In celebration of what would have marked John Lennon‘s 72nd birthday, (October 9), a book has been released publishing nearly 300 letters sent by the legendary musician. The John Lennon Letters is exposing some very different sides of the man, who wasn’t as zen as once thought.
One letter in particular documents Lennon’s disgruntlement toward bandmate Paul McCartney and wife Linda. According to Ultimate Classic Rock, Linda had addressed a letter to Lennon insisting that he check his tone of voice when discussing Paul at public press events.
Here is what Lennon had to say in response:
I was reading your letter and wondering what middle-aged cranky Beatle fan wrote it. I resisted looking at the last page to find out… What the hell—it’s Linda!…
Who do you think we/you are? The ‘self-indulgent doesn’t realize who he is hurting’ bit—I hope you realize what s— you and the rest of my ‘kind and unselfish’ friends laid on Yoko and me, since we’ve been together. It might have sometimes been a bit more subtle or should I say ‘middle class’—but not often. We both ‘rose above it’ quite a few times—& forgave you two—so it’s the least you can do for us, you noble people. Linda, if you don’t care what I say, shut up! Let Paul write—or whatever.
The letter was written and sent back in 1971 when the tension between the then ex-bandmates was at its peak, and wars were fought through tabloid headlines. Despite obviously being fairly pissed off at the couple, Lennon is still Lennon and finished the note with a simple “inspite (sic) of it all, love to you both, from us two.”
