Rolling Stone magazine recently released Lennon’s last interview, taken just three days prior to his shooting on December 8th, 1980 (I wasn’t even born yet, criminy), which had all sorts of gems of insight and unintentional premonition:
On current-day musicians:
“These critics with the illusions they’ve created about artists – it’s like idol worship. They only like people when they’re on their way up … I cannot be on the way up again.”
His take on no longer being ‘the boss’:
“… And God help Bruce Springsteen when they decide he’s no longer God. They’ll turn on him, and I hope he survives it.”
On his own brand of world peace and spirituality:
“I’m not claiming divinity. I’ve never claimed purity of soul. I’ve never claimed to have the answers to life. I only put out songs and answer questions as honestly as I can … But I still believe in peace, love and understanding.”
On the eerie idea that the world prefers dead heroes to living ones:
“What they want is dead heroes, like Sid Vicious and James Dean. I’m not interesting in being a dead (expletive) hero. .. So forget ’em, forget ’em.”
On peace and shootings:
“I cannot live up to other people’s expectations of me, because they’re illusory. Give peace a chance, not shoot people for peace … I only put out songs and answer questions … I cannot be 18 and a be a punk … I see the world through different eyes. I still believe in love, peace and understanding, as Elvis Costello says.”
Crazy that this interview was done a mere three days before his untimely death – or, perfectly timely, if you believe in the inevitable and intricate design. Yoko Ono, Lennon’s widow, had this to say on the thirty-year anni of his death:
“On this tragic anniversary please join me in remembering John with deep love and respect. In his short lived life of 40 years, he has given so much to the world. The world was lucky to have known him. We still learn so much from him today. John, I love you!”
RIP John Lennon, and may your idea of transcending peace and love for all continue to trickle down throughout the ages.
It was thirty years ago. Fucking get over it.
you’re an idiot.
Idiot is too kind.
Yeah, buddy. Keep not paying attention to the past. Oh, and drive fast and take chances.
The past? A psycho kills a musician. That’s the kind of past we need to pay attention to?
Allow me to please rephrase your last sentence:
“RIP John Lennon, and may your idea of transcending peace and love for all someday to trickle down to those who practice and preach the doctrine of fundamentalist Islam.”