This week marks 44 years since John Lennon’s tragic death, and his son, Sean Ono Lennon, is opening up about how the loss continues to resonate with his family. In an interview with BBC Radio 6 Music, Sean revealed that Yoko Ono, now 91, still deeply mourns her late husband and speaks of him daily.
Yoko’s Enduring Connection to John
Sean, 49, shared that his mother’s devotion to John has never wavered since his death on December 8, 1980. “I grew up with my mom speaking about my dad every day,” Sean said. He noted that Yoko observed traditional Japanese mourning practices, such as cutting her hair after John’s passing. “She spoke of him every day, and I think she never has moved on from that relationship.”
Reflecting on the “Lost Weekend”
Sean also addressed John and Yoko’s famed 18-month separation, often referred to as the “Lost Weekend.” During this period, John lived with May Pang, but Sean emphasized that his parents’ bond remained strong.
“Even when they were apart, they were always talking. I don’t think they ever really broke up,” Sean explained. “All his stuff was still in the apartment with my mom. It’s not like they had a real separation.” He added that John’s 1973 album Mind Games, which Sean recently reissued, is a testament to the couple’s love. “The whole album is about her. She’s there in the studio… It confirmed how deeply in love he was with my mom.”
While Yoko still harbors “bad feelings” about the separation, Sean acknowledged her perspective on the need for space at the time. “I think every relationship is very difficult,” Sean said. “They did the best of anyone I can see.”
A Legendary Love Story
Sean reflected on his parents’ profound connection, describing John’s relationship with Yoko as the core of his life and art. “My dad declared to the world that ‘John and Yoko’ were one word,” he said. “He was so in love with her. They had a legendary love, and this album is infused with that love. You can hear it.”
Music as a Connection to His Father
Sean, a musician in his own right, also revealed that his pursuit of music was born out of a need to feel closer to his late father. “I never played music because I was good at it,” he admitted. “I lost my father, and I didn’t know how to fill that void. Learning how to play his songs on guitar was a way to process the loss… Making music always made me feel like I was getting to know him better.”
As the world remembers John Lennon’s life and legacy, Sean’s reflections highlight not just the depth of his parents’ bond but also the lasting impact of John’s music and love on his family and fans alike.
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