’m just the lead singer in the band.” (41:14)
• “I don't know how many people have actually been in a room with him playing that weren’t in the Beatles...his rhythm playing...was similar to that feel that Keith [Richards] had.” (31:24)
• “It affected me profoundly in hindsight, much more than I actually realized it did.” (45:34)
• “The last piece of work that John did was on a positive note. The songs were positive. It was a happy record.” (50:40)
• “Whenever the subject of those records come up and I get a visual in my head, it’s always of John in the vocal booth with his guitar singing.” (52:11)

Important Timestamps

• [03:26–04:20]: Earl on Beatles’ Ed Sullivan appearance and its cultural aftershock
• [10:35]: How Slick was recruited for Double Fantasy
• [15:13]: Funny story about not remembering meeting Lennon
• [22:23]: The challenge of keeping the sessions secret
• [24:22]: Lennon’s preference for early takes and live feel
• [31:24]: Slick's praise for Lennon’s rhythm guitar prowess
• [32:53]: Breakdown of the solo on “I’m Losing You”
• [41:14]: John Lennon’s collaborative style
• [43:33]: The last recording session with Lennon
• [44:23–45:42]: How Earl heard about Lennon’s murder and its profound impact
• [50:40]: Double Fantasy’s legacy in Slick’s eyes

Final Thoughts

This episode masterfully weaves musical history, behind-the-scenes revelations, and personal memories. Earl Slick emerges not just as a legendary sideman, but as a candid witness to history who emphasizes the enduring humanity and optimism at the heart of John Lennon’s final works. For fans of The Beatles, classic rock, or music history, it is a rare and intimate window into the creative and personal world of one of the 20th century’s most iconic figures.