Airdate: Lennon’s Last Weekend

Today marks 40 years since the death of John Lennon, tragically shot by gunman Mark Chapman in Manhattan, 1980.

Next week SBS will screen the music special Lennon’s Last Weekend which features an interview 48 hours before his death. Lennon and Yoko Ono had not spoken to the media for more than five years.

It will follow another special The Beatles: Eight Days A Week: The Touring Years.

In December 1980, John Lennon and Yoko Ono had not spoken to the media for more than five years. With a new album to promote, Lennon was prepared to speak in New York to Radio One DJ Andy Peebles of the BBC.

John surprised everyone by candidly discussing a variety of subjects he’d never spoken of before – including The Beatles break-up, his relationship with Paul McCartney, his battles with addiction, political issues in the US and UK, his family, and his homesickness for Liverpool. He also talked about working with Phil Spector and David Bowie, and how he produced many of his solo albums, which included great songs such as Imagine and Give Peace A Chance.

Lennon’s Last Weekend illuminates what was to be his final interview with an abundance of archival footage, photographs and conversations with people who knew him. Clearly invigorated and looking forward to making more music, Lennon’s heartfelt honesty and forthright revelations make this film all the more potent as he was brutally shot and murdered 48 hours later.

John Lennon was just 40 years of age when he died. December 2020 will be the 40th anniversary of his death.

Thursday, 17 December at 9.30pm on SBS.