Starting Over: The Making of John Lennon and Yoko Ono's Double Fantasy
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The murder of John Lennon on December 8, 1980, sent shockwaves around the world. The most acclaimed singer/songwriter of his generation, first a Beatle and then a boundary-pushing solo artist, was senselessly silenced forever at age forty; immediately, his final musical statement, an intimate, pop-infused collection called Double Fantasy, released only weeks before his death, skyrocketed to #1 worldwide, as did its poignantly titled single, "(Just Like) Starting Over." His first studio recording since 1975’s Rock ’n’ Roll—and his first musical endeavor of any kind since taking a much-needed hiatus to raise Sean, his son with Yoko Ono—Double Fantasy represents more than a comeback album to Lennon fans and music critics alike. It captures a cultural icon at the pinnacle of his creative success and personal fulfillment; thirty years later it remains a musical touchstone and an affecting reminder of what could have been. Starting Over is an oral history of the making of Double Fantasy and the definitive account of John Lennon’s last days. From early demos to sessions at New York City’s The Hit Factory, from the electrifying chemistry of the studio band to keeping the project under wraps to the album’s release and critical reception, here is fascinating, insightful commentary from all of the key players involved in its extraordinary creation: Yoko Ono, David Geffen, producer Jack Douglas, engineers, arrangers, session musicians, music journalists, and even Lennon himself via archival interviews. Featuring never-before-seen photos of John and Yoko in the studio, candid images taken by David M. Spindel and Roger Farrington, Starting Over is the essential portrait for anyone who hears both a beginning and ending in the tracks of Double Fantasy. Library Journal The pop music world was buzzing in 1980 with word of John Lennon and Yoko Ono recording a new album. Double Fantasy found Lennon dealing with domestic life without the anger, angst, and politics that had marked his solo career. Interestingly, Ono's progressive work on the album was perhaps better in line with the current music trends than Lennon's more melodically and stylistically conservative contributions. Lennon's murder in December 1980 quickly turned the album into a classic. Sharp, who's coauthored books on the Beatles, Kiss, and others, has assembled a wide range of materials for this chronicle of the making of Lennon and Ono's historically important album. He draws from some published interviews but more extensively from interviews he conducted with various instrumentalists, technicians, vocalists, and industry insiders involved in the project. VERDICT This fine book provides much insight into Lennon and Ono and into the record-making process of 30 years ago. Recommended for all Beatles, Lennon, and Ono fans.—James E. Perone, Univ. of Mount Union, Alliance, OH
Introduction 1Cast 5Watching the Wheels 7An Offer I Can't Refuse 13Secret Sessions 15Meet the Band 21Practice Makes Perfect 25Starting Over 31Keeping It Quiet 45In the Studio 47A Lost Song 91The Cheap Trick Sessions 93That's a Wrap 111The Beatles 113Lights, Camera, Action! 119Hidden Mics 127Sonic Architecture 131Picture Perfect 135Double Fantasy 137Finishing Touches 139By the Numbers 143Feeding Frenzy 173Fantasy Becomes Reality 179Spreading the Gospel 183In the Media 185Sound Off 191Touring 199The Final Sessions - Walking on Thin Ice 205December 8, 1980 215Double Fantasy Redux 237Double Exposure Roger Farrington 243Freeze Frame David M. Spindel 249Acknowledgments 255Endnotes 257Selected Bibliography 259Photo Credits 261
