John Lennon was incredibly busy in the hours leading up to his tragic assassination by Mark David Chapman outside of his apartment in the Dakota building in New York City. In addition to working in the studio with his wife, Yoko Ono, John Lennon was also participating in a lengthy interview about his current works in progress and plans for the future just hours before his death.
No one involved in those conversations could have any way of knowing the tragedy that was to befall the former Beatle just hours later. And in hindsight, comments that Lennon made seem even more eerily poignant.
Videos by American Songwriter
John Lennon Offered His Thoughts on the Music Industry
During one of his final interviews before his death in early December 1980, John Lennon waxed poetic with his wife and collaborator, Yoko Ono, about the modern state of music. The couple argued that music was just like any other art form. And like those other art forms, younger generations looked back to “old forms” that came before them.
In one way, Lennon and Ono were discussing the ever-cyclical nature of art. In another, they were offering a thesis statement about Lennon’s most recent works. While speaking to Dave Sholin, Laurie Kaye, and Bert Keane, Lennon compared Bruce Springsteen’s “Hungry Heart” to Lennon’s “(Just Like) Starting Over”, both of which came out two months earlier.
“I think [‘Hungry Heart’] is a great record,” Lennon said. “To me, it’s the same kind of ‘period sound’ as ‘Starting Over’. I think the Cars’ ‘Touch And Go’ is right out of the 50s. That new wave stuff, a lot of it is 50s stuff but with 80s styling.”
His Passing Comments About Touring Took on New, Tragic Meaning
John Lennon also discussed his plans for the future during his final interview. “I’m so hungry for making records,” he said, “because of the way I feel. I want to make some more records before a tour. So, I’d like to make at least one more album before actually just making that final decision of calling those very expensive session musicians and taking them on the road, you know?”
His most recent album at the time was Double Fantasy, which included “(Just Like) Starting Over”. Sadly, that would be the last album Lennon lived to make. Roughly twelve hours after conducting this interview, the bright, lively, and spirited Lennon was gunned down by a crazed fan steps away from his apartment building’s front door.
Photo by Susan Wood/Getty Images
Most Viewed
-
30th January 1969: British rock group the Beatles performing their last live public concert on the rooftop of the Apple Organization building for director Michael Lindsey-Hogg's film documentary, 'Let It Be,' on Savile Row, London, England. Drummer Ringo Starr sits behind his kit. Singer/songwriters Paul McCartney and John Lennon perform at their microphones, and guitarist George Harrison (1943 – 2001) stands behind them. Lennon's wife Yoko Ono sits at right. (Photo by Express/Express/Getty Images) -
Photo by Jeff Spicer/Getty Images for ABA -
Bob Dylan seen here performing on stage at The Picnic concert at Blackbushe Aerodrome 15th July 1978. (Photo by Staff/Mirrorpix/Getty Images) -
UNITED STATES – JANUARY 01: NASHVILLE Photo of Alan JACKSON, Alan Jackson performing on stage (Photo by Beth Gwinn/Redferns) -
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM – JANUARY 11: Debbie Harry of Blondie performs on stage at Hammersmith Odeon, on January 11th, 1980 in London, England. (Photo by Pete Still/Redferns) -
Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images -
Duane Allman & Gregg Allman of the Allman Brothers on October 16, 1970 in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images) -
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – Vince Gill speaks onstage at the opening of "American Currents: State of the Music" at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on February 27, 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum)