John Lennon and Yoko Ono are two artists who experienced an intense and tumultuous passion, which influenced their work and the entire world. How did they meet? What were the highlights of their relationship? What was the tragic end of their story? Discover in this story the life and love of this legendary couple.
John Lennon-Yoko Ono: an intense and tumultuous love story:
The meeting: artistic love at first sight
It all began in 1966, when John Lennon, the famous singer of the Beatles, received an invitation to see an art exhibition in London, organized by a Japanese artist named Yoko Ono. He accepts out of curiosity, without knowing that this visit will change his life.
Arriving at the gallery, he is intrigued by Yoko’s works, which are original and provocative. In particular, there is a ladder that leads to a ceiling, on which the word “Yes” is written in very small letters. John climbs the ladder and reads the message with a smile. He feels attracted by Yoko’s positive and creative spirit, and he decides to meet her.
He finds her in a room where she is selling pieces of sky, that is to say pieces of blue paper. He asks her how much a piece of sky costs, and she replies: “Whatever you want.” He gives her five shillings, and she gives him a piece of paper with “This is not here” written on it. He is amused by this play on words, and he engages her in conversation.
He discovers that she is an avant-garde artist, who wants to convey messages of peace and love through her works. He is seduced by her personality, her intelligence, and her beauty. He asks her for her phone number, and she gives it to him.
Thus begins their love story, which will change their destiny and that of the entire world.
Passion: an artistic and political commitment
John and Yoko see each other several times, and they fall madly in love with each other. They feel in harmony, as if they were made for each other. They share the same vision of the world, the same passion for art, and the same desire to change things. They support each other in their projects, and they do not hesitate to challenge conventions and criticism.
They decide to get married, despite the fact that John is still married to Cynthia, and Yoko is pregnant by another man. They go to Gibraltar, where they can say “yes” to each other without formalities. They make their wedding a media event, organizing a press conference in their hotel room, where they announce their intention to have a “Bed-In” for peace.
They invite journalists to join them in bed, where they discuss various topics, while wearing white pajamas. They repeat this operation in several cities, such as Amsterdam, Montreal, or New York, hoping to draw attention to their pacifist message.
They also recorded songs together, like “Give Peace a Chance”, “Imagine”, or “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)”, which became anthems for millions of people. They created their own label, Apple Records, and their own group, Plastic Ono Band, where they freely express their creativity and commitment. They also make films, books, and artistic performances, which testify to their complicity and their originality.
Separation: an existential crisis
But their happiness does not last. Their relationship is put to the test by external pressures. John is threatened with expulsion from the United States, where he lives with Yoko, because of his political opinions. He had to fight for years to get his green card. Yoko is the victim of racism and sexism, and is accused of breaking up the Beatles and negatively influencing John.
She has to face the hatred and contempt of many people. Their relationship is also shaken by personal tragedies. They lose their first child, who is born stillborn. They then have a son, Sean, but they must protect him from the media and encroaching fans.
They eventually separated in 1973, after John had an affair with a young woman, May Pang. They live separately for a year and a half, a period that John calls his “lost weekend”. He sinks into depression, alcohol, and drugs, and he indulges in excesses that tarnish his image. Yoko, for her part, devotes herself to her artistic career, and she keeps in touch with John, hoping that he will come back to her.
Reunion: a return to serenity
John and Yoko reconcile in 1975, after John realizes he cannot live without her. He leaves May Pang, and returns to Yoko. He decides to put his musical career on hold and devote himself to his family. He becomes a caring father to Sean, and a faithful husband to Yoko. He enjoys the simple joys of domestic life, such as cooking, cleaning, or gardening. He feels happy and peaceful.
He also reconnected with his old friends, such as Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr, with whom he reconnected. He even plans to reform the Beatles, to the delight of their fans. He also finds his artistic inspiration, and he composes new songs, with the help of Yoko. He recorded an album, Double Fantasy, which was a critical and commercial success. He expresses his love for Yoko, and his happiness at being a father. He also sings of his hope to see a better world, where people live in peace and harmony.
The tragedy: an assassination that shocks the world
But their happiness is short-lived. On December 8, 1980, while returning home from a recording session, John and Yoko were accosted by a man in front of their apartment building, the Dakota Building, in New York. The man, whose name is Mark David Chapman, is an unhinged fan who bought a gun and has been following John for several days.
He asks John to sign a copy of his album for him, which John kindly does. Then, he fired five bullets at John, who collapsed to the ground, mortally wounded. Yoko, who is at his side, screams in despair and calls for help. John was taken to hospital, but was pronounced dead on arrival. 40 years ago.
The whole world is in shock, and mourns the death of one of the greatest artists of all time. Thousands of people gather in front of the Dakota Building, lighting candles in tribute to John. Yoko, who is inconsolable, asks people to respect a minute of silence, and not to take revenge on her murderer.
She dedicates her life to perpetuating John’s memory and message, and to promoting peace and love. She continues to make art and support humanitarian causes. She remains faithful to John, and never remarries.
Also read: 5 famous couples who made history from 2000 to 2024
