The love story between John Lennon and Yoko Ono wasn’t just filled with romance but also rife with scrutiny. Their bond elicited a flurry of reactions, with the public often split in their opinions.
"There were we like two angels in bed, with flowers all around us, and peace and love on our heads."#OnThisDay, 25th March 1969, John & Yoko began their first Bed-In for peace at the Amsterdam Hilton Hotel. pic.twitter.com/jCrl9Vz6W7
— John Lennon (@johnlennon) March 25, 2018
Many Beatles fans cast Yoko in a villainous light, accusing her of hastening the band’s breakup. The duo’s public actions, like their peace-promoting “bed-ins” and eclectic art pursuits, only fueled the public’s gaze.
Yoko And Linda
However, Lennon’s love for Yoko never wavered, enduring up to his untimely demise in 1980.
In an interview captured in the book “All We Are Saying,” Lennon shared his empathy for Paul McCartney’s then-wife, Linda McCartney. Both Yoko and Linda faced immense public scrutiny and prejudice. “Linda encountered the same whirlwind of undeserved hate simply because she loved Paul,” John lamented.
In his posthumous literary work, “Skywriting by Word of Mouth,” Lennon delved deeper into the backlash against his marriage to Yoko. He expressed his disbelief at the venomous reactions, particularly targeting Yoko’s looks. Born and admired in Japan for her beauty, Yoko was hurt and confounded by this critique. John felt disheartened by the hostility from his fellow Brits, citing an instance where the acclaimed Michael Caine couldn’t fathom why John couldn’t marry “a nice English girl.”
“I Married A New York Divorcee With A Child, And At The Time They Didn’t Like That”
Linda McCartney, too, had her fair share of challenges. When Paul moved on from his former love, Jane Asher, to marry Linda, a New York divorcee with a child, the public was less than kind. This negativity intensified after Linda’s passing, especially when Paul took Heather Mills as his wife. Additionally, Linda’s foray into Paul’s musical world with Wings became another point of contention.
Paul, defending his wife, noted how critics failed to understand the intricacies of her keyboard playing. Yet, former Wings member Henry McCullough didn’t mince words, expressing his discontent over having a novice in the band.
John Lennon and Yoko Ono taken by Lilo Raymond, 1980. pic.twitter.com/3mQNVkeXXS
— The Nowhere Fans (@thenowherefans) September 16, 2023
Lennon believed the media played a significant role in stoking these negative sentiments. He felt that while the media should be more insightful, they often perpetuated narrow-mindedness. Moreover, John believed that female journalists, in particular, played a part in perpetuating the negative narratives around Yoko and Linda.
Yoko’s perspective was different. She wished people would immerse themselves in their own lives instead of others’.
BEATLES PEOPLE: Jane Asher rarely talks about her relationship with Paul. She rose to fame as a panelist on Juke Box Jury and would go on to date McCartney soon after. It is said that Paul wrote 'You Won't See Me' about Asher.
What is your memory of Jane?#Beatles #TheBeatles pic.twitter.com/lrlbC9I5k9
— Beatlemania (@BeatlemaniaUK) June 2, 2022
Their relationships, however, went beyond the judgment and criticisms. John and Yoko’s union was a celebration of love, art, and activism. Their collaborations led to iconic works like “Imagine” and “Double Fantasy,” and they championed numerous causes, advocating for peace and social justice.
Lennon’s profound love for Yoko shone through his music. Songs like “Dear Yoko,” “I’m Losing You,” and “Oh Yoko!” stand testament to his emotions. McCartney’s relationship with Linda also translated into melodies. Their love inspired tracks like “The Lovely Linda,” “Two of Us,” and the heartfelt “My Love.”
PAINTING TO HAMMER A NAIL, 1966 pic.twitter.com/bFS1cqbPXP
— Yoko Ono (@yokoono) September 15, 2023
In the world of Beatles, it wasn’t just about the music; it was about love, relationships, and the public’s ever-watchful eye.
