Lennon’s Secret Envy? Confidant Reveals Jealousy Over McCartney’s ’70s Success

Get ready to hear a side of John Lennon you may have never heard before — the quietly envious one. According to longtime Lennon confidant Elliot Mintz, the former Beatle was “insanely jealous” of Paul McCartney’s stadium-filling success with Wings during the 1970s, even while taking a break from the limelight to raise his son Sean.

John Lennon smiling with long hair and sunglasses during his New York City years in the 1970s
Credit Richard CorkeryNY Daily News Archive via Getty Images

In a recent appearance on Billy Corgan’s The Magnificent Others podcast, Mintz pulled back the curtain on Lennon’s true feelings. Despite always speaking with affection about Paul, Lennon couldn’t help but feel overshadowed by his former bandmate’s chart-topping run. “He was jealous of the amount of attention and accolades,” Mintz revealed. “But have you heard ‘Silly Love Songs’?” Lennon would jab when reminded that he wasn’t recording or touring himself.

One moment in 1978 stands out. Paul and Linda McCartney visited John and Yoko in their New York apartment for Christmas. When Paul said, “I make music every day of my life,” Mintz couldn’t help but imagine a different outcome. “What if John had said, ‘Let’s jam a bit’? They could’ve changed the face of contemporary music — again.”

It’s one of those great what-ifs in rock history — a missed moment between two icons whose creative chemistry shaped a generation. 🎶

Affiliate Disclosure: This article may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Source: KSLX – Lennon Jealous of McCartney’s ’70s Success

author avatar
Charlie Gillingham
Hi, I’m Charlie Gillingham, recently retired after 30+ years of work and now diving into my passions. I’ve always loved technology and website creation, and retirement has finally given me the freedom to explore them fully. Music—especially rock and country—is woven into my soul, connecting me to memories and emotions. This inspired Classic Rock Artists, where I celebrate iconic musicians with their timeless tracks and the stories behind them. When I’m not online, I’m outdoors or cheering at my grandkids’ sporting events. Life’s too short to sit still, so join me in revisiting the music that shaped generations. Catch me on social media to stay connected!

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top