Elliot Mintz Reveals John Lennon’s ‘Insane Jealousy’ Towards Paul McCartney’s Wings Success
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/john-lennon-paul-mccartney-nyc-8125-352693f01d154ccd87e58dbff1355f94.jpg)
Renowned media consultant and former Los Angeles radio and television host, Elliot Mintz, recently shed light on an intriguing aspect of the relationship between Beatles legends John Lennon and Paul McCartney. In a podcast appearance on Billy Corgan’s The Magnificent Others, Mintz shared insights into Lennon’s feelings of jealousy towards McCartney’s success with his band, Wings, during the 1970s.
Following the breakup of the Beatles in 1970, McCartney went on to form the band Wings, achieving both commercial and critical acclaim with hit songs like “Jet” and “Listen to What the Man Said.” In contrast, Lennon took a step back from the spotlight in 1975 to focus on raising his son Sean with wife Yoko Ono. Mintz revealed that during this period, Lennon became envious of McCartney’s continuous success and the adulation he received from fans.
Despite Lennon’s initial admiration for McCartney, the lack of attention and praise for his own work during that time fuelled his jealousy. Mintz recalled Lennon expressing his frustration to him, saying, “They’re not embracing me the way they are him.” This conflict of emotions showcased a vulnerable side of Lennon, highlighting the complexities within their relationship post-Beatles era.
Mintz reminisced about the deep connection between McCartney and Lennon, acknowledging that their bond transcended mere friendship. Their shared musical journey was not without its challenges, including public disputes reflected in their music. One notable instance was McCartney’s song “Too Many People,” believed to be a subtle dig at Lennon for squandering his Beatles’ success, to which Lennon responded with his track, “How Do You Sleep?” laden with resentment towards McCartney.
The dynamics between Lennon and McCartney were akin to a saga of two individuals struggling with their evolving identities post-Beatles. Mintz likened their interactions during this period to “two high school kids arguing on Instagram,” underlining the profound impact of their differing career trajectories on their friendship and creative output.
In a poignant anecdote, Mintz recalled a heartwarming reunion between McCartney, his wife Linda, Lennon, and Ono during Christmas in 1978 at the Dakota in New York City. As they gazed out over the city skyline, McCartney expressed his perpetual commitment to creating music, prompting reflections on what could have been had Lennon joined him in an impromptu jam session, potentially rewriting musical history together.
Despite their artistic and personal differences, McCartney continues to pay tribute to Lennon, honouring their shared legacy each year on social media. McCartney’s recent post commemorating Lennon’s birthday exemplifies a deep-rooted respect and appreciation for his former bandmate’s influence on his life and music.
The intricate bond between Lennon and McCartney serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities that underlie creative partnerships and enduring friendships. Mintz’s revelations offer a glimpse into the turbulent emotions that characterised Lennon’s perspective on McCartney’s success, underscoring the nuanced dynamics at play in the lives of two iconic musicians. Their story stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Beatles and the indelible mark they left on the landscape of modern music.