Sophia Michaels
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Julian Lennon and Sean Ono Lennon, the sons of John Lennon, live under the immense shadow cast by their father’s fame as a member of The Beatles. Despite their renowned lineage, both have grappled with personal challenges, particularly after losing their father. Sean Ono Lennon expressed, “I don’t miss John Lennon the persona; I miss my dad” in a conversation with Rolling Stone.
Despite the adversities, the brothers have embraced their father’s artistic legacy. They have honored John through music, occasionally uniting to celebrate their father’s and The Beatles’ enduring influence. Julian remarked to Esquire, “It’s a big old, weird family… families are always a bit screwed up.” Their journey has included struggles over inheritance and facing criticism for recognizing their father’s impact.
Julian Lennon felt abandoned by John Lennon
Following his parents’ divorce in 1968, which stemmed from John’s affair with Yoko Ono, a young Julian Lennon faced significant emotional turmoil. He felt a profound sense of abandonment, as John increasingly focused on his new family. Reflecting on this, Julian stated in a 1998 interview with The Telegraph, “Dad could talk about peace and love out loud to the world but he could never show it to the people who supposedly meant the most to him: his wife and son.”
During this family upheaval, Paul McCartney wrote “Hey Jude,” widely believed to have been inspired by Julian. Released the same year as the divorce, Julian described the song as a double-edged sword: an appreciation mixed with exasperation. “It’s a beautiful sentiment, no question about that, and I’m very thankful — but I’ve also been driven up the wall by it,” he shared with Esquire.
Sean Ono Lennon dealt with his dad’s temper
Sean Ono Lennon also experienced contrasting aspects of his father’s character. In the biography “John Lennon: The Life,” Sean recounted a frightening moment when John angrily yelled into his ear, resulting in a hospital visit. It was in that moment of vulnerability that John’s nurturing side emerged. “I remember… him holding me and saying, ‘I’m so sorry,” Sean recalled. “He did have a temper.”
However, not all memories were marred by anger. After leaving The Beatles, John spent significant time with Sean. John expressed his love through the song “Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy),” a tune that invokes sweet memories for Sean. He shared, “[The end of the song] always reminded me of him putting me to bed,” emphasizing the special moments they shared.
The loss of their father impacted them both
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The Impact of John Lennon’s Death on His Sons
Following the tragic murder of John Lennon in December 1980, his sons experienced a range of emotions while growing up without their father. Julian Lennon, the elder of the two, sought comfort during his parents’ separation by looking up to his mother, Cynthia, who exhibited grace and dignity. “She was my beacon, my hero,” Julian shared in an Esquire interview.
Sean Ono Lennon, John’s younger son with Yoko Ono, kept his father’s memory alive through music. “Sometimes I hear his songs and feel like he’s reaching out to me,” Sean told Rolling Stone.
Despite their grief, both brothers have honored their father’s legacy. In 2021, they came together at the premiere of “Get Back,” a Beatles documentary. Julian expressed that the film helped him rediscover his love for his father. “It made me see him in a new light,” he said via Instagram alongside Sean.
Julian’s Legal Battle for His Father’s Estate
Years after John Lennon’s death, Julian found himself embroiled in a protracted legal dispute with his stepmother, Yoko Ono, regarding his inheritance. Although Lennon had set up a trust fund, Julian was notably absent from his will, leading him to sue Ono, who inherited a vast fortune from John’s estate. The litigation lasted almost two decades before concluding in 1996, with Julian receiving a settlement of £20 million.
With his winnings, Julian chose to repurchase some of his father’s treasured belongings, including personal letters. In a twist, he decided to sell some of those items as NFTs in 2022, offering fans a unique glimpse into his father’s life and stories, as he explained to Variety.
Sean’s Controversial Artistic Tribute
In 2009, Sean Ono Lennon created a contemporary homage to his parents’ iconic Rolling Stone magazine cover, in which John is fully nude beside the clothed Yoko. Captured by Terry Richardson, Sean’s reinterpretation featured him clothed with his then-girlfriend, Charlotte Kemp Muhl, draped nude around him. The response to the artwork was largely negative, which was disheartening for Sean, who later stated that the session was spontaneous and unplanned.
Despite the backlash, Sean found support in his mother, Yoko, who appreciated the work. “She thought it was cute,” he remarked to New York magazine.
Julian’s Evolving Perspective on Fatherhood
The emotional fallout from being abandoned by his father at a young age profoundly shaped Julian Lennon’s views on family and fatherhood. He admitted to gaining new insights about family through cherished photographs over the years. “My dad was young and had no idea what he was doing,” he reflected in a 2011 Record Collector interview. This understanding has influenced his decision not to have children of his own.
Ultimately, Julian has sought to forgive his father, finding common ground through their shared passion for music.
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Julian Lennon Finds Peace Through Music Inspired by Lucy
Julian Lennon, while creating a song in memory of his childhood friend Lucy Vodden, who influenced The Beatles’ classic “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds,” discovered a new understanding of his relationship with his father. He mentioned to CBS News that though he had previously claimed to forgive his dad, it wasn’t genuine until he penned this song after Lucy’s passing. This process helped him to truly heal.
Sean Ono Lennon Takes Charge of His Father’s Legacy
In 2020, Sean Ono Lennon took a pivotal role in overseeing his father’s legacy. He was appointed as a director for several companies linked to The Beatles and Yoko Ono’s artistic pursuits, including Apple Corp. He also joined the board of Lensolo, which manages part of John Lennon’s music catalog, as Yoko Ono stepped back due to health issues.
Understanding his father’s immense influence through music, Sean committed to preserving and sharing this legacy with future generations. He expressed to The Sunday Times his determination to prevent the music from being forgotten as he believes it holds significant value.
Sean Ono Lennon Faces Loss of a Friend
Tragedy struck again for Sean Ono Lennon when he lost a close friend, musician Zachary Rosen, to suicide in 2019. Rosen, who performed as Syzygy, was linked to Sean through guitarist Connor Grant from Sean’s band.
After Zach’s death, Sean released his friend’s first and last EP titled “Circles” through his label Chimera Music Label. He shared his desire to spotlight Zach’s music and committed to donating all proceeds to mental health organizations like the National Alliance for Mental Illness and the Treatment Advocacy Center.
Reflecting on his loss, Sean acknowledged how life intertwines beauty and tragedy. He noted his privilege in promoting Zach’s work to a broader audience (via Wildfire Music).
If you or someone you know is in crisis, help is available. Please call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org.
Julian and Sean’s Brotherly Bond Amid Speculations
Both Julian and Sean Ono Lennon have experienced speculation about their relationship throughout their lives. Despite the complexities tied to their parents, they emphasize their affection for one another. Although the media tried to create tension, particularly during Julian’s publicized inheritance plea, they maintain a solid connection.
The brothers enjoy each other’s company during public events honoring their father, including the premiere of Peter Jackson’s Beatles documentary “Get Back.” Julian recounted how he encouraged Sean to join him, saying, “We’ll face the demons together,” showcasing their supportive bond.
They have also considered collaborating on music projects, expressing enthusiasm for working together while acknowledging the need for the right timing (sharing this with Bill Maher on his “Club Random” podcast in 2023).
