John Lennon

Latest about John Lennon

LEFT: British pop group Simon Dupree and the Big Sound, circa 1967. RIGHT: John Lennon plays a Fender VI six-string bass in Abbey Road, in 1969

How John Lennon and George Harrison's early Beatles guitars found their way onto an obscure psychedelic rock album

By Phil Weller published

The Shulman brothers' group secretly recorded with the Beatles' gear, including Harrison’s Gretsch Duo Jet and Lennon's Rickenbacker 325

Guitarists
Ozzy Osbourne and Paul McCartney

Ozzy Osbourne had three words to say about the life-saving impact John Lennon and Paul McCartney had on him

By Phil Weller published

When a teenage Ozzy heard the Beatles on a transistor radio, he instantly knew what he wanted to do with his life

Guitarists
Paul McCartney from the Beatles plays an acoustic guitar while John Lennon (1940-1980) sunbathes behind in London, summer 1967.

Paul McCartney on how John Lennon saved him in a moment of doubt — and why the former Beatles bassist keeps going

By Elizabeth Swann published

McCartney said Lennon's words show the value of partnership, and how having someone in your corner can help you see the brilliance you missed

Guitarists
John Lennon (1940 - 1980) performing with the newly-formed Plastic Ono Band at the Lyceum Theatre, London, 1969.

Dad unknowingly buys John Lennon’s “White Album” combo for about $4,000

By Phil Weller published

He didn’t believe the initial talk of the Fender amp’s historic past. Now that it’s been confirmed, he doesn’t want to keep it for much longer

Guitarists
Photo of John LENNON and George HARRISON and BEATLES; L-R: John Junkin, George Harrison, Paul McCartney (background), John Lennon, Ringo Starr on set at the Scala Theatre during the filming of "A Hard Day's Night"

George Harrison on the John Lennon guitar solo he called his best on the Beatles’ recordings

By Christopher Scapelliti published

Though primarily a rhythm guitarist, Lennon had a few standout moments as a soloist

Guitarists
Paul McCartney (left) and John Lennon (1940 � 1980) performing with The Beatles during their American tour, August 1965.

"I’ve no recollection of ever recording it.” How a John Lennon rocker got banished from the Beatles' albums

By Christopher Scapelliti published

Recorded for 1965’s ‘Help!’ album, “If You’ve Got Trouble” was the first song the group wrote for drummer Ringo Starr. It was almost immediately consigned to the vault

Music
Singer and guitarist, Norman Greenbaum, produced minor hits during the 1960s, including "Spirit in the Sky," which was turned into a number 1 Top 40 hit in 1986, by Doctor & The Medics. Greenbaum retired in '72 as a California goat farmer.

Norman Greenbaum tells how a Telecaster with a built-in fuzz helped him create a psychedelic hit about Jesus that even John Lennon liked

By Joe Bosso published

The song has been heard in commercials, TV shows, movies — and, yes, at funerals too, including the send-off for gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson

Music
LEFT: Bob DYLAN, performing live onstage RIGHT: John Lennon during a performance against a lit backdrop in 1966.

How a misheard John Lennon lyric led Bob Dylan to meet the Beatles and change both their destinies

By Christopher Scapelliti published

Drawn together by mutual admiration, the Beatles and Dylan would push each other to new phases of their artistry. And it started with one song

Guitarists
Freddie Mercury and Brian May of Queen perform July 27, 1983 at Madison Square Garden on January 11, 2012 in New York City.

Brian May said Freddie Mercury edged him out of this chart-topping Queen hit.

By Christopher Scapelliti published

John Lennon reportedly said the tune spurred him into recording again, resulting in his final album, 1980’s 'Double Fantasy'

Music
LEFT: John Lennon backstage for the Beatles' final performance on The Ed Sullivan Show, August 14th, 1965. RIGHT: Roger McGuinn of "The Byrds," at a recording session in Los Angeles, California. Image dated June 2, 1965.

Byrd’s founder Roger McGuinn on the origins of John Lennon’s trippiest track

By Andrew Daly last updated

The guitarist reveals the deep friendship between the Byrds and the Beatles at the dawn of the 1960s’ psychedelic era

Guitarists
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