Additional Coverage:
- John Lennon opened up about being ‘dead and buried’ during final interview before murder (themirror.com)
In the final hours before his tragic death, John Lennon gave a candid and heartfelt interview reflecting on his life, his artistry, and his hopes for the future-remarks that have taken on profound significance in retrospect.
The interview, conducted by RKO Radio on December 8, 1980, featured both Lennon and his wife, Yoko Ono. It took place on the very day Lennon was fatally shot outside his New York City apartment, The Dakota. Excerpts from their extensive three-and-a-half-hour conversation are now featured in Steven Soderbergh’s documentary, John Lennon: The Last Interview, which debuted at the Cannes Film Festival on May 15.
Early in the film, Lennon offers insight into his creative philosophy and long-term vision, stating, “I consider that my work won’t be finished until I’m dead and buried and I hope that’s a long, long time.” This poignant statement resonates deeply, knowing it came just hours before his untimely death. Meanwhile, Paul McCartney has paid tribute to his late bandmates, noting their enduring influence on his latest album.
The RKO interview was Lennon and Ono’s sole radio appearance to promote Double Fantasy, their recently released album. Throughout the discussion with hosts Dave Sholin and Laurie Kaye, the couple shared intimate reflections on their music, partnership, and personal lives.
Lennon also touched on the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, pondering how the public’s memory of the president is shaped by his untimely death and wondering what achievements might have been possible had Kennedy lived longer. This broader meditation illustrated how loss can profoundly impact collective remembrance.
Having recently returned to the music scene after a five-year hiatus, Lennon expressed exhilaration about his renewed creativity, describing it as a “diarrhea of creativity” with songs flowing rapidly. He credited Ono as a key inspiration and discussed plans to continue collaborating on future albums.
Their relationship was described with warmth and admiration. Lennon called Ono his best friend and described their creative partnership as “a joy.” He noted that the only people he had worked with long-term were Ono and fellow Beatle Paul McCartney, joking that he considered himself “a pretty good talent scout.”
The couple did not shy away from their past, candidly recounting the early stages of their relationship, their breakup, and eventual reunion, offering an honest look at both the challenges and triumphs they faced together.
Family life was also a prominent topic. Lennon spoke fondly of his bond with his 5-year-old son Sean, calling him a “twin” who taught him the value of authenticity. He described the everyday joys of fatherhood, contrasting this with his regrets over his relationship with his older son Julian, whom he acknowledged he had not always been present for.
Reflecting on the documentary, director Steven Soderbergh remarked on Lennon and Ono’s openness and enthusiasm during the interview. “You would think they had never been interviewed before,” Soderbergh said.
“I want that sense of freshness to come through. What they said 45 years ago remains deeply relevant today-in terms of relationships, politics, how we treat each other, and the importance of love in our daily lives and the world at large.”