How did Elton John and John Lennon’s friendship lead to wild escapades in the 1970s?
Elton John’s Wild Adventures with John Lennon: Mountains of Cocaine and More!
Elton John is a music icon known for his flamboyant style and powerhouse voice. Throughout his career, he has made headlines for his wild escapades and larger-than-life personality, and his relationship with fellow music legend John Lennon was no exception. The two musicians shared a close friendship that involved plenty of wild adventures, from excessive drug use to impromptu concert performances. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of Elton John’s wildest escapades with John Lennon, including mountains of cocaine and more.
Elton John and John Lennon’s Relationship
Elton John and John Lennon’s friendship blossomed in the early 1970s, when both musicians were at the height of their fame. They bonded over a shared love of music and a mutual respect for each other’s talents. Despite their age difference (Elton was 11 years younger than Lennon), the two hit it off and soon became close friends.
Amid the glitz and glamour of their rock star lifestyles, Elton and John Lennon found themselves embroiled in a world of excess, including excessive drug use and wild partying. Their escapades often made headlines, and their larger-than-life personalities only added to the allure of their friendship.
Mountains of Cocaine
One of the most notorious aspects of Elton John and John Lennon’s friendship was their excessive drug use, particularly their fondness for cocaine. The 1970s were notorious for rampant drug use in the music industry, and Elton and Lennon were no exceptions. In fact, the two were known to consume copious amounts of cocaine, leading to wild and unpredictable behavior.
Their drug-fueled escapades included parties that lasted for days on end, with mountains of cocaine and endless streams of alcohol. While their drug use may have seemed glamorous at the time, it ultimately took a toll on their health and well-being.
In recent years, Elton John has been vocal about his struggles with addiction and has spoken openly about how his excessive drug use nearly cost him his life. His friendship with John Lennon during those wild times serves as a cautionary tale of the dangers of substance abuse, even for those at the top of their game.
Impromptu Concert Performances
In addition to their wild partying and drug use, Elton John and John Lennon’s friendship also resulted in some impromptu concert performances, much to the delight of their fans. One of the most famous instances of this occurred in 1974 when John Lennon joined Elton John on stage at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The two performed three songs together, much to the surprise and delight of the audience.
The impromptu concert was a historic moment in music history, and it showcased the genuine friendship and mutual respect between the two musicians. Despite their wild escapades and excessive drug use, Elton and Lennon shared a deep bond that transcended their rock star personas.
Lessons Learned
While the wild adventures of Elton John and John Lennon may seem glamorous and exciting from the outside, they also serve as a cautionary tale of the dangers of excess and substance abuse. Both musicians struggled with addiction and ultimately paid a steep price for their wild escapades.
Their friendship, while full of wild adventures, also highlighted the importance of genuine connections and mutual respect. While their excessive drug use may have made headlines, it’s clear that Elton John and John Lennon shared a deep and meaningful bond that went beyond their rock star personas.
Elton John and John Lennon’s wild adventures were characterized by excessive drug use, impromptu concert performances, and larger-than-life personalities. While their escapades may have captivated the public, they also serve as a cautionary tale of the dangers of substance abuse. Their friendship, however, remains a testament to the power of genuine connections and mutual respect in the music industry.
Elton John’s Role in Reuniting John Lennon and Yoko Ono
In his latest documentary, Elton John: Never Too Late, music legend Elton John shared insights into his illustrious career and recalled memorable encounters with several iconic figures, including the legendary John Lennon and artist Andy Warhol.
During the movie, John discussed a late-night incident in a New York City hotel room where he and Lennon were partaking in a wild drug binge. This exchange took place at an unwelcoming hour of 2 a.m. when “mountains of coke” indicated the intensity of their session. Paranoia set in for John as he feared the approaching knock on the door, wondering if it was law enforcement. Amid this, an unexpected and persistent visitor arrived, none other than Andy Warhol himself, causing a surprised yet amusing reaction from both John and Lennon. Their initial reluctance to let the famous artist into the room stemmed from his notorious habit of always carrying his camera and taking Polaroid pictures. For John, this was a lighthearted side of the cocaine-fueled festivities.
However, John also divulged a more profound and influential aspect of his relationship with John Lennon when he disclosed that he played a pivotal role in reuniting Lennon with Yoko Ono. He recounted how he convinced Lennon to perform at his Thanksgiving Day concert in 1974 at Madison Square Garden, where Lennon was taken by surprise by Yoko Ono’s presence. This reunion subsequently led to the birth of their son, Sean, and a renewed sense of purpose, leading Lennon to abandon his wild and erratic behavior. Although John humorously mentioned that his own craziness persisted, he was genuinely happy for Lennon to have found love and stability once again.
Lennon and Ono’s relationship had its share of ups and downs, beginning in 1966 and culminating in marriage in 1969 before the Beatles’ dissolution. After an 18-month separation, they reconciled in 1974, and in 1975, they welcomed their son, Sean. Tragically, Lennon was fatally shot outside his New York City apartment in 1980.
Elton John: Never Too Late, the documentary, is set to premiere on Disney+ on Dec. 13, providing an intimate and compelling look into the life and career of one of the music industry’s most influential and celebrated figures.
