THE PLAYBOY INTERVIEWS WITH JOHN LENNON AND YOKO ONO - The Final Testament

by David Sheff

John Lennon could be angry, as he is in Lennon The Full Rolling Stone Interviews from 1970 , and nasty, as proven by Albert Goldman's brilliant, scathing The Lives of John Lennon . But he could also be charming, smart, and extraordinarily witty, as he is in his last interview, published in book form as All We Are Saying . Co-interviewee Yoko Ono is charm-free but valuable, because she sparks the conversation and brings up fascinating stuff that Lennon wished she hadn't, like their mad plots to kidnap her daughter from her ex-husband. As interviewer David Sheff's tape rolls, John and Yoko's anecdotes flow the joys of making their 1980 comeback album, Double Fantasy ; the mortifying horrors of John's "lost weekend" in L.A. with Harry Nilsson; John's interestingly twisted family life; John and Yoko and Paul's last get-together, watching Saturday Night Live the night producer Lorne Michaels offered the Beatles $3,200 to reunite on the show (they almost got in a cab and did it!). Best of all is Lennon's song-by-song account of who wrote which famous tunes and where they came from. "Strawberry Fields" contains an entire childhood memoir, and the production reflects Paul's alleged "sabotage" of Lennon's work. "Please Please Me" was based on a Roy Orbison melody and Bing Crosby's punning song title "Please (Lend an Ear to My Pleas)." The "element'ry penguins" in "I Am the Walrus" refer to idiots like Allen Ginsberg who chant "Hare Krishna" worshipfully. "Hey Jude" was Paul's song comforting John's son Julian when John left his family for Yoko, and Paul's unconscious, reluctant farewell to his writing partner ("go out and get her"). Lennon had been publicly silent and artistically dormant for five years before these interviews, and he was just bursting with the exhilaration of the rebirth of his imagination days before his death. Reading this book is like sharing a day in the life of a very happy man. --Tim Appelo

Genres: Music, Nonfiction, Biography, History, Biography Memoir

Paperback

First published January 1, 1981

About the author

David Sheff is the author of the #1 New York Times bestselling memoir Beautiful Boy. Sheff's other books include Game Over, China Dawn, and All We Are Saying. His many articles and interviews have appeared in the New York Times, Rolling Stone, Playboy, Wired, Fortune, and elsewhere. His ongoing research and reporting on the science of addiction earned him a place on Time Magazine's list of the World's Most Influential People. Sheff and his family live in Inverness, California.

Reviews

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I'll be forty [years old] when this comes out. Paul [McCartney] is thirty-eight. Elton John, Bob Dylan - we're all relatively young people. The game isn't over yet. Everyone talks in terms of 'the last record,' or the last Beatles concert - but, God willing, there are another forty years of productivity to go. Time will tell where the real magic lies." -- John Lennon, to interviewer David Sheff, on page 65

Such quotes give David Sheff's The Playboy Interviews with John Lennon & Yoko Ono more than a tinge of after-the-fact melancholy. In September 1980 - on the eve of John Lennon celebrating his fortieth birthday, as well as issuing his first new music (the album 'Double Fantasy') in just over five years - Sheff conducted a series of discussions with the duo throughout the month in New York City at their apartment, at the recording studio, at cafes, and in Central Park. Intended to be published as a multi-page article for 'Playboy' magazine - this was a respected consistent feature in the periodical since 1962, including its signature three candid-like photos of the interviewee - said interview would soon be considered Lennon's final major in-depth discourse before his assassination in December 1980. Lennon riffs on a number of subjects throughout, and approximately the final third of the book is an extended burst of Q&A about his music, especially his humorous, blunt and/or self-deprecating opinions on various Beatles' tunes. Forty-five years later this works as a vibrant tribute to the man - who seemed happy, content, and looking forward to a future which, sadly, did not come to pass for him - and I had no problem imagining the transcribed dialogue in Lennon's signature Liverpudlian lilt.

[Owen Hatherley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable long 1980 chat with JL and YO about domesticity, gender, politics (sometimes embarassing, sometimes not) and anyone that has ever been mean to them, with closing song-by-song discussion of the Beatles. Often wise, often hilariously vituperative, extremely sad.

[Claudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is special to me for many reasons: as a fan, because it opened up the door for me between seeing John Lennon as a musician versus a person; and personally, when I first read the book back in1983, John's words provided a stable, secure place for me to go as I was experiencing my parents' divorce. I was overjoyed that there was finally someone I could read about that thought and felt similarly to myself. I never was a child in the head, and it was quite a lonely existence. His words kept me company, and to this day, it's my most treasured book.

[Brianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, along with the Plastic Ono Band album, were to me what pscyhedelia and the "bigger than Jesus" comment must have been to a Beatlemaniac in the 1960's.

Like taking the rug out from under you at first, the realization that John Paul George & Ringo exist apart from their cheeky grins and catchy tunes.

After the initial bruising, though, you develop a greater and truer appreciation for the men underneath the moptop -- in this case, John Winston Ono Lennon.

Plastic Ono Band has since become one of my favourite albums, and The Playboy Interviews with John & Yoko has since become one of my favourite reads.

The book itself is about as straightforward as you can get. The text of the questions and answers, word for word, with the only interruption coming when there would be a day(s)-long break in the interviewing.

David Sheff, of course, chooses some questions and comments during the interview that are intended to bring out sensational responses, but that's as to be expected, and at least it all took place during the interview and not in "touching up" for the book.

My only complaint is that, though this book is hailed as a complete text of the days of interviewing they had to condense for the magazine publication, there is still some editing. Which I only know about after hearing snippets of the recordings through Sunday morning Beatle radio shows, and hearing what I consider important comments that I'd never read.

[Tony Newton · Rating 5 out of 5]

unbelievably revealing insights into lennon and the beatles. the wit, the anger, the scathing putdowns. of special interest: the song by song review of almost every beatle song he wrote.

and while you're reading this, why not listen to "Instant Karma: The Amnesty International Campaign to Save Darfur"? It's 2 CD set of various artists covering john's songs, benefitting Amnesty International's campaign to spread the news about the crisis in Darfur.

[Brie Menut · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very insightful account of a man awakening to his feminine identity yet still wrestling with a former macho aggressive one. It is clear in this interview, which took place a little over a month before he was shot outside the Dakota, that John Lennon was troubled by knowing an inner beauty and peace that is still not supported or encouraged by our society.

[npaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really liked it, but of course it's an interview so it's not really about the writing. Knowing it was John's last interview was sad. Sheff did a great job with a difficult interview. I've read a lot of books about the Beatles and was happy to read some things I didn't know.

[Fred · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've got less than four years to have a Playboy interview by John Lennon's age. Uh oh.

Does Playboy still do interviews / exist?

And yes, obviously I read it for the interview.

[Thomas Rice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this so much. It's a sprawling 200 page Playboy interview with John and Yoko over the course of weeks as they record their collab album Double Fantasy — only a couple months before John's assassination. It's such a lovely peek into their mind and world, and I gained a newfound appreciation for both of them.

Yoko is so far ahead of her time in terms of how she thinks about the world, and so many of the points she's making are even more prescient today. Quite Mira pilled if we're being real, and I loved reading Yoko passages to her and seeing how much they resonated.

John is a little more complex, but it in some ways even more beautiful. He is forthright about the missteps of his teen and young adult life — but with such candor and clarity around why he was wrong in old ways of thinking and acting. He shows a true enlightenment inspired by his relationship with Yoko that is lightyears ahead of the faux enlightenment from his acid-laden salad days as a Beatle. His humor and personality shine through and it's heartbreaking to hear him talk about how excited he was for his next chapter of life (had just turned 40 and was making his first album after five years of being a househusband). I would've loved to see the rest of his contribution both musically/artistically and otherwise. Would he have gone full new wave as the 80s progressed? Would he have had contemporary collaborations akin to what Paul has done? Would he have gone folk in the 90s in Neil Young Harvest Moon fashion? I don't know, but he definitely had so much more to give.

Overall it's a beautiful little book brimming with insightful, timeless passages. Couldn't recommend it any higher, particularly for all my Beatleheads, Johnheads and lost boys looking for male role models.

Also going to quickly rip my "gun to my head" John top 10:
1. Across the Universe
2. Happiness is a Warm Gun
3. You Are Here
4. Dear Prudence
5. Strawberry Fields
6. #9 Dream
7. Sexy Sadie
8. I'm So Tired
9. In My Life
10. I'm Only Sleeping

[Sam Haidy · Rating 5 out of 5]

wawancara panjang lebar dgn john lennon & yoko ono, 3 bulan sebelum john terbunuh. membahas ttg hubungan cintanya yg banyak tdk dimengerti publik, vakumnya dia dari dunia musik selama 5 tahun utk menjadi ayah rumah tangga, visi2nya menjalani hidup ke depan, flashback ttg the beatles & hubungan dia dgn personil2 lainnya setelah bubar, dll. sangat blak2an & intens

[Gene Arthur Molloy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m glad I took the time to get this insight into the minds of John and Yoko. When you strip away the celebrity status you realize there are just regular folks underneath. They both make a lot of sense, and I will never see “celebrities” in the same light again. Rest in peace John, and God bless Yoko.

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many reviewers also loved this book, but they forgot that Yoko had some great insights about she and John's relationship and about love in general. The love they shared went far beyond the controversies.

[Simon Zohhadi · Rating 5 out of 5]

In my opinion, one of the best books about John Lennon and The Beatles. Especially good are the questions and answers about the Beatles songs and who wrote which Beatles songs.

[KennyO · Rating 3 out of 5]

Being an interview this really isn't a book per se. It is certainly interesting to read the Lennon/Ono view of life but that's as far as it goes.

[Tim Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eye opening for me. There is more to Yoko than meets the eye.

[Emily Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

really great and interesting read for anyone looking to get an insight into the lennon-ono psyche!

[Margit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although neither of them was necessarily competent on the emotional level (at least based on what I have previously read on their treatment of John's first wife and son, also some of John's statements in the book were a bit obnoxious to other members of the Beatles), on the mental level their thoughts were very progressive and interesting.
They were more progressive than a lot of people these days are, so it is a stimulating read.

[I Contain · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been fascinated by the Beatles and their solo careers for some time. This extensive interview makes a nice addition to the long list of John Lennon interviews and books I've read. This interview serves to make a legend more human and gives ample information about his songwriting.

[Dave Estela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very entertaining book. Displayed John's wit and playful tone while discussing his relationship with Yoko and his review of all of the Beatles songs. We could really use his humor on these difficult times.

[Johnny · Rating 5 out of 5]

The last major interview!! Read more than once- from their own mouths!!

[A · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's interviews with John and Yoko. Are you interested in John and Yoko? Then read it.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

#19 of 120 books pledged to read during 2017

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pretty fun, but man did Lennon not have much romance about his Beatle years.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great interview. A perfect bookend to Lennon Remembers... this is as close as we'll get to a John autobiography. Compelling, honest, and tragic.

[Vincenzo Ridente · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's just a pleasure listening to John Lennon's last interview he talks how he has so much plans ahesd

[Seraphina · Rating 5 out of 5]

They disturb the comfortable and comfort the disturbed one could say. another could say they just did a few too many shrooms.

[avery · Rating 4 out of 5]

idk he sounds like he’s still on acid

[Susan Molloy · Rating 3 out of 5]

🖍️ OK . . . they had their fifteen minutes of fame. Was it worth it?

📖 Book version.
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