John Lennon has significantly impacted music and culture since the Beatles took the world by storm. He's a polarizing figure, known for his sharp wit, a fair share of controversies and a Contrarian attitude. Few musicians captured the revolutionary vibe of the '60s and '70s quite like he did. His songwriting with the Beatles and his solo career completely changed the rock music scene. Beyond music, he passionately advocated for truth, peace, and global harmony. For many fans, Lennon's music and activism went hand in hand; they loved the classic songs he created with the Beatles and respected his dedication to social and political advocacy. But, his personal life wasn't without its troubles—issues like domestic violence, drug use, and instances of unpleasant behaviour often clashed with his public image of peace and love. These struggles, however, also fueled his creativity and his desire for social change. He wasn't perfect. He had a fierce temper, especially towards those close to him. Yet, it's hard not to feel some compassion for him when you look beyond the iconic figure of the Beatles and understand the real man behind it all. "From Beatlemania to Activism: The Life and Legacy of John Lennon," I deeply dive into John Lennon's incredible journey—from being a musical legend during the height of Beatlemania to becoming a devoted activist for peace and social change. We'll explore his career's ups and downs, game-changing contributions to music, and how his personal beliefs fueled his activism. This exploration highlights the lasting influence of Lennon's life and legacy while emphasizing his timeless messages of love, hope, and the ongoing struggle for a better world. Whether you've been a fan for years or are just discovering his story, this will provide a fresh take on a man who continues to inspire generations.

John Winston Lennon was born at Liverpool Maternity Hospital on October 9, 1940. He was the only child of Julia Stanley and Alfred Lennon. His father, Alfred, was a merchant seaman of Irish descent who was often away during John's early years. He was named John Winston Lennon, drawing inspiration from his grandfather and Winston Churchill. Alfred sent money home initially, but those checks stopped when he went absent without leave in February 1944. When he returned six months later, he wanted to take care of the family, but Julia, who was pregnant again then, refused. Eventually, Julia's sister, Mimi, got concerned and reported their situation, which led to her gaining custody of John.

In July 1946, John's father took him to Blackpool, hoping to emigrate to New Zealand. Julia followed up with her partner, which resulted in a heated argument between the two parents. John was asked to choose, and after initially picking his father, he broke down and ran to his mother. According to author Mark Lewisohn, it was agreed that Julia would keep him. Lennon wouldn't see his father again for nearly 20 years, and you can only imagine the emotional impact that had on a child, especially being forced to choose between parents.

Growing up, John lived with his Aunt Mimi and her husband, George Toogood Smith, in Mendips on Menlove Avenue in Woolton. They doted on him since Aunt Mimi and Uncle George didn't have kids. They encouraged his love for literature by buying him short stories. At the same time, his uncle introduced him to music, giving him a mouth organ and suggesting crossword puzzles. Julia, his mother, visited regularly and shared her love for music, teaching him to play the banjo and how to perform "Ain't That a Shame" by Fats Domino. In September 1980, Lennon reflected on how these family dynamics, particularly the absence of his parents, shaped his rebellious spirit, inviting empathy for his challenging upbringing.

''A part of me would like to be accepted by all facets of society and not be this loud-mouthed lunatic poet/musician. But I cannot be what I am not ... I was the one who all the other boys' parents – including Paul's father – would say, "Keep away from him"... The parents instinctively recognized I was a troublemaker, meaning I did not conform and would influence their children, which I did. I did my best to disrupt every friend's home ... Partly out of envy that I didn't have this so-called home ... but I did ... There were five women that were my family. Five strong, intelligent, beautiful women, five sisters. One happened to be my mother. [She] just couldn't deal with life. She was the youngest and she had a husband who ran away to sea and the war was on and she couldn't cope with me, and I ended up living with her elder sister. Now those women were fantastic ... And that was my first feminist education ... I would infiltrate the other boys' minds. I could say, "Parents are not gods because I don't live with mine and, therefore, I know."

John Lennon frequently visited his cousin Stanley Parkes in Fleetwood. Together with another cousin, Leila Harvey, they often travelled to Blackpool to watch shows, particularly enjoying the Blackpool Tower Circus and performers like George Formby. After Parkes's family moved to Scotland, the cousins continued to spend their school holidays together, driving to their family croft in Durness.

Raised as an Anglican, Lennon attended Dovedale Primary School and later Quarry Bank High School from 1952 to 1957. He was known as a lively class clown but tended to engage in fights and disrupt classes. In 1956, his mother Julia bought him his first guitar, knowing that his aunt Mimi was unsupportive of his musical ambitions. Lennon's later school years saw a decline in his behaviour, causing strain in his relationship with his aunt.

Tragically, Julia was killed in 1958 when Lennon was 17, leaving him devastated and leading to heavy drinking and a period of anger. Her memory would later inspire many of his songs, including the Beatles' "Julia." At 17 years of age, Lennon had lost his father, his mother, and his uncle. The impact of these losses on John should not be underestimated. It's accurate to suggest that the deaths of his mother and uncle, along with the abandonment by his father, contributed to his insecurities and tendencies towards cruelty, which frequently affected his personal relationships. His behaviour served as a facade designed to conceal his vulnerability, as well as the pain, anger, and fear stemming from abandonment.

In the next part of From Beatlemania to Activism: The Life and Legacy of John Lennon, I will examine the formation of the Quarrymen and the beginning of the Beatles.