Continuing our lengthy exploration of John Lennon’s religious, spiritual and philosophical journey by use of Steve Turner’s excellent book ‘The Gospel According To The Beatles’, Part 3 covers some fascinating chapters spanning the years 1964 to 1968 in the book’s rough chronology.
John starts to consider the limitations of fame, is influenced by Bob Dylan and starts to finally put some of the spirit of his books into his song lyrics. The lads are ‘turned on’ by Dylan and take a somewhat logical trajectory through pot, LSD and meditation, always looking for some kind of answer and meaning.
The concept of ‘love’ is changing in society at this time, and it seems that more and more people are trying to find God on their travels, usually without entering a church. The figure of Jesus Christ continues to linger in John’s life in this period, culminating in one of his most offbeat revelations in May 1968 after returning from their meditation sojourn in India.
Tune in for Part 4 next month
Enjoy!
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Antony's 'Life And Life Only' podcast (on Psychology and Alternative media)
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Jon Stewart’s book ‘Dylan, Lennon, Marx & God’
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59593530-dylan-lennon-marx-and-god
Steve Turner’s ‘A Hard Day’s Write’ book
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35666.A_Hard_Day_s_Write
episode links
John and George discuss meditation on the David Frost Show in 1967 (parts 1 & 2)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GpYg2H34piw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXfkdLZLqXg
All You Need Is Love in colour! (June 1967)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16IQt0bEqZI
Joe Goodden’s superb look at the Beatles and drugs (reviewed in episodes 49 & 50 of this podcast)
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36379732-riding-so-high
What is LSD?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LSD
Albert Hoffman gets on his bike (LSD discovery)
https://www.bicycling.com/culture/a39763696/bicycle-day-albert-hofmann-lsd-psychedelic/
Paul McCartney spliffing very recently
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CtklrYCzugo
Revolver: Death and Rebirth
Religion in the Beatles’ songs
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/beatles-songs-religion_n_4760561
The religious views of The Beatles
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religious_views_of_the_Beatles
‘The Art & Music of John Lennon’ by Peter Doggett
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/798473.The_Art_And_Music_Of_John_Lennon
Excellent audiobook about the Rolling Stones’ Altamont disaster