Rare Paul McCartney Letter Lists Down The Reasons Why He Loves John Lennon
John Lennon and Paul McCartney - Beatle Stories / YouTube
Paul McCartney and John Lennon shared one of the most iconic partnerships in music history. As the primary songwriting duo behind The Beatles, their creative synergy defined an era and transformed pop music forever. Yet, like many great collaborations, their relationship was layered with camaraderie, rivalry, and emotional complexity.
Over the years, the two drifted apart, especially after The Beatles disbanded. The 1970s saw a period of public tension, with pointed interviews and even musical digs aimed at one another. However, in the years leading up to Lennon’s tragic death in 1980, their relationship had reportedly begun to heal.
In a surprising and heartfelt gesture years later, McCartney penned a letter to Q Magazine in 2005, expressing his enduring love and admiration for Lennon. That letter, now considered a rare artifact, offers an intimate glimpse into their friendship, respect, and unresolved affection.
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Paul McCartney’s Loving Tribute to John Lennon
In his 2005 letter, Paul McCartney opened his heart about John Lennon, offering a rare and poignant reflection on their lifelong connection. Addressed to Q Magazine, the note wasn’t meant to be a grand statement — just a few honest thoughts from one friend to another, shared publicly for the world to see.
“It’s impossible to sum up in a short letter how & why I love John,” McCartney wrote, “but here are a few thoughts.” He recalled their teenage years in Liverpool, their early songwriting sessions, and the whirlwind of fame they experienced together. It was a bond built not only on talent but on mutual trust and ambition.
More than just sentimentality, McCartney’s letter portrayed Lennon as a cultural giant — someone whose “wit and wisdom,” along with a little help from his friends, shaped generations. The note, signed on McCartney’s own stationery, stands as a deeply personal testament to a friendship that helped define modern music.
A Rare Piece of Beatles History Hits the Market
Though the letter wasn’t written as a collectible, it has since become one of the most cherished pieces of Beatles memorabilia. Currently being auctioned by RR Auction, the letter surfaced from materials once held by Bauer Media and later acquired by HYMAG during an office relocation.
According to HYMAG founder James Hyman, the letter was tucked among a treasure trove of archival items including magazines, correspondence, and photos. Given its rarity and heartfelt content, the letter’s estimated value exceeded $100,000 — a reflection of its emotional and historical weight.
Auctioneers describe the letter as perhaps the only known instance where McCartney openly articulates his feelings about Lennon in such a direct way. Beatles fans have noted McCartney’s reference to “With a Little Help From My Friends” as a touching nod, making this artifact a layered piece of Beatles lore.
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A Complicated Friendship Beneath the Love
Despite the warmth of McCartney’s letter, the reality of their friendship included difficult moments. After The Beatles’ breakup, Lennon was openly critical of McCartney in interviews and through his music. McCartney, in turn, responded with his own songs and guarded comments.
One of the most painful episodes came with Lennon’s track “How Do You Sleep?”, where he dismissed McCartney’s work, claiming “the only thing you done was ‘Yesterday.’” McCartney admitted that such barbs were hard to ignore, especially coming from someone he once considered a brother.
Yet, time seemed to soften the edges. By the late 1970s, the two were reportedly reconnecting — not as Beatles, but as friends and fellow fathers. McCartney’s letter, then, serves not only as a tribute but also as a quiet resolution — a way of honoring someone he never stopped loving, even through the hurt.
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