22 Jun 2024

John Lennon speaks in rare NZ interview

From Music 101, 1:20 pm on 22 June 2024

To mark the anniversary of The Beatles New Zealand tour 60 years ago we are broadcasting a rare recording of John Lennon.  

Tony Taylor and John Lennon in New Zealand in 1964. Photo used with permissionThis interview was conducted in 1964 by Professor Tony Taylor, who at the time had a huge interest in the phenomenon of Beatlemania. Tony’s first attempt to capture the Beatles didn’t record due to equipment failure, but miraculously he got a second chance, sitting down with John Lennon the day after their two Wellington performances. Despite Tony’s nerves, he managed to get candid chat and great insights. The late Professor Taylor spoke to Kim Hill about Lennon and Beatlemania in 2014.

Photo: Tony Taylor and John Lennon in New Zealand in 1964. Supplied.

Special thanks to Tony’s family for their blessing to broadcast their father’s interview. Thanks also to author Andy Neill and John Baker for facilitating the audio. 

Beatle John Lennon leaving Wellington.

Beatle John Lennon leaving Wellington. Photo: The Dominion Post Collection, Alexander Turnbull Library.