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Solo forums => John Lennon => Topic started by: Paul Doherty on January 21, 2008, 01:29:22 PM

Title: Book:The Lives of John Lennon
Post by: Paul Doherty on January 21, 2008, 01:29:22 PM
Has anyone read this? Think the author is Goldman? Really shocking stuff in there about John and Yoko...some of it was really hard to believe,but all round im still in shock by what i read.
If he made up some of the stuff....why?
If he didnt.....ie,Yoko's attitude when John died etc.....shocking.
I've read before that this book caused a storm when it came out......anyone read it?
Title: Re: Book:The Lives of John Lennon
Post by: An Apple Beatle on January 21, 2008, 02:09:59 PM
Yeah I got a copy bought for me. I think it's a good read. Lots of the general facts in their with a bit of gossip to sell the book. everyone likes a new revelation...Especially the publishers.
Title: Re: Book:The Lives of John Lennon
Post by: Paul Doherty on January 21, 2008, 02:24:48 PM
I think he pushed the whole'John was bisexual' thing a bit too much.But it was  a bit shocking reading about John had always hated the idea about being cremated and left a will in 1979 totally going against this stating he wished to be buried,only for Yoko to go against his word.And in the book,Yoko was too distraught to tell Sean....so she asked one of her staff.....and when Sean asked to see his Dad for the last time it was too late,Yoko had him cremated within hours.Mental if true.......

The book is defo against Yoko...saying she secretley got married after John's death,letting the guy wear Johns clothes and styling his hair like Johns?????

Defo a good read though,i agree there are some great little facts among the gossip indeed.
Title: Re: Book:The Lives of John Lennon
Post by: The End on January 21, 2008, 02:27:21 PM
Many, many years ago, I went to an exhibition of John Lennon's art, organised by Richard Branson, at which Yoko was in attendance. As well as prints of John's art, there was a lot of Beatle merchandise on sale too, including many Beatle books supplied by the Virgin Megastore. However, Richard Branson refused to allow this particular book to be sold at the art exhibition - good on him!

In my less enlightened days, I did something bad to this book in WHSmiths!! I am alternately very embarrassed and proud of that fact! LOL ;D  
Title: Re: Book:The Lives of John Lennon
Post by: Paul Doherty on January 21, 2008, 03:08:27 PM
It must have really hit a nerve if Branson did that...........go on then....what did you do to the book?..................ya rebel ;D
Title: Re: Book:The Lives of John Lennon
Post by: harihead on January 21, 2008, 07:26:40 PM
I enjoyed Goldman's book, but you really have to use your judgment when reading it. For whatever reason, Goldman was fond of telling us John's thoughts. Wow, the guy was psychic! So just look for all those passages where it starts, "John thinks..." and you know the rest of that paragraph is all fiction. Also, when he describes in detail what John's penis may or may not be doing at any given moment in terms of flaciddity, you can pretty much write that off as well.  ;D

On the plus side, Goldman did numerous interviews and exhaustive research. The book was hated when it came out, but many of his shocking revelations-- such as John's use of heroin-- have stood the test of time and are now an accepted part of John's past. I found it interesting that people who were savaged in it (such as Yoko) never sued. Was she really taking the high road in refusing to take any action, or was she aware that the facts were so well researched that she would lose a defamation of character suit?  

Like any work, I try to fit it into the larger picture of what other people have said and how they acted. For example, one of the most wounding things to Cynthia was when Yoko made her post-John's death announcement, the statement was signed "Yoko and Sean" and Julian's words were confiscated for Yoko's own use. So I get to chose who to believe: Cynthia or Yoko. I put it together with everything else I've heard, and just decide-- I hope while also keeping an open mind. I don't and won't know for sure, but I can make an educated guess-- fully aware it's just my best shot at assimilating the facts.
Title: Re: Book:The Lives of John Lennon
Post by: An Apple Beatle on January 22, 2008, 02:25:21 AM
Quote from: 979
I think he pushed the whole'John was bisexual' thing a bit too much.But it was  a bit shocking reading about John had always hated the idea about being cremated and left a will in 1979 totally going against this stating he wished to be buried,only for Yoko to go against his word.And in the book,Yoko was too distraught to tell Sean....so she asked one of her staff.....and when Sean asked to see his Dad for the last time it was too late,Yoko had him cremated within hours.Mental if true.......

The book is defo against Yoko...saying she secretley got married after John's death,letting the guy wear Johns clothes and styling his hair like Johns?????

Defo a good read though,i agree there are some great little facts among the gossip indeed.
It's certainly paint 's yoko in a bad light.
Title: Re: Book:The Lives of John Lennon
Post by: An Apple Beatle on January 22, 2008, 02:26:59 AM
Quote from: 551
I enjoyed Goldman's book, but you really have to use your judgment when reading it. For whatever reason, Goldman was fond of telling us John's thoughts. Wow, the guy was psychic! So just look for all those passages where it starts, "John thinks..." and you know the rest of that paragraph is all fiction. Also, when he describes in detail what John's penis may or may not be doing at any given moment in terms of flaciddity, you can pretty much write that off as well.  ;D

On the plus side, Goldman did numerous interviews and exhaustive research. The book was hated when it came out, but many of his shocking revelations-- such as John's use of heroin-- have stood the test of time and are now an accepted part of John's past. I found it interesting that people who were savaged in it (such as Yoko) never sued. Was she really taking the high road in refusing to take any action, or was she aware that the facts were so well researched that she would lose a defamation of character suit?  

Like any work, I try to fit it into the larger picture of what other people have said and how they acted. For example, one of the most wounding things to Cynthia was when Yoko made her post-John's death announcement, the statement was signed "Yoko and Sean" and Julian's words were confiscated for Yoko's own use. So I get to chose who to believe: Cynthia or Yoko. I put it together with everything else I've heard, and just decide-- I hope while also keeping an open mind. I don't and won't know for sure, but I can make an educated guess-- fully aware it's just my best shot at assimilating the facts.

Nicely put.
Title: Re: Book:The Lives of John Lennon
Post by: harihead on January 22, 2008, 05:24:14 AM
Thanks. :)
Title: Re: Book:The Lives of John Lennon
Post by: Paul Doherty on January 22, 2008, 11:16:47 AM
agreed. Another point id make is.....if the author did infact interview the lennons Nanny or cleaner(not sure which),she seems to have given the bulk of the information concerning the later part of Johns life and also yoko's fling with someone else during and after her relationship with John.Anyway....im not gonna dwell on it ;D
Its a mad mad mad world folks!
Title: Re: Book:The Lives of John Lennon
Post by: Bill Harry on January 22, 2008, 01:33:53 PM
I refused to be interviewed for Goldman's book, so did Bob Wooler. When we were approached it was a case of "Now, can you dish the dirt?" He came up with somne ridiculous stories, such as the one that John was responsible for Stuart's death by kicking him in the head in Hamburg. This is the incident that Pauline Sutcliffe said was ridiculous when she was interviewed for Beatles Unlimited and then included it in her biography of her brother as if it was a fact.
Title: Re: Book:The Lives of John Lennon
Post by: Bobber on January 22, 2008, 01:51:15 PM
I've dug up an old (and brilliant if I may say so  ;D ) post on Stu's cause of death. Read here: http://www.dmbeatles.com/forums/m-1117739226/s-34/highlight-cerebral/#num34
Title: Re: Book:The Lives of John Lennon
Post by: BlueMeanie on January 22, 2008, 09:48:01 PM
Excellent read Cor. Puts paid to all the rumours I'd say.
Title: Re: Book:The Lives of John Lennon
Post by: harihead on January 22, 2008, 09:57:46 PM
Quote from: 1062
I refused to be interviewed for Goldman's book, so did Bob Wooler. When we were approached it was a case of "Now, can you dish the dirt?"  
Well, put that way, I can see why you would decline--and why Goldman presented such a scandalous view of Lennon's life. At least Philip Norman tried to be subtle when approaching people (or so I've read).  

Quote from: 1062
He came up with some ridiculous stories, such as the one that John was responsible for Stuart's death by kicking him in the head in Hamburg. This is the incident that Pauline Sutcliffe said was ridiculous when she was interviewed for Beatles Unlimited and then included it in her biography of her brother as if it was a fact.

But Bill, surely you can see that this story is far more exciting than some boring medical reason. The idea is not to tell the truth, but sell books! Do you have the phrase "There's a sucker born every minute" over in England?


Thanks for your link to your brilliant post, Bobber! As I recall, they did find a small indent in Stu's skull that might have indicated an old trauma. I believe they also found a small tumor? In any case, the family donated his brain to science, so it's been quite well looked into. (I don't remember the source for this; I read it too long ago.)
Title: Re: Book:The Lives of John Lennon
Post by: nimrod on October 17, 2012, 09:53:52 AM
In this interview George Martin (more than Paul) is quite scathing about the inacuracies about even him......if Goldman couldnt even get those facts right how can we believe his sensationalisms ?

Paul thinks its rubbish as well

1988 Paul McCartney & George Martin -Today Show discussing John Lennon Book. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIDwOAkfA1M#ws)
Title: Re: Book:The Lives of John Lennon
Post by: Snoopy66 on October 17, 2012, 11:03:57 AM
This book is rubbish and it's proscribed for many John-fans. I only read parts of it, but the sensational style said it all to me. Of course, the may be some truth in it, just over-decorated with exaggerations and speculations which hardly one can prove. Overall, it's even not worth talking about such crap.

Too bad that Goldman got so much publicity with this book when it came out. He made a similar rubbish-book about Elvis before. Of course, it's so easy to make money on famous people who cannot defend themselves anymore. There are so many other, much better and more accurate books about John's life's.

Snoopy
Title: Re: Book:The Lives of John Lennon
Post by: nimrod on October 17, 2012, 12:15:39 PM
yes Snoopy, I couldnt help noticing as well that Fred Seaman has a photo of himself in his book standing beside Goldmans book, and mentioning him as a friend, which makes me wonder if theres a lot of fairytales in his book also

As you say mate (and as G Martin & Paul )says in the interview its easy to attack dead people who cant defend themselves
Title: Re: Book:The Lives of John Lennon
Post by: Dcazz on October 17, 2012, 05:08:05 PM
I agree with Harihead pretty much! I bought the book when it first came out and was a bit suprised at how Goldman went after John. Most books up to that point had been from authors that were inquisitive in a positive way. I think IMHO this was the first book about him where the author just did not like John Lennon. It took most fans by suprise as they thought they were in for another fan orientated book. I think some of it is valid, but it doesn't make any excuses for him for sure!
Title: Re: Book:The Lives of John Lennon
Post by: nimrod on October 17, 2012, 11:27:21 PM
I agree with Harihead pretty much! I bought the book when it first came out and was a bit suprised at how Goldman went after John. Most books up to that point had been from authors that were inquisitive in a positive way. I think IMHO this was the first book about him where the author just did not like John Lennon. It took most fans by suprise as they thought they were in for another fan orientated book. I think some of it is valid, but it doesn't make any excuses for him for sure!

I tend to think that by suggesting thing like John being gay, he knew the book would gain lots of publicity and he would probably makes a lot of money, as George said, he wouldve ended up in court if John was still alive, but he wasnt so cant defend himself.
Title: Re: Book:The Lives of John Lennon
Post by: Dcazz on October 18, 2012, 02:39:16 AM
I tend to think that by suggesting thing like John being gay, he knew the book would gain lots of publicity and he would probably makes a lot of money, as George said, he wouldve ended up in court if John was still alive, but he wasnt so cant defend himself.
I think his point is quite right as well. I've read the gay thing in a couple of other books whose titles escape me now. I don't think it's true but with both Brian and John being passed we'll never know. At this time past we don't need to. I did find his sumation of his personality fairly interesting and would have to read it again to discuss it in detail.
Title: Re: Book:The Lives of John Lennon
Post by: Snoopy66 on October 18, 2012, 09:29:00 AM
yes Snoopy, I couldnt help noticing as well that Fred Seaman has a photo of himself in his book standing beside Goldmans book, and mentioning him as a friend, which makes me wonder if theres a lot of fairytales in his book also
Yeah, I know, Nimrod. The connection that may be between Goldman and Seaman always disturbed me. This "friendship" made me sceptical about the accuracy of Seaman's book (which I have read) too. Although there are some passages in Seaman's book which I don't like at all, I still have the impression that the author seemed quite sincere. At least, Seaman did like John, which obviously wasn't the case of Goldman.

Snoopy
Title: Re: Book:The Lives of John Lennon
Post by: Bulldog on April 01, 2019, 11:45:11 PM
The Daily Mail newspaper published extracts of the book when it was released. It had a drawn picture of a gaunt John sitting on a bed, smoking pot.

The picture outraged some fans at the time but may have been accurrate.

John was waif like thin in his final years. He also spent a lot of time in the Dakota. Apparently as a house husband, but he would have had several assistants. One of his final interviews he said he sometimes smoked pot but didn't go looking for it.
Title: Re: Book:The Lives of John Lennon
Post by: Normandie on March 18, 2021, 03:38:17 PM
I was intrigued to come across this thread last night. This was the very first Beatles book I ever purchased. Some acquaintances of mine were horrified and told me it was widely reviled among Beatles fans, which kind of threw me. I never did finish it, being in the earlier stages of fandom and not having a lot of spare time, and I no longer have it. I'm nearly tempted to buy it again, just to read it out of curiousity.

Does anyone have recent thoughts on this book?

I enjoyed Goldman's book, but you really have to use your judgment when reading it. For whatever reason, Goldman was fond of telling us John's thoughts. Wow, the guy was psychic! So just look for all those passages where it starts, "John thinks..." and you know the rest of that paragraph is all fiction.


I hate it, really hate it, when authors do that. It's appallingly presumptuous.

He came up with somne ridiculous stories, such as the one that John was responsible for Stuart's death by kicking him in the head in Hamburg.


I've read at least two versions of that anecdote in other books and always wondered if there was any truth to it. Unfortunately, the link in Cor's quote, below, has expired.  :-\ 

I've dug up an old (and brilliant if I may say so  ;D ) post on Stu's cause of death. Read here: [url]http://www.dmbeatles.com/forums/m-1117739226/s-34/highlight-cerebral/#num34[/url] ([url]http://www.dmbeatles.com/forums/m-1117739226/s-34/highlight-cerebral/#num34[/url])
Title: Re: Book:The Lives of John Lennon
Post by: nimrod on March 18, 2021, 11:18:11 PM
Some of the book is an interesting read Kathy, Im not sure I believe the bombshells though..

Im suspicious about authors who dont make these claims while the subject is still alive though.

Part of me thinks nothing would surprise me about the later version of John after Yukko took over his life though.  roll:)
Title: Re: Book:The Lives of John Lennon
Post by: Moogmodule on March 19, 2021, 12:04:16 AM
Goldman seems to have done very comprehensive research. Even critics have acknowledged his abilities in that regard. Trouble is he doesn’t really run any sceptical eye over it and presents the most salacious as fact rather than as one possibility. So good researcher, terrible historian.

The Stu head kicking story I think came from a later accusation from Stu’s mother. I don’t think it has any back up.
Title: Re: Book:The Lives of John Lennon
Post by: Normandie on March 19, 2021, 08:27:18 AM


Thank you, both, for your input. I've wishlisted it on Amazon and will give it another try, now that, after 30 years of Beatle-fandom, I can read it with a more critical eye.

I see Goldman's book on Elvis caused quite the stir as well. 
Title: Re: Book:The Lives of John Lennon
Post by: Moogmodule on March 19, 2021, 09:16:08 AM
I think it’s worth a read. Just hold your nose at certain points.

I haven’t read it for decades but I recall he was pretty jaundiced about almost everyone.