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Days That I’ll Remember: Spending Time With John Lennon & Yoko Ono
Days That I’ll Remember is a unique and treasurable addition to the canon of Beatles books. It offers a new insight into Lennon and Ono as individuals, artists and lovers. It is also a gifted music journalist’s memoir of a seismic time in music, politics and culture. Cott is one of the few people who understands how profoundly Yoko Ono influenced John Lennon.
In this rich account of their relationship, Cott tells his own story alongside his many interviews with the couple. While most originally appeared in Rolling Stone, they usually did so in shortened form; the full-length versions here contain previously unpublished and often revealing material. Also featured is a recent Cott interview with Yoko Ono as well as images from her private archive. The result is one of the most incisive and affectionate portraits ever written about this world-altering couple
Jonathan Cott’s relationship with two of the most iconic figures of our time began in 1968 when, as London correspondent for the fl edgling Rolling Stone, he went to interview John Lennon and Yoko Ono in their London flat. Later the same day Lennon invited Cott to sit in on a recording session at Abbey Road Studios. A friendship was born that lasted for the rest of Lennon’s life and still continues today between Cott and Yoko Ono. It was Jonathan Cott who interviewed the couple about their Double Fantasy album on December 5, 1980 in their apartment at the Dakota in New York. It would be Lennon’s last major interview. He was murdered outside that building three days later.
In this rich account of their relationship, Cott tells his own story alongside his many interviews with the couple. While most originally appeared in Rolling Stone, they usually did so in shortened form; the full-length versions here contain previously unpublished and often revealing material. Also featured is a recent Cott interview with Yoko Ono as well as images from her private archive. The result is one of the most incisive and affectionate portraits ever written about this world-altering couple
Jonathan Cott’s relationship with two of the most iconic figures of our time began in 1968 when, as London correspondent for the fl edgling Rolling Stone, he went to interview John Lennon and Yoko Ono in their London flat. Later the same day Lennon invited Cott to sit in on a recording session at Abbey Road Studios. A friendship was born that lasted for the rest of Lennon’s life and still continues today between Cott and Yoko Ono. It was Jonathan Cott who interviewed the couple about their Double Fantasy album on December 5, 1980 in their apartment at the Dakota in New York. It would be Lennon’s last major interview. He was murdered outside that building three days later.
258 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 16, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
August 11, 2018
Rolling Stone journalist Jonathan Cott met John & Yoko in 1968 London at the time of the "naked album cover," also known as "Two Virgins." He maintained that relationship for decades, culminating in a final extensive interview three days prior to John Lennon's murder. This book contains Cott's interviews with the Lennons from over the years that were previously published, but in edited form. Cott includes the unabridged versions in this book. Those who read extensively about The Beatles like myself are always looking for that extra kernel of information never read before. I found a lot of that here; especially in regards to John & Yoko's relationship dynamic and just how intensely they were drawn to each other. As John said in one interview, he marveled at the fact that he married his best friend who just happened to be a woman. Yoko was a woman who could inspire John artistically and intellectually, but also be his lover. John's recounting of parenthood was also a revelation to me, as I found common viewpoints and experiences with him. There are many thought provoking ideas from both Lennons, especially from a recent interview with Yoko that closes the book. I took keen note of the fact that Jonathan Cott excluded any mention of May Pang, former employee of the Lennons and long-time lover of John. Lennon lived and worked with Pang during the Lennons' 18-month marital separation known as the "Lost Weekend." Many accounts state that once the Lennons reunited and had their son Sean, May Pang and John continued their intimate relationship on the sidelines until his death. Obviously, Mr. Cott is a biased close friend of Yoko and made the editorial decision to leave that piece of information out of the book. This was quite an enjoyable and worthwhile read.
August 15, 2013
This book, as all good books, changes ones perceptions of people, things or the world. In my case this book changed my perception of John and Yoko that I now realize has been very prejudiced. I've never really liked Yoko Ono and shared the view of many that Lennon lost his talent with her. To me Ono has always been artsy-fartsy. I was very wrong.
This highly entertaining book contains author Jonathan Cott's discussions and interviews with Lennon and Ono conducted after he first met the couple in London in 1968. As a world class journalist Cott writes very entertaining prose and the book nicely ties together his interviews with present day personal observations on his friendship with Lennon and Ono. With Ono his relationship continues to date.
Both Lennon and Ono are very open in the interviews that portray them as a couple very much in love. In the televised interviews Lennon always stroke a very arrogant pose none of which is evident in the interviews where he, on the contrary, comes thru as a very shy and intelligent person. An example of Lennon's good sense of humor is when he at one point says to Cott that his separation from Ono was a total failure.
The book provides for several anecdotes that are new to me. In particular, the fact that Ono went to school with Yukio Mishima is an incentive to dig more into Ono's past.
This highly entertaining book contains author Jonathan Cott's discussions and interviews with Lennon and Ono conducted after he first met the couple in London in 1968. As a world class journalist Cott writes very entertaining prose and the book nicely ties together his interviews with present day personal observations on his friendship with Lennon and Ono. With Ono his relationship continues to date.
Both Lennon and Ono are very open in the interviews that portray them as a couple very much in love. In the televised interviews Lennon always stroke a very arrogant pose none of which is evident in the interviews where he, on the contrary, comes thru as a very shy and intelligent person. An example of Lennon's good sense of humor is when he at one point says to Cott that his separation from Ono was a total failure.
The book provides for several anecdotes that are new to me. In particular, the fact that Ono went to school with Yukio Mishima is an incentive to dig more into Ono's past.
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November 26, 2021Džonatan Kot je američki novinar i urednik magazina Rolling Stone koji je više od decenije proveo u poslovno-prijateljskim odnosima sa bračnim parom Lenon-Ono.
Tokom dvanaest godina ličnog poznanstva sa slavnim Bitlsom, Kot je uradio nekoliko intervjua sa njim i sa Joko Ono, izlazio sa njima na večere ili učestvovao u nekim njihovim umetničkim projektima.
Iz svega toga izrodila se ideja na napiše knjigu „Dani koje ću pamtiti – Druženje sa Džonom Lenonom i Joko Ono“.
Mesto u ovoj knjizi našli su delovi intervjua, uključujući i onaj koji je 2012. godine, Joko Ono dala specijalno za ovu knjigu, kao i integralni poslednji intervju sa Lenonom, ali i brojne anegdote sa snimanja, večera, integralna verzija profila Joko Ono, delovi raznih drugih intervjua koje je Kot uradio sa Lenonom i njegovom suprugom. Takođe je tu i nekoliko novih i zanimljivih informacija, kao što je, na primer, priča o tome da je Joko Ono išla u školu sa Jukiom Mišimom. Kao i da ju je on kasnije, iz nekog razloga (možda jer je voleo Bitlse? hehehehe), mrzeo i minirao njenu japansku turneju.
U pitanju je knjiga u kojoj autor pokušava da nam prikaže Lenona i Ono kao pojedince, samostalne umetnike, ali i ljubavnike. Takođe je i razglednica, kroki crtež, posveta iz pera jednog savremenika na doba koje je prošlo, kao i vrednostima, ali i zabludama koje su dominirale tadašnjim društvom.
Ono što je meni bilo posebno interesantno jeste da je ova knjiga samo učvrstila moje mišljenje da je Lenon bio jedan pohlepni Baja Patak koji je mislio samo kako da, na konto stare slave, zaradi što više para (nešto kao što Nil Gejmen danas radi). „Imagine no possessions, I wonder if you can, No need for greed or hunger, A brotherhood of man…“, aha, baš!
Malo više o knjizi možete pročitati u posebno tekstu na ovom linku: http://www.bookvar.rs/druzenje-sa-dzo...
Tokom dvanaest godina ličnog poznanstva sa slavnim Bitlsom, Kot je uradio nekoliko intervjua sa njim i sa Joko Ono, izlazio sa njima na večere ili učestvovao u nekim njihovim umetničkim projektima.
Iz svega toga izrodila se ideja na napiše knjigu „Dani koje ću pamtiti – Druženje sa Džonom Lenonom i Joko Ono“.
Mesto u ovoj knjizi našli su delovi intervjua, uključujući i onaj koji je 2012. godine, Joko Ono dala specijalno za ovu knjigu, kao i integralni poslednji intervju sa Lenonom, ali i brojne anegdote sa snimanja, večera, integralna verzija profila Joko Ono, delovi raznih drugih intervjua koje je Kot uradio sa Lenonom i njegovom suprugom. Takođe je tu i nekoliko novih i zanimljivih informacija, kao što je, na primer, priča o tome da je Joko Ono išla u školu sa Jukiom Mišimom. Kao i da ju je on kasnije, iz nekog razloga (možda jer je voleo Bitlse? hehehehe), mrzeo i minirao njenu japansku turneju.
U pitanju je knjiga u kojoj autor pokušava da nam prikaže Lenona i Ono kao pojedince, samostalne umetnike, ali i ljubavnike. Takođe je i razglednica, kroki crtež, posveta iz pera jednog savremenika na doba koje je prošlo, kao i vrednostima, ali i zabludama koje su dominirale tadašnjim društvom.
Ono što je meni bilo posebno interesantno jeste da je ova knjiga samo učvrstila moje mišljenje da je Lenon bio jedan pohlepni Baja Patak koji je mislio samo kako da, na konto stare slave, zaradi što više para (nešto kao što Nil Gejmen danas radi). „Imagine no possessions, I wonder if you can, No need for greed or hunger, A brotherhood of man…“, aha, baš!
Malo više o knjizi možete pročitati u posebno tekstu na ovom linku: http://www.bookvar.rs/druzenje-sa-dzo...
February 3, 2013
I had the privilege of receiving a copy of this book prior to its release date and sincerely believe it was well worth the read. After having read several books about The Beatles and Lennon, this is one of the better ones with plenty of new information I had never read. What separates this from Bob Spitz masterpiece THE BEATLES or Philip Norman’s more recent comprehensive biography LENNON (two of the better books I have read), Cott offers his singular perspective on his intimate relationship with John and Yoko which spans back to the beginning of their friendship at their Marylebone flat in London. Where both Spitz and Norman have presented several comprehensive opinions and interviews of the various people around Lennon and The Beatles, Cott solely presents interviews and conversations with both Lennon and Yoko for a less dimensional focus on their contributions and influence to art, New York, music, and various social issues primarily in the post-Beatle years. Cott successfully manages to remove his personal feelings and biases to simply provide us with the words, ideas, and thoughts of the couple themselves about the issues they wanted to speak about. The interviews chronologically range from their residence in London to New York and conclude with a phenomenal recent interview with Yoko.
Days That I’ll Remember is not a comprehensive history of The Beatles or Lennon, but instead a fresh look into what they had to say about what they wanted to talk about throughout the multiple stages of their dynamic, complex, and unique relationship.
Regardless as to whether you have read anything or nothing about The Beatles and Lennon, Day’s That I’ll Remember is totally worth the read!
Days That I’ll Remember is not a comprehensive history of The Beatles or Lennon, but instead a fresh look into what they had to say about what they wanted to talk about throughout the multiple stages of their dynamic, complex, and unique relationship.
Regardless as to whether you have read anything or nothing about The Beatles and Lennon, Day’s That I’ll Remember is totally worth the read!
June 3, 2013
Pros: Actually did tear up reading parts of Lennon's final interview. (Had the misfortune of being in a bar at the time, alas.) Really nice photos, many of which I hadn't seen before. Gives equal weight to Yoko and her career. Lennon's endearing habit of referring to "meself" and "me things". The way that Cott manages to set the scene for each interview--surprisingly, refreshingly visual.
Con: The way the author chooses to quote and closely analyze (too closely, to my mind) song lyrics throughout--especially in his text when he is sketching out their respective biographies, and referring to "As John would later write in [x song],..." and so forth. Something about it just really grated on me.
Con: The way the author chooses to quote and closely analyze (too closely, to my mind) song lyrics throughout--especially in his text when he is sketching out their respective biographies, and referring to "As John would later write in [x song],..." and so forth. Something about it just really grated on me.
March 30, 2013
I have been sitting here trying to think of what to say about this book. I read it because Yoko Ono recommended it on her Twitter page. I find her to be a fascinating person, and although I met John Lennon soon after they moved into my neighborhood of Greenwich Village, NYC...I never knew her. Sure, I see her running around Manhattan--she only lives a few apartment buildings away from me today on the Upper West Side-- but I have never felt it right to address her personally. What would I say ? I was a runny nosed kid that use to follow your husband around ? Nah ! Nevertheless I still feel happy whenever I see her, because whether she knows it or not, we share something...those days so long ago in a Village that is very different than it is today.
Jonathan Cott shares those memories also, and he is able to describe, better than I ever could, the atmosphere and the reasons that Mr. Lennon loved NYC so back in those days of the 1970s. It is more than just the Village, he takes us from his first meeting with John And Yoko in London in 1968 to just a few years ago when he met Yoko in Europe. The book is exactly what the title says it is. It is not a biography, not a history and not some fiction disguised as a true story. There are no gossips, not talking about addictions or any scandals. Just the author hanging out with the celebrated couple.
Mr Cott shares with us his observations and interviews with the legend, but the book really belongs to Yoko Ono. In it, he tells her story. Sometimes she is a hard person to understand. Whatever you may think, she is a very interesting person and you might find yourself fascinated, as I am, by what she really has to say.
Jonathan Cott shares those memories also, and he is able to describe, better than I ever could, the atmosphere and the reasons that Mr. Lennon loved NYC so back in those days of the 1970s. It is more than just the Village, he takes us from his first meeting with John And Yoko in London in 1968 to just a few years ago when he met Yoko in Europe. The book is exactly what the title says it is. It is not a biography, not a history and not some fiction disguised as a true story. There are no gossips, not talking about addictions or any scandals. Just the author hanging out with the celebrated couple.
Mr Cott shares with us his observations and interviews with the legend, but the book really belongs to Yoko Ono. In it, he tells her story. Sometimes she is a hard person to understand. Whatever you may think, she is a very interesting person and you might find yourself fascinated, as I am, by what she really has to say.
August 30, 2013
This book gave me insight I never had into what it was that drew Yoko Ono and John Lennon together. It is a sympathetic portrait, one that could only have been written by someone who deeply cared about both of them. Through the author's eyes, I loved them too.
March 18, 2018
Amazing💛🙌🏼
April 4, 2019
Jonathan Cott has just the right touch in this memoir of the time he spent with John Lennon and Yoko Ono, mostly in New York City in the '70s. As a writer for Rolling Stone, he had ongoing contact with them and proved himself to be a friend to both members of the couple.
This means that they both spoke with him candidly, philosophically, and trustingly.
If you remember the '70s and were a Beatles fan, of course you are aware of the vitriol the world spewed at Yoko Ono, ostensibly for "breaking up the Beatles," but also for just being a gosh derned weirdo. While most of the music fan public were unaware of her avant-garde art oeuvre and were certainly ignorant of her history as a teen during the bombing of Tokyo, they had no problem denouncing her as someone too transgressive to be taken seriously and ascribed John Lennon's attraction to her as a fatal one.
I am sorry to confess that in the absence of the 24-hour news cycle or the Internet in the '70s, I was easily swayed by this outlook and did not trouble myself to look deeper into Yoko Ono. I did buy their "Double Fantasy" album, published right at the time John's murder in 1980. I cringed a bit listening to Yoko's screeching and gutteral utterances (and one interlude that sounded like an orgasm), and I was a bit mystified why John would make an album with her when her singing was obviously "not in his league."
However, I do remember the Bed Ins for Peace in Amsterdam and Montreal, and I do remember driving through the middle of downtown Boston around 1971 and seeing their billboard, "WAR IS OVER IF YOU WANT IT." They were exuberantly present during the anti-war protests of the Viet Nam War era.
So what a revelation to read Jonathan Cott's memoir. He shows us the thoughtful, intelligent, spiritual and vulnerable side of Yoko Ono, who spoke candidly to him in the years before and after John's murder.
We begin to get a glimpse of why these two people connected so perfectly with each other: John, whose mother abandoned him at an early age and Yoko, whose parents were rich and otherwise engaged. Two adults still wounded from their childhoods. This throws light on their participation in Arthur Janov's Primal Scream therapy. It explains how John began to see with detachment his own sexism and learn to value to female energy which is half the population, guided by his new appreciation of Yoko's individuality and strength.
We hear Yoko explain, with compassion, how she endured in spite of the vilification she received from the public and the press. By the end of this memoir, I began to put Yoko right at the top of the A-list with YoYo Ma and the Dalai Llama.
I think this book might resonate best with those who lived through this era. Those of us who remember hearing on the news on the evening of December 8, 1980 that John Lennon had been murdered by a nutcase fan, leaving Yoko bereft of the love her life, will relive those times.
I myself went out the next morning to the 7-11 and bought the issue of Playboy that contained John Lennon's last interview. Right there in the store, I tore the article out of the magazine and threw the rest of it in the trash, not wishing to take home all the girly pictures. (Yes, guys, I know you always said you read Playboy "For the interviews." Me too. I get it.)
This means that they both spoke with him candidly, philosophically, and trustingly.
If you remember the '70s and were a Beatles fan, of course you are aware of the vitriol the world spewed at Yoko Ono, ostensibly for "breaking up the Beatles," but also for just being a gosh derned weirdo. While most of the music fan public were unaware of her avant-garde art oeuvre and were certainly ignorant of her history as a teen during the bombing of Tokyo, they had no problem denouncing her as someone too transgressive to be taken seriously and ascribed John Lennon's attraction to her as a fatal one.
I am sorry to confess that in the absence of the 24-hour news cycle or the Internet in the '70s, I was easily swayed by this outlook and did not trouble myself to look deeper into Yoko Ono. I did buy their "Double Fantasy" album, published right at the time John's murder in 1980. I cringed a bit listening to Yoko's screeching and gutteral utterances (and one interlude that sounded like an orgasm), and I was a bit mystified why John would make an album with her when her singing was obviously "not in his league."
However, I do remember the Bed Ins for Peace in Amsterdam and Montreal, and I do remember driving through the middle of downtown Boston around 1971 and seeing their billboard, "WAR IS OVER IF YOU WANT IT." They were exuberantly present during the anti-war protests of the Viet Nam War era.
So what a revelation to read Jonathan Cott's memoir. He shows us the thoughtful, intelligent, spiritual and vulnerable side of Yoko Ono, who spoke candidly to him in the years before and after John's murder.
We begin to get a glimpse of why these two people connected so perfectly with each other: John, whose mother abandoned him at an early age and Yoko, whose parents were rich and otherwise engaged. Two adults still wounded from their childhoods. This throws light on their participation in Arthur Janov's Primal Scream therapy. It explains how John began to see with detachment his own sexism and learn to value to female energy which is half the population, guided by his new appreciation of Yoko's individuality and strength.
We hear Yoko explain, with compassion, how she endured in spite of the vilification she received from the public and the press. By the end of this memoir, I began to put Yoko right at the top of the A-list with YoYo Ma and the Dalai Llama.
I think this book might resonate best with those who lived through this era. Those of us who remember hearing on the news on the evening of December 8, 1980 that John Lennon had been murdered by a nutcase fan, leaving Yoko bereft of the love her life, will relive those times.
I myself went out the next morning to the 7-11 and bought the issue of Playboy that contained John Lennon's last interview. Right there in the store, I tore the article out of the magazine and threw the rest of it in the trash, not wishing to take home all the girly pictures. (Yes, guys, I know you always said you read Playboy "For the interviews." Me too. I get it.)
March 4, 2013
Rolling Stone writer that did the last interview with John for the magazine just days before his demise, this work is a collection of experiences and interviews the author had with John & Yoko dating back to 1968. As someone that worships at the altar of all things John Lennon, this reader devoured every last ounce of this piece. Having read chapter after chapter on the Beatle, I wondered what new material I might actually discover from the effort...and I was not disappointed. Several rare or previously unpublished stories were shared and gives the reader an even more personal view of the musical genius. Never a fan of Yoko, reading portions devoted to her were often tedious. But like it or not, she was more than just the object of John's obsession and for the full context these narratives must be included on her as well. Highly recommended, particularly to any fan of John Lennon and/or The Beatles. Or to fans of Yoko Ono...if they exist.
February 24, 2013
I was lucky enough to have a pre-released copy of this sent to me. It is probably the sixth or seventh book I have read on Lennon and Ono, so I was wondering "What else is there?" I was pleasantly surprised. This book, although touching on the music of John and Yoko, spends most of its pages discussing the relationship between the two and with the author. I was always borderline on my opinion of Yoko Ono but after reading this book I think it is obvious that she is exactly what John needed. My respect for her has definitely increased after reading this book. Sometimes their philosophies were/are hard to understand but the author does his best to attempt to explain their views. It is a short book but a book that speaks volumes about their relationship.
August 17, 2013
The hubby brought this home from the library for me, since I'm a big Beatles fan. This book is horrible, though. Although the author did in fact spend time with John and Yoko (had interviews in Rolling Stone), he injects altogether too much of his own self in their time together, and is overly simplistic, especially when telling of J&Y's meeting and early relationship. And sometimes doesn't seem to have his facts straight; like a wise-crack about who would'a thunk the "manufactured/made for TV" Monkees would come up with a great song like "I'm A Believer", which of course was written by Neil Diamond; the Monkees only performed it. Anyway, too many books, too little time; won't spend it finishing books that just get me riled up...
May 28, 2013
Cott shares his memories interviewing the duo, and transcribes their conversations at length. I'll admit to finding John and Yoko much more interesting in their radical, self-righteous artsy-fartsy period in the early 1970s.
Unfortunately, much of this book takes place toward the end of Lennon's life, when he got all soft and breeder-brained.
Unfortunately, much of this book takes place toward the end of Lennon's life, when he got all soft and breeder-brained.
August 24, 2018
Felt preciousness, love, love and love between Yoko and John; moments between Jonathan and them.
December 20, 2022
Oh dear. My Xmas stack is fast becoming a stack of DNF.
A couple of things. I'm a semi-rural person. These imaginings of two creative artists is too much for me. Too big city or something like it. Big ideas that come across as phony, unearthed and fantastical. Only people with a lot of money can afford to live in a creative, artificial bubble such as they did.
A love between two people that caused as much turmoil as what their love did is one for the rubbish heap in my opinion. And I'm sorry to say: I highly doubt that they would still be together today if John had survived. Most of us have experienced that kind of romantic intensity, but for the majority of us it didn't end well and we either settled for something more peaceful and calmer, or we opted for a life spent on our own. Most of the time these types of liaisons ignore respect but pay high dues to drama which can have negative impacts on the people around them.
Having said all of this, I do adore their music, especially the Double Fantasy album. It is at least melodically speaking, fantastic. Some of the more romantic songs on the album are a little nauseating. "Watching the Wheels" being my favourite as it tells the story of a person giving up capitalism for a life of peace and simple pleasures: watching the world go by.
I didn't particularly care for the structure of the book. It was quite a large book that didn't have much to say and the sequencing was out of sorts.
I read only 20 pages or so before giving up.
A couple of things. I'm a semi-rural person. These imaginings of two creative artists is too much for me. Too big city or something like it. Big ideas that come across as phony, unearthed and fantastical. Only people with a lot of money can afford to live in a creative, artificial bubble such as they did.
A love between two people that caused as much turmoil as what their love did is one for the rubbish heap in my opinion. And I'm sorry to say: I highly doubt that they would still be together today if John had survived. Most of us have experienced that kind of romantic intensity, but for the majority of us it didn't end well and we either settled for something more peaceful and calmer, or we opted for a life spent on our own. Most of the time these types of liaisons ignore respect but pay high dues to drama which can have negative impacts on the people around them.
Having said all of this, I do adore their music, especially the Double Fantasy album. It is at least melodically speaking, fantastic. Some of the more romantic songs on the album are a little nauseating. "Watching the Wheels" being my favourite as it tells the story of a person giving up capitalism for a life of peace and simple pleasures: watching the world go by.
I didn't particularly care for the structure of the book. It was quite a large book that didn't have much to say and the sequencing was out of sorts.
I read only 20 pages or so before giving up.
November 10, 2024
Baš sam se namučila sa ovim.
Mislim da je delom i do prevoda, koji je na momente tako nelogičan i stilski nedoteran, da me je baš, baš nervirao!
Delom je i do samog autora/naratora: iako je premisa to da se ovde da neka retrospektiva "prijateljstva" urednika/novinara magazina "Rolling Stones" sa artističkim parom Lenon/Ono, a vrhunac transkripcija poslednjeg intervjua koji je uradio sa Džonom pred njegov atentat, čitajući ova "pitanja i odgovore" stekla sam utisak:
a) da se autor divi i Džonu i Joko, više na način jednog iskrenog fana, nego na način bliskog prijatelja (kako je pokušao da predstavi njihov višedecenijski odnos/poznanstvo
b) da je Džon svojim opuštenim i srdačnim, rekla bih i neopreznim stavom, (gotovo) svakoga pozivao u svoj studio/dom/život i smatrao prijateljem/sestrom/bratom
c) da je Joko suzdržaniji, misteriozniji član dvojca, kada je u pitanju PR, ali da je mnogo hrabrija i razigranija kada je u pitanju umetnost
d) da je Joko bila više "uzemljena" po pitanju slave, svog identiteta i da nije imala problem sa tim da je "mrzi ceo svet", a da se Džon očajnički trudio da to ispravi
e) da je autor možda (verovatno) kasnije uradio korekcije i dopune svojih pitanja, ne bi li bio na filozofskom, energetskom i eruditskom nivou svojih sagovornika
f) da je autor knjige najverovatnije bio zaljubljen u Joko (?)
Neka obe poslednje tvrdnje ostanu na nivou moje spekulacije ili intuitivnog osećaja...
Mislim da je delom i do prevoda, koji je na momente tako nelogičan i stilski nedoteran, da me je baš, baš nervirao!
Delom je i do samog autora/naratora: iako je premisa to da se ovde da neka retrospektiva "prijateljstva" urednika/novinara magazina "Rolling Stones" sa artističkim parom Lenon/Ono, a vrhunac transkripcija poslednjeg intervjua koji je uradio sa Džonom pred njegov atentat, čitajući ova "pitanja i odgovore" stekla sam utisak:
a) da se autor divi i Džonu i Joko, više na način jednog iskrenog fana, nego na način bliskog prijatelja (kako je pokušao da predstavi njihov višedecenijski odnos/poznanstvo
b) da je Džon svojim opuštenim i srdačnim, rekla bih i neopreznim stavom, (gotovo) svakoga pozivao u svoj studio/dom/život i smatrao prijateljem/sestrom/bratom
c) da je Joko suzdržaniji, misteriozniji član dvojca, kada je u pitanju PR, ali da je mnogo hrabrija i razigranija kada je u pitanju umetnost
d) da je Joko bila više "uzemljena" po pitanju slave, svog identiteta i da nije imala problem sa tim da je "mrzi ceo svet", a da se Džon očajnički trudio da to ispravi
e) da je autor možda (verovatno) kasnije uradio korekcije i dopune svojih pitanja, ne bi li bio na filozofskom, energetskom i eruditskom nivou svojih sagovornika
f) da je autor knjige najverovatnije bio zaljubljen u Joko (?)
Neka obe poslednje tvrdnje ostanu na nivou moje spekulacije ili intuitivnog osećaja...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 3, 2020
When I started reading this book, I wondered, for a while, actually, would I care about these people if they weren’t famous? It took me some time to decide I did care to read about them, and Jonathan Cott’s book does an admirable job of making you feel almost as connected to John and Yoko as he was. He is clearly a huge fan of theirs (or a very thorough journalist, and perhaps both) and sometimes that was a turnoff for me, but I also appreciated that the author’s impressive knowledge about John and Yoko’s music and writing made their work more accessible to me than it had ever been.
I was a child (well, a teenager) of the sixties myself, so of course I knew about John and Yoko, and have always been a huge fan of The Beatles’ music, but of John and Yoko? I emerged from my reading of this book with a greater understanding, if not always an appreciation, of their work together and the unusual and often difficult artistic journey they followed.
I was a child (well, a teenager) of the sixties myself, so of course I knew about John and Yoko, and have always been a huge fan of The Beatles’ music, but of John and Yoko? I emerged from my reading of this book with a greater understanding, if not always an appreciation, of their work together and the unusual and often difficult artistic journey they followed.
April 2, 2022
This one touched my heart. I adored, revered John Lennon. I thought that he would lead us to old age, evolving, growing and steering us toward the most important things. The day he was murdered, I was crushed, hollowed, cored. It was fully tragic for a whole generation. This book revealed more of his than I knew after he left the wider world and cocooned with Yoko. More than that, though, it helped me understand and appreciate her in her own right. It was easy for many to hate her, to blame her for breaking up the Beatles, but she didn't. As I learned about her through her own words and those of author Jonathan Cott, I understood her depth and why she was so perfect for John. If you didn't have the great privilege of growing up when I did, this may sound a bit like foolish idolatry. If you did, you might understand my longing, as I closed the last page, to return to a time when life seemed easier and we could look to John and we could imagine.
June 20, 2017
DEAR GOD, I feel like I am friends with Yoko and John from reading this. Holy shit
Also listened to Yoko Ono "Why" for the first time and its utterly hilarious and makes me love her more but I actually (have always) get her
"Yes." Yoko said, laughing, "I've realised that John and I have a very mad streak. And we're similar in that sense, really. There's something about us that's saying, 'Fuck you, we couldn't care less,' and I go mad with my voice, and he does that too with his guitar. We're not academic, we're too mad to stay being intellectuals--although we have that side, too, but we can't hold on to it. We always go back to the madness."
(John)
"The older you get, the more frustrated you feel. And it gets to the point where you don't have time to utter a lot of intellectual bullshit. If you were drowning in a river, you wouldn't say, "I'd like to be helped because I have just a moment to live.' You'd say, 'Help!' And if you were even more desperate you'd scream out Ayyyiiiieeee!, or something like that. And the desperation of life is really life itself, the core of life, what's simply driving us forth. When you're really desperate, it's simply phony to use descriptive and decorative adjectives to express yourself!"
"God is a concept
By which we measure
Our pain
I'll say it again
God is a concept
By which we measure
Our pain
I don't believe in magic
I don't believe in I-Ching
I don't believe in Bible
I don't believe in tarot
I don't believe in Hitler
I don't believe in Jesus
I don't believe in Kennedy
I don't believe in Buddha
I don't believe in mantra
I don't believe in Gita
I don't believe in yoga
I don't believe in kings
I don't believe in Elvis
I don't believe in Zimmerman
I don't believe in Beatles
I just believe in me
Yoko and me
And that's reality
The dream is over
What can I say?
The dream is over
Yesterday
I was the dream weaver
But now I'm reborn
I was the Walrus
But now I'm John
And so dear friends
You just have to carry on
The dream is over"
Also listened to Yoko Ono "Why" for the first time and its utterly hilarious and makes me love her more but I actually (have always) get her
"Yes." Yoko said, laughing, "I've realised that John and I have a very mad streak. And we're similar in that sense, really. There's something about us that's saying, 'Fuck you, we couldn't care less,' and I go mad with my voice, and he does that too with his guitar. We're not academic, we're too mad to stay being intellectuals--although we have that side, too, but we can't hold on to it. We always go back to the madness."
(John)
"The older you get, the more frustrated you feel. And it gets to the point where you don't have time to utter a lot of intellectual bullshit. If you were drowning in a river, you wouldn't say, "I'd like to be helped because I have just a moment to live.' You'd say, 'Help!' And if you were even more desperate you'd scream out Ayyyiiiieeee!, or something like that. And the desperation of life is really life itself, the core of life, what's simply driving us forth. When you're really desperate, it's simply phony to use descriptive and decorative adjectives to express yourself!"
"God is a concept
By which we measure
Our pain
I'll say it again
God is a concept
By which we measure
Our pain
I don't believe in magic
I don't believe in I-Ching
I don't believe in Bible
I don't believe in tarot
I don't believe in Hitler
I don't believe in Jesus
I don't believe in Kennedy
I don't believe in Buddha
I don't believe in mantra
I don't believe in Gita
I don't believe in yoga
I don't believe in kings
I don't believe in Elvis
I don't believe in Zimmerman
I don't believe in Beatles
I just believe in me
Yoko and me
And that's reality
The dream is over
What can I say?
The dream is over
Yesterday
I was the dream weaver
But now I'm reborn
I was the Walrus
But now I'm John
And so dear friends
You just have to carry on
The dream is over"
September 2, 2018
These are the most sycophantic interviews I've ever read. To paraphrase:
Q: "I think you two are probably the greatest artists that ever lived. Is it ok for me to say that? I could be wrong..."
A: "It's fine for you to say that! Why do you have to constantly question the things you say?"
I gave the book a few stars for teaching me some recent history and also because it triggered me into listening to Lennon's tracks on "Double Fantasy," which are fantastic. I also listened to a few of Yoko's tracks, but I can't appreciate those even after having read this book.
In the end I can't accept the incredible one sidedness of these interviews. No sense of pushing back at all, everything is taken as gospel, even the nonsense.
Q: "I think you two are probably the greatest artists that ever lived. Is it ok for me to say that? I could be wrong..."
A: "It's fine for you to say that! Why do you have to constantly question the things you say?"
I gave the book a few stars for teaching me some recent history and also because it triggered me into listening to Lennon's tracks on "Double Fantasy," which are fantastic. I also listened to a few of Yoko's tracks, but I can't appreciate those even after having read this book.
In the end I can't accept the incredible one sidedness of these interviews. No sense of pushing back at all, everything is taken as gospel, even the nonsense.
March 14, 2019
This book is a rare behind the scenes look of John and Yoko Lennon from the view of a friend that is a writer. I listened to the audiobook version and was quite amazed at the proper and true way that John’s life was.
It was quite useful to learn of Yoko’s upbringing and also John’s painful youth.
I felt that the world had the impression that Yoko caused the then popular
Beatles to split up.After listening to John Cott’s interviews that does not appear to be precise.
This is worth the time just to get another take on what life was like for
One of the greatest songwriter’s of our time.
It was quite useful to learn of Yoko’s upbringing and also John’s painful youth.
I felt that the world had the impression that Yoko caused the then popular
Beatles to split up.After listening to John Cott’s interviews that does not appear to be precise.
This is worth the time just to get another take on what life was like for
One of the greatest songwriter’s of our time.
July 25, 2019
Great read - really enjoyed Cott's articulate, intelligent voice. If you're not a fan of Yoko Ono, I would consider avoiding this book as it definitely paints Yoko Ono in a favourable light. I found the transcripts of the two artists' musings very interesting and am particularly inspired to seek out more material of and about Yoko Ono. Cott's a very gifted writer and he is so fortunate to have shared this friendship with these two unique individuals, John Lennon and Yoko Ono.
August 27, 2018
Au lire de lire la (hyper longue) biographie de Philip Norman sur Lennon, j´avais choisi cette petite intervention d' un journaliste de Rolling Stone. Des années á New York City, leurs réflections sur la paix, l'amour dans une période bouleversante dans l'histoire du monde. NY dans les années 70, quelle ville? Et quelle ville joue cette rôle aujourd'hui? Berlin? Hong Kong?
March 8, 2021
John and Yoko are probably one of my favorite couples and artists. This book provides a wonderful glimpse into several days the author spent with them from the 1960s to until December 5, 1980, a few days before John’s murder. He beautifully recounts stories from both John and Yoko. I highly recommend this book.
May 5, 2022
I never needed this book more: the story of two lost artists who found one another and tried to inspire the world to believe in peace and love and kindness, in spite of the fact that—except in one another—they found very little of it from the world. Still, they persisted and together they had the courage to keep on with their work and their message. We were lucky to have them.
May 13, 2018
Although this book reads like a newspaper story, it is still very good and worth 4 stars.
November 21, 2023
Meh. Byłoby lepsze gdyby było mniej Lennona i uwag autobiograficznych samego autora. Książka trochę o wszystkim i niczym. Love Yoko tho.
February 7, 2017
John and Yoko were certainly before their time!
December 6, 2015
„Nie mogę być tym, kim byłem pięć minut temu, więc nie zamierzam tracić czasu na roztrząsanie tego, co powiedzą albo co zrobią. (…) Tak naprawdę chcieliby mieć martwych bohaterów, jak Sid Vicious i James Dean, ale mnie nie interesuje bycie jakimś pierdolonym martwym bohaterem … więc nich spadają.” Tak Lennon mówi o krytykach, a sam trzy dni później zginie od kul Marka Chapmana.
Autor książki Jonathan Cott to nie byle jaka persona w świecie dziennikarstwa muzycznego. Przeprowadził niezliczoną ilość wywiadów z bogami i bożkami sceny, z większością z nich się przyjaźnił i niejednokrotnie imprezował. (Więcej jego wywiadów znajdą Państwa na stronie: Rolling Stone).
Podobnie było w przypadku znajomości z Lennonem i Ono – na początku swojej dziennikarskiej kariery poznaje Johna, a z czasem także Yoko. Książka jest zapisem jego rozmów z artystami, to wywiady i artykuły dotąd niepublikowane lub publikowane tylko po części.
Dobra i zła policjantka
Tym razem najpierw wystąpię w roli złej policjantki: od początku do końca czytelnik jest karmiony słodkim strumieniem przyjaźni między dziennikarzem a dwójką przepytywanych: autor nawet na chwilę nie daje nam zapomnieć o tym, jak głęboka więź wiąże go ze swoimi interlokutorami. Miażdżąca ilość cytatów z piosenek Beatlesów czy później solowych projektów Johna i Yoko, którymi posługuje się Cott nie wzbudza w czytelniku poczucia, że chłop zna się na rzeczy (w końcu umówmy się: byle kto w Rolling Stone nie pracuje), a raczej stwarza obraz osoby wręcz rozmodlonej w swoich idolach i świata poza nimi niewidzących. I tu wiadomo: plus dla autora, bo każdy artysta to kocha; ale dla czytelników taka ilość rachatłukum może być nie do przełknięcia. I uprzedzając pytania: NIE, te zarzuty nie są kwestią nieudolnego przekładu oryginału.
Jeśli jednak do tej pozycji podejdziemy jako do książki z cyklu „tribute to…”, wtedy spojrzymy na nią w inny sposób. Autor pokazuje nam podpatrzone przez siebie niuanse z życia obojga artystów oraz drogę i kierunek, który obierają w czasie ciągłego samorozwoju. A ewolucję chociażby poglądów czy nastawienia do ludzi i świata widać w tej książce doskonale.
Więcej na blogu: http://www.musicformyeyes.pl/2015/01/...
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