During the mid-1960s The Beatles were more popular than ever. While the band were flying around the world and performing their incredible hits, the number of people that came out to see them sing showed them just how admired they were. During this exciting time, John Lennon explained how the band were definitely more popular than Christianity.
Want to listen to your favourite artists and the latest songs? Sign up for a free 30 day trial at the link to listen to unlimited music on Amazon Music!
In March 1966 Lennon sat down with British newspaper The Evening Standard, where he mused: “Christianity will go. It will vanish and shrink.
“I needn’t argue about that; I’m right and I’ll be proved right. We’re more popular than Jesus now.
“I don’t know which will go first – rock ‘n’ roll or Christianity.”
He added: “Jesus was all right but his disciples were thick and ordinary. It’s them twisting it that ruins it for me.”
Just a few months later, these comments came back to haunt him.
READ MORE: The Beatles George Harrison: ‘Lennon’s death didn’t change my life’
The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) also banned the band’s music from being played.
At the time, the Fab Four had Top 20 hit singles in South Africa for three consecutive years, including From Me To You, She Loves You, A Hard Day’s Night, Ticket To Ride and Help.
What do you think? Should The Beatles have been banned for John Lennon’s comments? Join the debate in the comments section here
However, Lennon’s music was singled out, and continuously banned from the country’s playlist.
Music from the other Beatles – Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr and George Harrison – was still allowed to be played over the airwaves.
Lennon’s comments sparked worldwide outrage, particularly in the USA.
DON’T MISS…
The Beatles George Harrison: ‘Lennon’s death didn’t change my life’ [INFO]
The Beatles: Harrison’s ex-wife Boyd ‘took revenge’ on him [NEWS]
The Beatles and Queen top most influential UK bands and solo artists [INSIGHTS]
Beatles fans burned photos and albums from the band, ending their relationship with the British stars.
Many fans from his home country didn’t seem to care about Lennon’s comments, he explained.
The Imagine singer said in 1974: “In England, nobody took any notice.
“They know this guy’s blabbing off. ‘Who is he?'”
Lennon later added: “If I’d said: ‘Television is more popular than Jesus,’ I might have got away with it!”
He also gave an apology to those he had offended.
The star said: “I’m sorry I opened my mouth. I’m not anti-God, anti-Christ, or anti-religion. I was not knocking it. I was not saying we are greater or better.
“… If you want me to apologise, if that will make you happy, then OK, I’m sorry.”
SOURCE / SOURCE
See today’s front and back pages, download the newspaper, order back issues and use the historic Daily Express newspaper archive.