John Lennon’s Scathing Letter to Paul McCartney Up for Auction

An important piece of Beatles history is up for grabs – John Lennonunpleasant response to Paul McCartney interview, and it gives tons of insight into the writing duo’s complicated relationship.

John sent a letter to Paul days after an interview criticized him and the Beatles appeared in a November 1971 issue of British music magazine Melody Maker, and John’s response is mostly scathing… but also thoughtful and pleading.

From the jump, John’s frustration with Paul is clear…telling Paul he’s ungrateful for all the money he gets from the Beatles. As the 3 page letter walks around, John takes issue with Paul rejecting his song “Imagine” and berates Paul for his indecisiveness about the band breaking up.

The Beatles had been separated for over a year by then and were haggling over money. In the letter, John begs Paul to meet with him without a lawyer…then turns around and accuses Paul of buying up shares in another record company behind his back.

george harrison and Ringo Star also being roped in, as John rips Paul for telling the magazine that George and Ringo would break him – and also accuses Paul of threatening Ringo and his wife, Maureen.

The typed letter, which includes some of John’s handwritten additions and signature, is being auctioned by Gotta have some rock and roll …and it’s expected to fetch at least $30,000.

John also sent the letter to the editor of Melody Maker magazine Richard Williamsscribbling a plea for him to publish it…and it appeared in the magazine a few weeks after Paul’s interview aired.

There is also a fascinating postscript. John says he’s puzzled that Paul’s interview mentions leaving their wives, Linda and Yoko Onoout of argument… to which John responds, “I thought you would have figured it out NOW, that I am JOHNANDYOKO.”