John Lennon once nearly scrapped his album "Walls and Bridges" entirely, only releasing it after friends convinced him it was worth sharing. This fascinating piece of music history emerged from a recently uncovered 1975 interview with Lennon, conducted by former Capital Radio DJ Nicky Horne in the iconic Dakota apartment—just before Lennon's well-known five-year hiatus from the music scene. But here’s where it gets controversial: Lennon himself admitted he initially "couldn’t stand to listen" to the album’s tapes and considered tossing the project aside. It was only after playing the recordings to friends, who reassured him by saying, “Hey, it’s all right,” that Lennon warmed up to the idea of releasing the album. "OK, let’s put it out," he concluded, recognizing that some parts he actually enjoyed.
Despite Lennon’s own doubts, "Walls and Bridges" stands out as a somewhat underestimated treasure in his solo catalog. It notably features two standout singles: "Number 9 Dream" and the lively collaboration with Elton John, "Whatever Gets You Thru The Night." While the latter hit number one on US charts, it surprisingly didn’t achieve the same success in the UK, a difference that still sparks debate among fans and critics alike.
It’s important to note Lennon’s famously critical view of his own work—he often dismissed even his Beatles-era classics in interviews, which makes these candid comments about "Walls and Bridges" part of a larger pattern of self-evaluation that doesn’t necessarily reflect the lasting value of his music.
The interview also delves into Lennon’s intense struggles with the Nixon administration, which heavily surveilled and harassed him during his time in the US. Lennon explained to Horne how he was fully aware of being wiretapped, recognizing the difference in how his phone sounded when normal versus when it was being monitored. He described a sense of constant intimidation, with government agents seemingly waiting outside his door or tailing him in cars.
Lennon wasn’t alone in drawing the administration’s suspicion; he revealed that other rock stars, including Mick Jagger, faced significant government obstacles just to tour the US, with Jagger going so far as to handle backdoor negotiations to bring Keith Richards and the rest of The Rolling Stones into the country. Lennon emphasized that, while many artists were targeted, he had a personal stake: he simply wanted to remain in the United States.
For anyone eager to dive deeper into this revealing conversation, more excerpts and Nicky Horne’s reflections on their meeting will be broadcast on October 9 on Boom Radio, coinciding with what would have been Lennon’s 85th birthday.
This story doesn’t just offer a behind-the-scenes peek at a legendary musician’s creative doubts and struggles—it poses a bold question: How much does an artist’s self-criticism shape our perception of their work? And can government interference ever truly silence cultural icons?
Will Simpson, the freelance music writer behind this discovery, has contributed to major music publications like Classic Rock and Total Guitar. He’s also authored books including "Freedom Through Football" and is set to release "An American Cricket Odyssey" in 2025. What are your thoughts—do you agree with Lennon’s harsh initial take on "Walls and Bridges," or do you think his friends were right in urging its release? Share your views below!
