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Loving John: The Untold Story
Presents a candid and intimate memoir by the other woman in John Lennon's life
336 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 1983
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
November 1, 2016
Reading this book, the phrase that keeps coming to mind is "what a mess."
If you're a Beatles person, chances are you know about John's 18-month "lost weekend" in which he was separated from Yoko. What you may not know is that Yoko herself orchestrated this "weekend," even handpicking a young woman, May Pang, to serve as John's mistress. It's not difficult to conclude that Yoko just wanted the notoriously jealous John out of her hair in order to carry out her own affairs with younger men. This is May's story.
May was a record company employee, and had previously worked as an assistant to John and Yoko at their apartment in NYC's Dakota building. That said, I'm still pretty stunned she managed to hold it together around so many superstars of the 60s/70s music scene. In addition to John Lennon, May met and interacted with the other three ex-Beatles, Mick Jagger, David Bowie, Elton John, et al. I couldn't imagine even speaking with these people, let alone inviting them into my home (and in the case of John) sleeping with them. I would have just been sitting there with a stupid look, gaping at them. Of course, May wouldn't have had much to reminisce about had she acted like that.
I understand the criticism of this book. The author recreates conversations, which is always thorny territory. John was a very verbose guy, and his words are condensed here into sentences simpler than what he probably used. That said, we know many of the stories here are factual, as they've been confirmed by photos, news articles, and other eyewitnesses.
If you like the 1970s music scene, there's plenty of catnip here for you. John Lennon and Paul Simon having a clashing of the egos in the control room as Art Garfunkel grins beatifically on. Phil Spector throwing Joni Mitchell and Warren Beatty out of his studio in a fit of rage. The comedy of errors that was the production of Yoko's film "Fly," that starred, yes, a troupe of houseflies that refused to act on her demands.
Other stories aren't nearly so fun or funny. Both John and Yoko behave in ways that are absolutely shameful in differing ways. I already knew a lot of these aspects of their personalities, so it didn't really change my opinion of them.
If you're a Beatles person, chances are you know about John's 18-month "lost weekend" in which he was separated from Yoko. What you may not know is that Yoko herself orchestrated this "weekend," even handpicking a young woman, May Pang, to serve as John's mistress. It's not difficult to conclude that Yoko just wanted the notoriously jealous John out of her hair in order to carry out her own affairs with younger men. This is May's story.
May was a record company employee, and had previously worked as an assistant to John and Yoko at their apartment in NYC's Dakota building. That said, I'm still pretty stunned she managed to hold it together around so many superstars of the 60s/70s music scene. In addition to John Lennon, May met and interacted with the other three ex-Beatles, Mick Jagger, David Bowie, Elton John, et al. I couldn't imagine even speaking with these people, let alone inviting them into my home (and in the case of John) sleeping with them. I would have just been sitting there with a stupid look, gaping at them. Of course, May wouldn't have had much to reminisce about had she acted like that.
I understand the criticism of this book. The author recreates conversations, which is always thorny territory. John was a very verbose guy, and his words are condensed here into sentences simpler than what he probably used. That said, we know many of the stories here are factual, as they've been confirmed by photos, news articles, and other eyewitnesses.
If you like the 1970s music scene, there's plenty of catnip here for you. John Lennon and Paul Simon having a clashing of the egos in the control room as Art Garfunkel grins beatifically on. Phil Spector throwing Joni Mitchell and Warren Beatty out of his studio in a fit of rage. The comedy of errors that was the production of Yoko's film "Fly," that starred, yes, a troupe of houseflies that refused to act on her demands.
Other stories aren't nearly so fun or funny. Both John and Yoko behave in ways that are absolutely shameful in differing ways. I already knew a lot of these aspects of their personalities, so it didn't really change my opinion of them.
May 18, 2019
Did you know that May Pang sings back-up on Lennon's #9 Dream? It's her sighing "John" in the background and I always thought it was Yoko Ono! Whenever I listen to it, I will always think "May Pang" and whenever I now think of John Lennon, I will have to think of the Lennon she reveals.
Any number of people will criticize this book saying it was written by a jilted lover because the author shatters their image of their childhood hero. But, they would be wrong. If you have read anything about John Lennon and Yoko Ono, May Pang's story rings true. Sure, much of the story recreates conversations that may not be verbatim truth since time has passed and memories are usually not 100% accurate. But, there seems to be little doubt this is how Pang remembers it.
This memoir tells the story of the Lennon-Pang relationship that was manufactured by Yoko Ono during the so-called "long weekend" (18 months) separation of Ono and Lennon. Ono wanted everyone believe that she threw him out, but, that's not exactly what transpired.
Lennon comes off as a very weak character; someone who grew up with the loss of his mother at a relatively young age and who was raised by a domineering and critical Aunt Mimi, whom he could never please. No wonder he fell under the Rasputin-like spell of Yoko Ono. Pang details the control she had over Lennon--a control he longed for from a mother-figure he preferred. He is unable to make decisions on his own. He can't even make phone calls by himself. Ono gives him an allowance. She tells him who his friends can be and who in his family he can have a relationship with. She even picks his mistress!
Lennon starts to become more "himself" while with Pang, but she is no match for Ono whose constant telephone calls interrupt their daily lives. Pang also details Lennon's problems with drugs and alcohol; his temper and violence against her and others. Quite honestly, Lennon, despite many episodes of tenderness and generosity, appears to be a raving, drunken asshole who then doesn't remember what damage he did the following day!
Pang was just 22 when she started her relationship with Lennon and it continued even after he returned to Ono; even after Sean was born. She was a young woman in love with a rock star and thought he loved her. I suspect he did, but he, too, was no match for Ono.
I read Pang's book just after reading Cynthis Lennon's "John." Both are critical for Beatles' fans and for those who want to understand who John Lennon was.
My only disappointment with Pang's book is that when I finished it, I wanted to know more about her. The book ended just after Lennon died. It was too abrupt and I think would have benefitted from a lengthier discussion about the impact Lennon had on her as a person and in her life after his death.
Having said that, May Pang makes very clear what a conniving and overbearing personality Ono was. Sure, the Beatles were ready to move on in different directions, but there can be no doubt that Ono was manipulating Lennon for her own designs. Let's face it, however. If Ono had not married John Lennon, she would have been a mere speck in the art world. She endeavored to us his fame to further her own. In that, she succeeded, but at a cost for everyone else involved with Lennon: his family, his friends and, of course, May Pang.
Recently, I heard Sean Lennon on a radio program that he was co-hosting. His co-host informed us after a commercial break that Sean "corrected" him by advising his name was Sean "Ono" Lennon. Sean reports that HIS MOTHER told him that we are done with the patriarchy and that his Ono-name was just as important and that he now prefers to be known as "Ono Lennon" not just Lennon.
Yoko is still trying to control and manipulate people to insure her name is out there!
Thanks to May Pang for this book. Although Lennon was an utter jerk to her and Ono's behavior was unforgivable, I hope she found peace and happiness!
Any number of people will criticize this book saying it was written by a jilted lover because the author shatters their image of their childhood hero. But, they would be wrong. If you have read anything about John Lennon and Yoko Ono, May Pang's story rings true. Sure, much of the story recreates conversations that may not be verbatim truth since time has passed and memories are usually not 100% accurate. But, there seems to be little doubt this is how Pang remembers it.
This memoir tells the story of the Lennon-Pang relationship that was manufactured by Yoko Ono during the so-called "long weekend" (18 months) separation of Ono and Lennon. Ono wanted everyone believe that she threw him out, but, that's not exactly what transpired.
Lennon comes off as a very weak character; someone who grew up with the loss of his mother at a relatively young age and who was raised by a domineering and critical Aunt Mimi, whom he could never please. No wonder he fell under the Rasputin-like spell of Yoko Ono. Pang details the control she had over Lennon--a control he longed for from a mother-figure he preferred. He is unable to make decisions on his own. He can't even make phone calls by himself. Ono gives him an allowance. She tells him who his friends can be and who in his family he can have a relationship with. She even picks his mistress!
Lennon starts to become more "himself" while with Pang, but she is no match for Ono whose constant telephone calls interrupt their daily lives. Pang also details Lennon's problems with drugs and alcohol; his temper and violence against her and others. Quite honestly, Lennon, despite many episodes of tenderness and generosity, appears to be a raving, drunken asshole who then doesn't remember what damage he did the following day!
Pang was just 22 when she started her relationship with Lennon and it continued even after he returned to Ono; even after Sean was born. She was a young woman in love with a rock star and thought he loved her. I suspect he did, but he, too, was no match for Ono.
I read Pang's book just after reading Cynthis Lennon's "John." Both are critical for Beatles' fans and for those who want to understand who John Lennon was.
My only disappointment with Pang's book is that when I finished it, I wanted to know more about her. The book ended just after Lennon died. It was too abrupt and I think would have benefitted from a lengthier discussion about the impact Lennon had on her as a person and in her life after his death.
Having said that, May Pang makes very clear what a conniving and overbearing personality Ono was. Sure, the Beatles were ready to move on in different directions, but there can be no doubt that Ono was manipulating Lennon for her own designs. Let's face it, however. If Ono had not married John Lennon, she would have been a mere speck in the art world. She endeavored to us his fame to further her own. In that, she succeeded, but at a cost for everyone else involved with Lennon: his family, his friends and, of course, May Pang.
Recently, I heard Sean Lennon on a radio program that he was co-hosting. His co-host informed us after a commercial break that Sean "corrected" him by advising his name was Sean "Ono" Lennon. Sean reports that HIS MOTHER told him that we are done with the patriarchy and that his Ono-name was just as important and that he now prefers to be known as "Ono Lennon" not just Lennon.
Yoko is still trying to control and manipulate people to insure her name is out there!
Thanks to May Pang for this book. Although Lennon was an utter jerk to her and Ono's behavior was unforgivable, I hope she found peace and happiness!
June 6, 2015
"Loving John" by May Pang, his mistress during his eighteen month "lost weekend" is a salacious read! Although Pang was hired by Yoko Ono and in fact told to watch over John, it seemed that both John and Yoko really used Pang as a pawn during this time.
At first May was ok with the set up but once she and John became intimate, she grew increasingly more attached and in love with him. Even towards the end when John became more and more abusive to her, she took him back and kept the intimacy alive.
Did John just use her for the sex and her interest in music? Sure seems to be the case.
My image of John Lennon on a pedestal came crashing down after this read. Getting drunk all the time and then yanking May's hair back, twisting her arm, throwing her against the wall...seems like she experienced battered woman syndrome. If he wasn't John Lennon but an average Joe, would she put up and endure such abuse? I highly doubt it.
The issue with Yoko being the mastermind about all this rings true. Yoko would call many times during the day and blame May for all John's poor behavior. The final straw was when she told John she had a host of hypnotists so he could stop smoking. After four days of being back with Yoko at the gothic Dakota, he was basically brainwashed to return to "Mother" or "Madam" as he started calling her.
But he still managed to find May Pang every once in awhile for a quickie only to leave her after it was over. He ultimately returned to chain smoking and to Yoko.
I think John and Yoko were equally tortured souls who were meant for one another. Ultimately, May Pang made a deal with the proverbial devil and got caught up in their messes. She was truly hurt but then again, being only twenty three with John being eight years older and Yoko eight years older than John explains a lot. When you are twenty three you fall hard. Especially when you are in love with an ex-Beatle.
All the sordid stories about the LA antics are here, the Phil Spector sessions when he hog tied up a drunken, raving John, the Harry Nilsson period, the Elton John concert in MSG is all told in full detail.
The book is not that well written but the content is captivating and an eye opener for all Lennon fans. It was quite creepy regarding the extent of what Yoko would do. She actually gave May a vial of horribly smelly liquid to wear and gave John a vial a sweet smelling perfume. Yoko lived by astrologers, tarot card readers and made sure she knew enough about the occult and hypnosis to get John back. Poor May! I'm sure glad she was ultimately able to move on! This is an eye opening read for sure!
At first May was ok with the set up but once she and John became intimate, she grew increasingly more attached and in love with him. Even towards the end when John became more and more abusive to her, she took him back and kept the intimacy alive.
Did John just use her for the sex and her interest in music? Sure seems to be the case.
My image of John Lennon on a pedestal came crashing down after this read. Getting drunk all the time and then yanking May's hair back, twisting her arm, throwing her against the wall...seems like she experienced battered woman syndrome. If he wasn't John Lennon but an average Joe, would she put up and endure such abuse? I highly doubt it.
The issue with Yoko being the mastermind about all this rings true. Yoko would call many times during the day and blame May for all John's poor behavior. The final straw was when she told John she had a host of hypnotists so he could stop smoking. After four days of being back with Yoko at the gothic Dakota, he was basically brainwashed to return to "Mother" or "Madam" as he started calling her.
But he still managed to find May Pang every once in awhile for a quickie only to leave her after it was over. He ultimately returned to chain smoking and to Yoko.
I think John and Yoko were equally tortured souls who were meant for one another. Ultimately, May Pang made a deal with the proverbial devil and got caught up in their messes. She was truly hurt but then again, being only twenty three with John being eight years older and Yoko eight years older than John explains a lot. When you are twenty three you fall hard. Especially when you are in love with an ex-Beatle.
All the sordid stories about the LA antics are here, the Phil Spector sessions when he hog tied up a drunken, raving John, the Harry Nilsson period, the Elton John concert in MSG is all told in full detail.
The book is not that well written but the content is captivating and an eye opener for all Lennon fans. It was quite creepy regarding the extent of what Yoko would do. She actually gave May a vial of horribly smelly liquid to wear and gave John a vial a sweet smelling perfume. Yoko lived by astrologers, tarot card readers and made sure she knew enough about the occult and hypnosis to get John back. Poor May! I'm sure glad she was ultimately able to move on! This is an eye opening read for sure!
November 2, 2012
Definitely between 2 and 3 stars.
It's not that I don't believe Pang's account, it's that some things just don't add up, small things. I've seen a documentary before that during one Troubadour incident John was yelling Yoko, not May as well.
Plus, Pang blames Yoko for everything that went on, and sure she is to blame for setting her and John up BUT John had his own mind, he kept going back to Yoko, accepting her calls, had a child with her! It just seems he wasn't as into the relationship as Pang was.
Most of the book was repetitive, John becoming violent and Yoko calling. I just don't see how anyone could put up with all that. I understood Pang blaming her childhood for accepting John's violence but not putting up with Yoko, that doesn't make sense.
A lot of people blame Yoko for everything John did, but John had his own mind and freewill and I doubt anyone could have truly taken over.
It's not that I don't believe Pang's account, it's that some things just don't add up, small things. I've seen a documentary before that during one Troubadour incident John was yelling Yoko, not May as well.
Plus, Pang blames Yoko for everything that went on, and sure she is to blame for setting her and John up BUT John had his own mind, he kept going back to Yoko, accepting her calls, had a child with her! It just seems he wasn't as into the relationship as Pang was.
Most of the book was repetitive, John becoming violent and Yoko calling. I just don't see how anyone could put up with all that. I understood Pang blaming her childhood for accepting John's violence but not putting up with Yoko, that doesn't make sense.
A lot of people blame Yoko for everything John did, but John had his own mind and freewill and I doubt anyone could have truly taken over.
August 15, 2012
Pretty stunningly personal portrait of John Lennon by his girlfriend, May Pang. The idea that one of the greatest artists of all time was highly depressed and suffering from alcaholism at the height of his youth and fame fascinates me to no end, as it proves that some truly gifted people's struggle to find happiness can span throughout their lifetimes, however long or short.
October 29, 2015
I've wanted this book ever since it first came out but had a hard time finding it. Finally many years later I was able to get a used paperback of this..
I really enjoyed the book along with the pictures. It tells the story where May is working for John & Yoko and eventually about Yoko telling May to take off with John and take care of him (literally) so Yoko could do her own thing and as I read in another book, with another man.
It tells the story about John's famous "Lost Weekend" that lasted for over a year and 1/2 and all the stories behind it; all the parties and all the other rock stars they hung around with.
It went into great detail about May and John's affair and when it it ended and how, and how Yoko convinced him to come back to her (when her affair ended).
It goes on past that and about how they kept seeing each other for awhile after John went back to Yoko.
It's a very sad story in many ways and was written very heartfelt by May.
I felt badly for her after I read the story.
It is definitely a good read though and great for anyone who would like to know the rest of the story about John's Lost Weekend and how May figured in.
I really enjoyed the book along with the pictures. It tells the story where May is working for John & Yoko and eventually about Yoko telling May to take off with John and take care of him (literally) so Yoko could do her own thing and as I read in another book, with another man.
It tells the story about John's famous "Lost Weekend" that lasted for over a year and 1/2 and all the stories behind it; all the parties and all the other rock stars they hung around with.
It went into great detail about May and John's affair and when it it ended and how, and how Yoko convinced him to come back to her (when her affair ended).
It goes on past that and about how they kept seeing each other for awhile after John went back to Yoko.
It's a very sad story in many ways and was written very heartfelt by May.
I felt badly for her after I read the story.
It is definitely a good read though and great for anyone who would like to know the rest of the story about John's Lost Weekend and how May figured in.
November 13, 2021
it's like, not a good book. (bad writing, clichéd storytelling, unreliable narration, SUPER REPETITIVE! like it didnt need to be 300+ pages, jesus) but I really enjoyed it lmao
having a keen interest in late 60s–early 70s music scene certainly helped. i had so much fun. it's so profoundly gossipy at times it almost felt like reading a john lennon wattpad/fanfiction or something. i had to double take multiple times and head to google to fact-check all the events the book's talking about and quickly realized that all of it *actually* happened.
also this is no reliable piece of historical information if that's what you're looking for. it's VERY opinionated. may pang isn't afraid to let u know that she doesn't like yoko ono. like, at all lol. so yeah, this book is bad but i enjoyed it a lot
having a keen interest in late 60s–early 70s music scene certainly helped. i had so much fun. it's so profoundly gossipy at times it almost felt like reading a john lennon wattpad/fanfiction or something. i had to double take multiple times and head to google to fact-check all the events the book's talking about and quickly realized that all of it *actually* happened.
also this is no reliable piece of historical information if that's what you're looking for. it's VERY opinionated. may pang isn't afraid to let u know that she doesn't like yoko ono. like, at all lol. so yeah, this book is bad but i enjoyed it a lot
February 6, 2010
This book is pretty shocking, but not in the way you'd think. If even a fraction of what's written here is true, it seems like John was actually seriously mentally ill (I'm sure all the drugs had something to do with it) because of the extreme paranoia and insecurity he exhibited, which got really ugly when he'd get drunk and go into a blind rage and smash everything and be a danger to himself and everyone else, and then not remember it the next day. Poor May. Worse yet, his paranoia and insecurity were encouraged (if not outright caused) by Yoko, who was manipulative at best and, well, evil at worst. It's really really disturbing to read the level to which Yoko controlled John's every move and manipulated him mentally. (An example, Cynthia taking Julian to see his father for the first time in 3 years. Yoko convinced John that Cynthia wanted him back and was trying to steal him from Yoko, which was very clearly not the case, causing yet another of his blind drunken, paranoid rages.) I realize May might have a bias, but there seem to have been other witnesses to some of these incidents and I've not seen this contradicted outside of Yoko's camp, and Cynthia's book seems to corroborate some of this. The book is easy to read otherwise, and she clearly loved John or she wouldn't have put up with his behavior (which is, let's face it, actual abuse) or clear mental issues. It's not all bad times with John, but the bad is really bad. o_O
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 9, 2023
3,5. Välttelin tätä kirjaa monta vuotta, koska ajattelin sen olevan pelkkä skandaalinkäryinen rahastusyritys (takakansiteksti todennäköisesti vaikutti mielikuvaan voimakkaasti), mutta vähän vanhempana jopa lempibändinsä jäseniin voi suhtautua kriittisemmin, joten lainasin tämän kirjastosta. John Lennonin kadotettu viikonloppu on kaikin puolin hyhmäinen ajanjakso miehen elämässä, ja May Pang todisti tätä ajanjaksoa kirjaimellisesti lähempää kuin kukaan. Kirja haastaakin mielikuvia siitä, miten tähän tilanteeseen päädyttiin ja mitä silloin oikeasti tapahtui. Vaikeita aikoja ei kaunistella, mutta samaan aikaan Pang ei kiellä, etteikö 18 kuukauden mittainen ajanjakso olisi tuonut myös hyviä asioita Lennonin elämään. Yoko Ono esitetään kirjassa todella vaikeana ja kontrolloivana tapauksena, ja vaikka siinä on varmasti perääkin, jäin miettimään, että Pangilla on takuulla ollut (ainakin kirjan kirjoittamisen aikaan) yhä jotain hampaankolossa Onoa vastaan. Ylipäätään kirja herättää kiukkua suurmiespalvontaa kohtaan, ja raivostuttaa, miten nämä suurmiehet naisiaan kohtelevatkaan. Kaunokirjallisesti tämä oli melko köykäinen teos, johtuuko sitten suomennoksesta vai onko ongelmat jo alkutekstissä, vaikea sanoa. Pari rehellistä asiavirhettäkin bongasin.
October 26, 2018
As a musician & fan & someone who was born too late to experience the 1970s first hand, this is a fascinating read, and paints a very different, likely more accurate picture, of Lennon in the 1970s that contradicts the public relations love story myth. I say this as a fan of Lennon and Ono, together and individually. However, to paraphrase Debussy, one shouldn't worship the past at the expense of the present & one should refuse to admire artists uncritically just because you have been told they are masters! This book should be back in print.
One thing that detracts from this book is the writing style, which comes off as sophomoric, [lot's of things like corny foreshadowing, recreated dialogue that comes off as stiff/inaccurate], but the stories are fascinating and add up.
If you can, I'd recommend also reading "Instamatic Karma" at the same time, which is basically an abridged photo-essay form of this book. It works well to put visuals to the story.
One thing that detracts from this book is the writing style, which comes off as sophomoric, [lot's of things like corny foreshadowing, recreated dialogue that comes off as stiff/inaccurate], but the stories are fascinating and add up.
If you can, I'd recommend also reading "Instamatic Karma" at the same time, which is basically an abridged photo-essay form of this book. It works well to put visuals to the story.
March 10, 2009
It is an insightful book a side of John Lennon I didn't know.
December 29, 2023
I want to mention that this book is in high demand and out of print, so as a result, it currently sells for between $65 and $196 on eBay. After literally years of searching for a cheaper copy, I finally found one (I won’t say what I paid however!) so I hope that if any of my beloved family members decide to merely donate and/or recycle my beloved books when I am one day gone, I hope they will at least hold on to this one!
Loving John is a memoir by “May” Fung Yee Pang, John Lennon’s lover during his “lost weekend;” the 18 months he spent mostly in Los Angeles away from Yoko Ono. Fans of John Lennon will appreciate the intimate details of John’s life, from the day-to-day life of living with Yoko in the famous NYC Dakota apartment to recording sessions with the infamous producer Phil Spector. Readers will also appreciate being a fly on the wall when Lennon creates with Elton John, lives with Ringo Starr, parties with Mick Jagger, and has awkward encounters with Paul and Linda McCartney.
Pang gives the reader a complete portrait of John Lennon. Lennon: the insecure man who doubts his singing voice and guitar playing skills. Lennon: the troubled man who seeks a mother figure. Lennon: the rich and famous rock and roll star. Lennon: the crazed maniac who can never handle his liquor. Lennon: the witty and intelligent man that millions of people love.
Anyone who has ever had any reason to dislike Yoko Ono will certainly have those reasons reinforced, and then some, in this book. During the time period of this memoir (1973-1975) John and Yoko are, for all intents and purposes, roommates and business partners. She controlled almost every aspect of John’s life, everything from what music could be played in the house (no rock and roll!) to who John could associate with (Yoko’s friends; not John’s). Afraid that John would soon run off with another woman whom Yoko could not control, Yoko begged May Pang (John and Yoko’s assistant at the time) to become John’s lover, thus allowing Yoko to continue to maintain some kind of control over them both while also allowing John the freedom to be in a romantic relationship.
During this time period, John recorded the albums Walls and Bridges (which includes the song “Surprise Surprise” written for Pang) and the cover album Rock 'n' Roll.
I also highly recommend “John” by Cynthia Lennon, John’s first wife and Julian’s mom.
Loving John is a memoir by “May” Fung Yee Pang, John Lennon’s lover during his “lost weekend;” the 18 months he spent mostly in Los Angeles away from Yoko Ono. Fans of John Lennon will appreciate the intimate details of John’s life, from the day-to-day life of living with Yoko in the famous NYC Dakota apartment to recording sessions with the infamous producer Phil Spector. Readers will also appreciate being a fly on the wall when Lennon creates with Elton John, lives with Ringo Starr, parties with Mick Jagger, and has awkward encounters with Paul and Linda McCartney.
Pang gives the reader a complete portrait of John Lennon. Lennon: the insecure man who doubts his singing voice and guitar playing skills. Lennon: the troubled man who seeks a mother figure. Lennon: the rich and famous rock and roll star. Lennon: the crazed maniac who can never handle his liquor. Lennon: the witty and intelligent man that millions of people love.
Anyone who has ever had any reason to dislike Yoko Ono will certainly have those reasons reinforced, and then some, in this book. During the time period of this memoir (1973-1975) John and Yoko are, for all intents and purposes, roommates and business partners. She controlled almost every aspect of John’s life, everything from what music could be played in the house (no rock and roll!) to who John could associate with (Yoko’s friends; not John’s). Afraid that John would soon run off with another woman whom Yoko could not control, Yoko begged May Pang (John and Yoko’s assistant at the time) to become John’s lover, thus allowing Yoko to continue to maintain some kind of control over them both while also allowing John the freedom to be in a romantic relationship.
During this time period, John recorded the albums Walls and Bridges (which includes the song “Surprise Surprise” written for Pang) and the cover album Rock 'n' Roll.
I also highly recommend “John” by Cynthia Lennon, John’s first wife and Julian’s mom.
August 16, 2025
Salacious and insane.
It was a page turner from beginning to end. Before reading this book, my knowledge of John Lennon’s eighteen-month “Lost Weekend” was surface-level: Yoko kicked John out of the house for misbehavior and ordered their assistant, May Pang, to be his mistress and watch over him.
This doesn’t even begin to touch the surface of their very messy and triangulated love affair. I’m not here to judge anyone, but man, they gotta get their shit together in the next life. If you’re aware of John's character flaws, this memoir could still surprise you with how far it can go.
May has a no-nonsense way of telling her story. She knows what details are essential to share and will keep the readers engaged. She has a sense of humor; the story about John and Yoko's "legs for peace" campaign was so ridiculous, yet it was the perfect anecdote to kick off the book. She also doesn't hold back with sharing all the emotional chaos she went through. Many reviewers complain that she was being repetitive, but stylistically, I liked the merry-go-round.
Other than the Ono-Lennon-Pang drama, there are many stories about the 1970s music scene that are quite juicy. I enjoyed the ones of Mick Jagger just cause he's Mick Jagger.
"Loving John" was incredibly hard to find. I don't regret getting this in paperback 4x the price of a regular book. This is a must-read if you love eating up Beatles lore. If you already hate Yoko, you might hate her more after this.
It was a page turner from beginning to end. Before reading this book, my knowledge of John Lennon’s eighteen-month “Lost Weekend” was surface-level: Yoko kicked John out of the house for misbehavior and ordered their assistant, May Pang, to be his mistress and watch over him.
This doesn’t even begin to touch the surface of their very messy and triangulated love affair. I’m not here to judge anyone, but man, they gotta get their shit together in the next life. If you’re aware of John's character flaws, this memoir could still surprise you with how far it can go.
May has a no-nonsense way of telling her story. She knows what details are essential to share and will keep the readers engaged. She has a sense of humor; the story about John and Yoko's "legs for peace" campaign was so ridiculous, yet it was the perfect anecdote to kick off the book. She also doesn't hold back with sharing all the emotional chaos she went through. Many reviewers complain that she was being repetitive, but stylistically, I liked the merry-go-round.
Other than the Ono-Lennon-Pang drama, there are many stories about the 1970s music scene that are quite juicy. I enjoyed the ones of Mick Jagger just cause he's Mick Jagger.
"Loving John" was incredibly hard to find. I don't regret getting this in paperback 4x the price of a regular book. This is a must-read if you love eating up Beatles lore. If you already hate Yoko, you might hate her more after this.
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February 2, 2022what a whirlwind. this was certainly a fascinating read, and i cannot fault may for getting her story out there given what she went through. i do have to say though, a lot of this felt like it was written by a fan. i guess because it was. the most irritating part was absolutely the number of times she would state what someone else felt or thought (mostly john, of course) as if she knew it as fact. mostly i finished the book feeling sad about everyone involved. i feel like may wanted the story to be that john would've been happier and more productive if he'd stayed with her, which is a nice thought, but i'm not sure it's true. not that i think he found joy or obviously productivity with yoko. i don't know. an interesting read. truly harrowing through a lot of it.
January 25, 2024
¡Que relación más tóxica! John y Yoko
Este libro lo conseguí de segunda mano y en buscalibre.com
Libro de 5 estrellas, para fanáticos de Lennon.
No debe faltar en tu colección.
El leer el libro fue una revelación, una completa y verdadera explosión al conocer al John Lennon íntimo, al Lennon verdadero, al que fue alcohólico, al que dudaba cuando le iba bien, al Lennon agresivo, al Lennon que prefirió regresar a su zona de confort en vez de aventurarse a vivir feliz.
Ahora entiendo porqué Mick Jagger dijo que perdió un amigo cuando John regresó con Yoko Ono.
Sigo sin entender porqué Lennon regresó con Yoko cuando tenía, podía ser libre.
Pero bueno, como la canción de los Rolling Stones: "No siempre obtienes lo que quieres, pero a veces obtienes lo que necesitas"
Y es lo que significó Yoko para John: lo que necesitaba.
Y así le fue.
¿Que significó May para John? Lo que quería.
Que relación más tóxica entre John, Yoko y May
Este libro lo conseguí de segunda mano y en buscalibre.com
Libro de 5 estrellas, para fanáticos de Lennon.
No debe faltar en tu colección.
El leer el libro fue una revelación, una completa y verdadera explosión al conocer al John Lennon íntimo, al Lennon verdadero, al que fue alcohólico, al que dudaba cuando le iba bien, al Lennon agresivo, al Lennon que prefirió regresar a su zona de confort en vez de aventurarse a vivir feliz.
Ahora entiendo porqué Mick Jagger dijo que perdió un amigo cuando John regresó con Yoko Ono.
Sigo sin entender porqué Lennon regresó con Yoko cuando tenía, podía ser libre.
Pero bueno, como la canción de los Rolling Stones: "No siempre obtienes lo que quieres, pero a veces obtienes lo que necesitas"
Y es lo que significó Yoko para John: lo que necesitaba.
Y así le fue.
¿Que significó May para John? Lo que quería.
Que relación más tóxica entre John, Yoko y May
December 21, 2022
As far as I know the only memoir of any Beatle, and while it's mostly a personal account, aspects of John Lennon's creative process are revealed which make reading Loving John worthwhile just for this. When I read it I couldn't understand what May saw in John enough to fall in love with him, but when I re-read it, I better understood their mutual connection. An eclectic cast of others come and go, some with reputations tarnished and some with reputations enhanced (especially David Bowie). Loving John is probably a must read for any John Lennon or Beatles fan.
November 30, 2021
So it was after all Yoko who was the cause of everything. "From John I learned how fragile we all are." "I miss him ... I miss him very much". Hopefully the woman he called Fung Yee found the happiness she truly deserved. And John and Yoko. Well, they were not always nice people, sometimes the myth is not as true and magical as we want it to be. Interesting and heartfelt read.
July 21, 2024
i didn’t expect much because i just accidentally found this book in an online archive and planned to just quickly read a little superficially, but it turned out to be so interesting that I was completely captivated by reading it. they definitely need to reprint this book because it captures an incredibly interesting period and details, and i just want to say what a strong woman May Pang is…
October 17, 2020
May is who went with John on his Lost Weekend for 18 months. Great inside details about that time period!
January 19, 2021
Extremely entertaining and great distraction from the catastrophic fires that were happening while I read this book. I think May paints herself as a bit of an angel, but, who can blame her.
October 18, 2021
messy sad and fascinating. which sums up everything about john. also he and yoko really needed some serious therapy and a psychiatrist
October 27, 2022
Wow, what a great perspective! So much great detail that’s so useful for putting together a comprehensive history of Lennon’s “Lost Weekend.” SO worth the read!
April 15, 2023
may pang rules i am so glad i started reading this in tandem with the lost weekend doc coming out - dying to watch. the two references to paris in this are jaw-drop inducing
February 21, 2024
Interesting read. Definitely could have been edited better.
September 26, 2024
Kirja menee melkoisen intiimiin suuntaan ja kertoo hyvin miten erilainen ihminen John on kulissien takana. Koin että kirjasta puuttui arkielämään liittyvää syvällisempää kertomusta niin en antanut viittä tähteä.
March 31, 2025
So incredibly twisted and depraved. Just gross.
Elton, Mick, and Bowie came out of it looking pretty good, though.
Elton, Mick, and Bowie came out of it looking pretty good, though.
July 7, 2025
3.5
I remember this book after all these years, so it probably deserves another star.
I remember this book after all these years, so it probably deserves another star.
January 18, 2014
This book is pretty shocking, but not in the way you'd think. If even a fraction of what's written here is true, it seems like John was actually seriously mentally ill (I'm sure all the drugs had something to do with it) because of the extreme paranoia and insecurity he exhibited, which got really ugly when he'd get drunk and go into a blind rage and smash everything and be a danger to himself and everyone else, and then not remember it the next day. Poor May. Worse yet, his paranoia and insecurity were encouraged (if not outright caused) by Yoko, who was manipulative at best and, well, evil at worst. It's really really disturbing to read the level to which Yoko controlled John's every move and manipulated him mentally. (An example, Cynthia taking Julian to see his father for the first time in 3 years. Yoko convinced John that Cynthia wanted him back and was trying to steal him from Yoko, which was very clearly not the case, causing yet another of his blind drunken, paranoid rages.) I realize May might have a bias, but there seem to have been other witnesses to some of these incidents and I've not seen this contradicted outside of Yoko's camp, and Cynthia's book seems to corroborate some of this. The book is easy to read otherwise, and she clearly loved John or she wouldn't have put up with his behavior (which is, let's face it, actual abuse) or clear mental issues. It's not all bad times with John, but the bad is really bad. o_O
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 20, 2020
As a lover of The Beatles and John Lennon since I was a little girl living in a world where he was already gone - this book was a fascinating and intimate account of a complex, but beloved man.
The way that May depicts Yoko's behavior during this time was also really interesting for me to read and the extent in which Yoko knew she could sway John in her favor, but also Yoko's own crippling insecurity and her need to be needed, but also to never stand in the shadow of her Beatle husband.
I left the book wishing that John had had more time, more strength, and more courage to be the man he wanted to be.
The way that May depicts Yoko's behavior during this time was also really interesting for me to read and the extent in which Yoko knew she could sway John in her favor, but also Yoko's own crippling insecurity and her need to be needed, but also to never stand in the shadow of her Beatle husband.
I left the book wishing that John had had more time, more strength, and more courage to be the man he wanted to be.
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