John Lennon's 'Lost Weekend' found in photos

Arts and Culture

John Lennon's "Lost Weekend" is documented in "Instamatic Karma," a book of photos compiled by May Pang, the woman Lennon lived with during those 18 months.

The idea that John Lennon spent his "Lost Weekend" depressed, isolated and out of control is disputed in a new book written by the woman he lived with during those 18 months.

"Instamatic Karma" is a 140-page collection of casual photos that May Pang took during her time with Lennon. It includes images of him spending time with his first son, Julian, as well as with some famous friends, among them Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Harry Nilsson and Keith Moon. He also is shown working in the recording studio, swimming in Long Island Sound, clowning around in Central Park and visiting Disney World.

Pang first detailed the experiences in "Loving John," her 1983 memoir, but it only included a handful of black-and-white photos. Pang says she decided to publish "Instamatic Karma" because "it would let people see John in that world, through my eyes. And it would get rid of that whole 'Lost Weekend' thing, where everyone says he was always down and looked terrible. I don't think these photos appear that way."

Cynthia Lennon, John's first wife, flew to New York from her home in Mallorca, Spain, to be the host of Pang's publication party. The women became friends when Lennon escorted Julian on two of his four trips to visit his father while he was living with Pang. "They are personal and unique and very touching," Lennon says of the photos.

One of the momentous events Pang captured was Lennon signing the agreement that dissolved the Beatles' partnership on Dec. 29, 1974. The photo shows Lennon signing just beneath the clearly legible signatures of Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Richard Starkey (Ringo Starr's real name), the shutter clicking between the "h" and "n" of his first name.

Speaking of Yoko Ono, who could forget her relationship with John Lennon? He was a member of the Beatles when she met him, and the band broke up after they got together. In a BBC interview, Lennon revealed the bitterness he felt toward his bandmates for the hostility they expressed toward Yoko. But maybe they were onto something. Although Lennon had some hits after the breakup, he never reached the same level of success he had had with the band.

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The idea that John Lennon spent his "Lost Weekend" depressed, isolated and out of control is disputed in a new book written by the woman he lived with during those 18 months.

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