They started hanging out together, with John remembering, “We just spent time laughing and having a good time. We laughed a lot and did a lot of drugs.”
“This man was a member of The Beatles, and he still had a passion for making music, being politically active, and finding purpose in his life. I admire people like that, who focus on the future rather than the past,” he explained.
In an old interview clip featured in the documentary, Lennon mentioned, “Elton and I are very close.”
The pair collaborated on the 1974 track “Whatever Gets You Through the Night,” with John initially providing background vocals and then suggesting adding piano to the song, eventually turning it into a duet.
John and Lennon came together for the duet “Whatever Gets You Through the Night” in 1974.
The Grammy-winner expressed, “I was extremely nervous, but it was like a dream come true for me. It felt like a moment of pure joy.”
John was confident the song would top the charts, but Lennon was not as convinced. They made a bet: if it reached No. 1, Lennon would join John on stage for a performance.
“Whatever Gets You Through the Night” became the No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart on November 16, 1974.
Shortly after, Lennon honored the bet and surprised the audience by appearing at John’s Thanksgiving concert on November 28 at Madison Square Garden in New York.
Lennon rarely performed publicly, and his appearance on stage with John was a significant event.
A member of John’s team recalled that Ono had requested to attend the concert but insisted that Lennon should not know she was there. They kept her presence a secret, seating her 11 rows back to ensure Lennon wouldn’t spot her due to his poor eyesight.
Backstage, Lennon received two gardenias and speculated that they were from Yoko, expressing his uncertainty about performing if he knew she was in the audience.
In a 2020 interview with Howard Stern, John shared that Lennon wore one of the flowers on stage during the concert.
At the time, Lennon and Ono had been separated for almost two years. They were married in 1969 but separated in 1973.
Their initial meeting was in 1966, leading to their marriage in 1969, followed by their separation in 1973, after which Lennon spent his “Lost Weekend” in Los Angeles with their assistant, May Pang.
Reflecting on that tumultuous period, Lennon and Ono’s friend, Elliot Mintz, recalled, “John was going through a rough time. He was heavily influenced by substances, staying up all night, and feeling more down than up.”
Lennon, who was recovering from the “Lost Weekend,” wore a gardenia from Ono on stage during his surprise appearance with John.
Before the Madison Square Garden show, John remembered Lennon being nervous and physically unwell, not having performed
At the concert, John introduced Lennon to the stage amidst an uproarious celebration from the audience. In a documentary, John described the overwhelming reception, stating that it was unlike anything he had ever heard before. Tears welled up in many of their eyes as they performed “Whatever Gets You Through the Night.” Following the song, Lennon expressed gratitude towards John and the band, and then jokingly mentioned needing to go backstage to be “sick.”
Lennon teased the crowd by announcing they would perform “a number from an old, estranged fiancé of mine called Paul,” before launching into “I Saw Her Standing There,” an old Beatles track. They also covered The Beatles’ “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds,” a song that John had previously released with Lennon. The concert featured energetic performances of “Whatever Gets You Through the Night,” “I Saw Her Standing There,” and “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds.”
The show, described as a joyous event by a member of John’s team in the documentary, unknowingly turned out to be Lennon’s final performance. It also marked a significant moment of reconciliation between Lennon and Ono. John credited himself as the catalyst for bringing the couple back together, emphasizing the impact of their reconnection.
In 1975, Lennon and Ono renewed their vows and welcomed their son, Sean Ono Lennon, on Lennon’s 35th birthday. John, who became Sean’s godfather, observed a positive transformation in Lennon with the arrival of his son. Fatherhood redirected Lennon’s focus away from his wild past, marking a significant change for the former Beatle.
Reflecting on the concert and subsequent events, John acknowledged the pivotal role he played in Lennon and Ono’s reconciliation and the positive changes that ensued in Lennon’s life. Sean Ono Lennon, their son, humorously remarked on the concert’s role in his existence, highlighting a backstage photo capturing the genuine love between Lennon and Ono. John noted the happiness that emanated from Lennon upon reuniting with Ono and starting a family.
In 2020, during a conversation between Sean and John, Sean expressed gratitude for their friendship, suggesting it directly led to his conception. John shared fond memories of the post-concert gathering where Lennon and Ono were visibly enamored with each other. He concluded by emphasizing the profound impact that rekindling their relationship had on Lennon’s life, guiding him towards a newfound sense of contentment and purpose.
In the intricate tapestry of his life’s journey, a pivotal moment emerged when he rekindled his relationship with your mother, leading to the birth of you, and ultimately resulting in his request for me to be your godfather, a serendipitous twist of fate and destiny.
Reflecting on their friendship, John shared that their bond was altered as Lennon shifted his focus towards fatherhood. “He was a companion. During the two years of our camaraderie and shared moments, until he reunited with Yoko and welcomed Sean, I embraced the changes with admiration,” reminisced John. “Then tragedy struck, and I never had the chance to express the depth of my affection towards him,” he lamented. “Regrettably, in such circumstances, as in his untimely passing, the opportunity to convey one’s sentiments is lost.”
John revealed that his interactions with Lennon dwindled after the latter embraced fatherhood, acknowledging, “I never truly conveyed my love for him before his departure.” The tragic loss of Lennon on December 8, 1980, reverberated worldwide, leaving a profound impact on all who cherished his artistry and spirit.
Recalling the moment he learned of Lennon’s tragic demise while en route from Brisbane to Melbourne in Australia, John recounted the shock and disbelief that enveloped him. Mistakenly anticipating news of a familial loss upon landing, the revelation of Lennon’s assassination left John and his fellow passengers stunned. “The news of John’s passing was incomprehensible to us all,” John shared during a poignant conversation on BBC. “His sudden and senseless death left us all reeling. There was no prior indication of health concerns; it was a callous act of violence.”
In a poignant tribute, John and his lyrical collaborator, Bernie Taupin, penned the heartfelt ballad “Empty Garden (Hey Hey Johnny)” in honor of Lennon’s enduring legacy. Sean, deeply moved by the song’s poignant tribute, expressed how it had become a poignant part of his grieving process. Reflecting on Lennon’s profound influence, John conveyed to his son, “In his time here, he left an indelible mark. His impact was substantial, inspiring countless individuals. I miss his presence and the void his absence has left. Few possess his charismatic persona and unwavering strength of character. We all long for his return.”
The article highlights how Elton John played a pivotal role as a catalyst in facilitating the reconciliation between John Lennon and Yoko Ono. The narrative unravels the intricate web of personal connections, shared memories, and profound loss that define the relationship between these iconic figures. It underscores the enduring impact of Lennon’s legacy and the profound sense of loss felt by those who admired his artistry and spirit.
