Plan B Forum

John Lennon was a closet Republican, who felt a little embarrassed by his former radicalism, at the time of his death - according to the tragic Beatles star's last personal assistant.

Fred Seaman worked alongside the music legend from 1979 to Lennon's death at the end of 1980 and he reveals the star was a Ronald Reagan fan who enjoyed arguing with left-wing radicals who reminded him of his former self.

In new documentary Beatles Stories, Seaman tells filmmaker Seth Swirsky Lennon wasn't the peace-loving militant fans thought he was while he was his assistant.

He says, "John, basically, made it very clear that if he were an American he would vote for Reagan because he was really sour on (Democrat) Jimmy Carter.

"He'd met Reagan back, I think, in the 70s at some sporting event... Reagan was the guy who had ordered the National Guard, I believe, to go after the young (peace) demonstrators in Berkeley, so I think that John maybe forgot about that... He did express support for Reagan, which shocked me.

"I also saw John embark in some really brutal arguments with my uncle, who's an old-time communist... He enjoyed really provoking my uncle... Maybe he was being provocative... but it was pretty obvious to me he had moved away from his earlier radicalism.

"He was a very different person back in 1979 and 80 than he'd been when he wrote Imagine. By 1979 he looked back on that guy and was embarrassed by that guy's naivete."

Lennon PA asks forgiveness for thefts


A former personal assistant to John Lennon who was accused of stealing hundreds of the late Beatle's personal photographs and letters, issued an apology to his widow, Yoko Ono, in a Manhattan courtroom yesterday.

"I offer no excuses for my conduct, and ask only that you can find it in your heart to forgive me," Frederick Seaman, 49, said in a statement issued as part of a settlement in a case which offered an unprecedented glimpse into Lennon's domestic habits, his falling-out with Paul McCartney, and the insomnia and fear of stalkers which dominated the last months of his life.

"I now realise how much pain and embarrassment I have caused," said Mr Seaman, admitting that he had violated a confidentiality agreement. He agreed to return and surrender the rights to 374 photographs he took of the family as part of his job, to refund $75,000 (£50,000) from selling Lennon's letters, and to pay undisclosed damages.



http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2002/sep/28/arts.artsnews

Lord Jim wrote: As though being a talented crooner or gifted song lyricist somehow imbues one with special insight into geo-politics or moral philosophy....

Not in my book...

Of course, I'm biased in this, due to my elevated opinion of my own musical skills and philosophical thoughts.