John Lennon remains one of the most influential musicians in history, known for his revolutionary work with The Beatles and his impact on the cultural and political landscape. However, behind the fame and music lay a complex and often troubled soul. From his tumultuous childhood to his tragic assassination, Lennon’s journey was filled with triumphs, losses, and controversial moments. Now, at 61, his son has revealed shocking new insights about his father’s life, reigniting discussions about the legendary musician.

Born on October 9, 1940, in Liverpool, England, John Lennon’s early years were anything but stable. His father, Alfred Lennon, worked as a merchant seaman and was often absent from his life. When Alfred stopped sending money home, his mother, Julia, moved on with another man, leaving young John caught in a web of instability.

At just five years old, Lennon was forced to make a heartbreaking decision—choosing between his mother and father. Reports suggest he initially chose his father but soon changed his mind, running after his mother in tears. This would be the last time Lennon saw his father for 20 years.

John was taken in by his Aunt Mimi, who provided structure and discipline, but the absence of his parents left deep emotional wounds. His mother remained a significant influence, introducing him to music, teaching him the banjo, and playing Elvis Presley records. But in 1958, tragedy struck—Julia was killed by a speeding car, sending Lennon into a spiral of anger and rebellion.

Lennon’s troubled youth translated into an edgy, rebellious personality. Music became his escape, and in 1956, he formed his first band, The Quarrymen. His life changed forever in 1957, when he met Paul McCartney at a church festival. The two bonded over their love for rock and roll, and soon after, McCartney introduced George Harrison into the group.

The band underwent several transformations before officially becoming The Beatles in 1960. By then, they had recruited Ringo Starr, completing the legendary lineup. Aunt Mimi, however, was unimpressed, once telling John:

“The guitar’s all very well, John, but you’ll never make a living out of it.”

Little did she know, The Beatles were on their way to becoming the biggest band in history.

By 1963, The Beatles had taken the world by storm. With hit songs like She Loves You, I Want to Hold Your Hand, and Twist and Shout, their popularity soared, leading to Beatlemania—a global phenomenon of hysterical fans and sold-out stadiums.

However, Lennon’s sharp tongue and rebellious nature often landed him in trouble. In 1966, he made a comment that sent shockwaves around the world:

The backlash was immediate. Fans burned Beatles records, radio stations banned their music, and Lennon even received death threats. Though he later apologized, the controversy contributed to the band’s decision to stop touring that same year.

Drugs, Spirituality, and the Influence of Yoko Ono

As the band matured, so did their music. Lennon’s lyrics evolved from simple love songs to introspective and politically charged themes, influenced heavily by LSD and transcendental meditation.

His relationship with Yoko Ono, whom he met in 1966, was a turning point. Many fans and even his bandmates blamed her for The Beatles’ breakup, though Lennon insisted it was his own decision. His growing obsession with Yoko and his increasing frustration with Paul McCartney created irreparable tensions within the band.

By September 1969, Lennon privately told the group he was quitting, but it wasn’t until April 1970, when McCartney announced his solo album, that the world learned of The Beatles’ breakup. Lennon was furious, famously stating:

“I started the band, and I disbanded it. It’s as simple as that.”

The Solo Years and Political Activism

Lennon wasted no time establishing his solo career. His 1971 album, Imagine, became an instant classic, with its title track becoming an anthem for peace.

He also became heavily involved in political activism, speaking out against the Vietnam War, women’s rights, and government corruption. However, his radical views made him a target for the U.S. government. The Nixon administration saw Lennon as a threat, leading to an attempt to deport him from the United States.

Lennon’s life during the mid-70s was chaotic. His marriage to Yoko Ono crumbled, and he entered what he called his “Lost Weekend”, a wild 18-month period of drinking, partying, and reckless behavior in Los Angeles.

In 1975, everything changed. Yoko became pregnant, and Lennon decided to step away from the spotlight to focus on raising their son, Sean Lennon. For five years, he lived as a stay-at-home dad, coo