In the world of music, it is not uncommon for musicians to seek solace in seclusion, retreating from the public eye for extended periods of time. The reasons behind these decisions are as varied as the musicians themselves.
Take, for instance, Vito Bratta, the former guitarist of White Lion, who left the limelight and lived in seclusion for fifteen years due to health issues plaguing him and his family. Similarly, the enigmatic John Lennon, one of the most influential musicians of all time, vanished from public view for five years. What led to his disappearance was a topic of intrigue.
The Beatles, the band that brought Lennon to fame, were a global phenomenon. Their groundbreaking sound, innovative songwriting, and charismatic personalities captivated fans worldwide. They were the epitome of success and popularity, transcending the boundaries of music and becoming a cultural force.
However, the band’s meteoric rise to fame came with its own set of challenges. The members were constantly under the scrutiny of the media and fans alike, which took a toll on their personal lives. The hectic schedules and ceaseless demands left them with little time to breathe, let alone enjoy the fruits of their labor.
Eventually, the strain became too much, and The Beatles disbanded in 1970. Each member went on to pursue solo careers, but John Lennon’s life took a mysterious turn in 1975. For five long years, he disappeared from the spotlight, leaving fans and fellow musicians bewildered by his sudden absence.
Various theories circulated regarding his seclusion, including one from his former bandmate, Paul McCartney. The singer speculated that his former bandmate’s disappearance was a deliberate act, a way to escape the pressures of fame and reconnect with himself. However, Lennon’s response to this theory would come years later, in a 1980 interview with Newsweek.
In the conversation, he was informed of McCartney’s theory, and his reply was dismissive. He revealed that the two of them were not close. According to his claims, they didn’t know anything about each other and had not even properly spoken in a decade, which meant the former Beatles member was in the dark as much as anyone else.
His reaction to the theory read:
“What the hell does that mean? Paul didn’t know what I was doing – he was as curious as everyone else. It’s [been] ten years since I really communicated with him. I know as much about him as he does about me, which is zilch. About two years ago, he turned up at the door. I said, ‘Look, do you mind ringin’ first? I’ve just had a hard day with the baby. I’m worn out, and you’re walkin’ in with a damn guitar!”
Lennon also revealed the true reason behind his decision to step away from the spotlight in the same interview. It was not an attempt to escape fame but rather a choice to be fully present for his son, Sean. He lamented missing out on his older son Julian’s childhood and stated that he wanted to be more attentive to his children.
He expressed his point by saying:
“If you know your history, it took us a long time to have a live baby. And I wanted to give five solid years to Sean. I hadn’t seen Julian, my first son [by ex-wife Cynthia], grow up at all. And now there’s a 17-year-old man on the phone talkin’ about motorbikes.
I’m an avid reader, mainly history, archeology, and anthropology. In other cultures, children don’t leave the mother’s back until 2. I think most schools are prisons. A child’s [brain] is wide open, and to narrow it down and make him compete in the classroom is a joke.
I sent Sean to kindergarten. When I realized I was sending him there to get rid of him, I let him come home… If I don’t give him attention at 5, then I’m going to have to give him double doses of it in his teenage years. It’s owed.”
The truth behind John Lennon’s disappearance from the public eye for five years was, in the end, a deeply personal and human decision. He chose to prioritize his family, to be there for his son in a way he had not been for his firstborn. In a world where fame often overshadows the value of personal connections, the musician’s choice was his endeavor to find a balance and a bit of freedom.
