Join Paul McCartney, the legendary former Beatle, as he reminisces about his complex bond with John Lennon, and the unique role of Yoko Ono in their dynamics. They dive into the chaos of a wild jam session in LA and discuss the tensions surrounding the Beatles' breakup. Paul reflects on a pivotal rendezvous in New Orleans that hinted at a possible reunion with John, and they explore the emotional turbulence of their intertwining relationships. Expect insights into friendship, love, and the surreal world of rock 'n' roll!
Yoko Ono's manipulation of Paul McCartney illustrates her complex motivations in seeking to control John Lennon and their relationship.
The infamous 'Toot and Snore' jam session highlights the chaotic but invigorating reunion of John and Paul's creative energies post-estrangement.
John Lennon's emotional struggle with the Beatles' dissolution reflects his deep psychological wounds and fear of abandonment from his upbringing.
The Madison Square Garden concert serves as a pivotal moment revealing unresolved feelings between John and Paul, complicated by Yoko's narrative influence.
Deep dives
John and Paul's Long-Distance Reconciliation
In the early 1970s, John Lennon and Paul McCartney began to rebuild their relationship after a period of estrangement. John and Yoko Ono temporarily separated, allowing John to explore new personal territories in Los Angeles. This separation provided an opportunity for John to reflect on his feelings, culminating in Yoko's request for a divorce, which John initially resisted. This prompted Yoko to strategically involve Paul, suggesting that he act as a mediator to convey her feelings and possibly repair their bond.
Yoko's Strategic Mind Games
Yoko's maneuvering during this tumultuous period raises questions about her motivations and her view of Paul's influence over John. While claiming to want John back, Yoko's approach included creating obstacles for him and utilizing Paul's position as an artist and friend. This suggested that she may have perceived Paul as both a threat and a means to manipulate John into taking action regarding their relationship. Thus, by enlisting Paul, Yoko was perhaps planning to gain more control over both John and the situation.
The Infamous 'Toot and Snore' Jam Session
The podcast highlights iconic moments from John and Paul's interactions in the mid-1970s, including the infamous 'Toot and Snore' jam session. This session, marked by an impromptu musical collaboration, represented a chaotic yet exciting reunion of their creative energies following their estrangement. John was noted to engage in playful banter with Paul during the session, suggesting a comfort level that hinted at the potential for renewed collaboration. This moment exemplified the connective thread of their musical partnership that persisted despite personal upheavals.
The Last Beatles Divorce
As 1974 progressed, John faced the finalization of the Beatles' legal dissolution, primarily initiated by Paul. Despite agreeing to end the partnership formally, John's emotional attachment complicated his decision-making process, showcasing his reluctance to let go of the group dynamic. This ambivalence culminated in John's refusal to sign the divorce papers, primarily out of fear and uncertainty regarding life after the Beatles. His eventual decision to sign came after an emotionally charged confrontation with Lee Eastman, emphasizing the deep psychological wounds intertwined with the band's breakup.
Reflections on Identity and Belonging
The podcast delves into how John's struggles with identity and belonging were amplified during the dissolution of the Beatles. John's fear of abandonment and feelings of unworthiness stemmed from his upbringing and strained familial relationships. Coupled with the pressures of fame, this left him vulnerable to the fear that his closest relationships, particularly with Paul and George, could dissolve entirely. This psychological tension informed his hesitance to sever ties with the Beatles, illustrating how his past directly influenced his present decisions.
Madison Square Garden: A Turning Point
The discussion of the Madison Square Garden concert as a pivotal moment for John and Paul illuminates the tension and unresolved feelings between them. During the performance, John referred to Paul as his 'estranged fiancé,' a loaded statement suggesting both affection and unresolved conflict. This public acknowledgment of their bond seemed to reinforce both their connection and John's internal struggles regarding his relationships. The concert's aftermath further complicated John's dynamics with Yoko, who sought to rewrite the narrative to focus on their reunion.
Navigating Renewed Relationships
As the narrative unfolds, John navigated a complex landscape of renewed friendships and estranged relationships following the signing of the divorce papers. John's attempt to reconnect with Paul demonstrated his underlying desire to re-establish their once-close bond while transitioning back into an active music career. Yet, this seemingly straightforward reunion was laden with emotional baggage, particularly due to Yoko's pivotal role in John's life. The ambiguity surrounding Paul's feelings and the potential for reconciliation mirrored John's internal conflict about his past decisions and forays into new relationships.
In our second installment of Pizza & Fairytales, we discuss how Yoko draws Paul into her mind games with John. Highlights of Paul’s ensuing visit to John in LA include the Toot ‘n’ Snore jam session and a peculiar Polaroid message sent to Jann Wenner.
Back in New York, John gives his last ever concert performance and the Beatles are finally, legally dissolved. Afterwards, Paul invites John to a rendezvous in New Orleans, setting the stage for a possible Lennon-McCartney reunion.
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SOURCES
Loving John, MAY PANG (1983)
Many Years From Now, BARRY MILES (1997)
Chris Salewicz interview w/ Paul McCartney (Sept 1986)
“Ballad of Yoko” BBC programme (1998)
“Can’t buy me love: Yoko tells how Paul saved her marriage to John” The Times UK (Oct 9, 2010)
Man on the Run, TOM DOYLE (2013)
Sticky Fingers, JOE HAGAN (2017)
John & Yoko Interview w/ David Wigg St. Regis Hotel, NY (October, 1971)
Sandra Shevey Interview w/ John & Yoko (1972)
John Lennon and Yoko Ono, interview w/ Jonathan Cott for Rolling Stone: Yoko Ono and her sixteen-track voice. (March 18th, 1971)
Tony King Interview w/ BBC In My Life: John Lennon Remembered (1990)
John Lennon interview w/ Alan Freeman (January, 1975)
Harry Nilsson Interview w/ Geoffrey Guiliano (Feb 17, 1984)
Life: “Paul McCartney talks about the Beatle breakup and his new life” (April 16th, 1971)
Audio letter to John Lennon from Mimi Smith as excerpted on Lost Lennon Tapes (early 1970s)
PLAYLIST
Move on Fast YOKO ONO
Let Me Roll it PAUL MCCARTNEY & WINGS
Meat City JOHN LENNON
Stand By Me, LENNON/McCARTNEY and PALS
Bluebird (One Hand Clapping) PAUL McCARTNEY & WINGS
I’ll Never Leave You HARRY NILSSON
Whatever Gets You Thru the Night (live) ELTON JOHN & JOHN LENNON
I Saw Her Standing There (live) ELTON JOHN & JOHN LENNON
Bless You JOHN LENNON
Beef Jerky JOHN LENNON
You Gave Me the Answer PAUL McCARTNEY & WINGS
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