A little known English musician received a letter of advice from John Lennon, 34 years after it was mailed.
Folk singer Steve Tilston, now 60, was only contacted about the letter in 2005 by an American collector checking the letter was authentic, reported AFP, an international newswire service.
In 1971, Mr. Tilston, then 21, gave an interview with ZigZag music magazine, voicing concerns that financial success could ruin his song writing abilities.
Lennon read the story a few months after the Beatles broke up in 1970. He wrote a note to Tilston which he sent to ZigZag’s office but for some reason it did not reach Tilston.
“Being rich doesn’t change your experiences in the way you think. The only difference, basically, is that you don’t have to worry about money—food—roof etc,” Lennon wrote, according to Australian Associated Press, (AAP).
“But all other experiences—emotions—relationships—are the same as (anybody’s). I know, I have been rich and poor and so has Yoko (rich—poor—rich),” he wrote. “So, whatya think of that? Love John and Yoko.”
Yoko Ono said she remembers her husband writing the letter, reported AAP.
Since that time Tilston has recorded more than 20 albums during his 40 years in the music industry. The letter is estimated to be worth around £7,000 ($AU12,200).
“It was so frustrating because Lennon even included his home phone number on the top of the letter. I know it’s silly but I wanted to ring him up across the ages,” Tilston said, according to AFP.
The AAP reported, “I feel it was a rather brotherly letter really,” he said. “Not antagonistic, just offering words of advice.”
In the end, Tilston did not achieve extreme wealth. “Sadly, I was never really able to test this theory out,” he said, according to AAP.
Folk singer Steve Tilston, now 60, was only contacted about the letter in 2005 by an American collector checking the letter was authentic, reported AFP, an international newswire service.
In 1971, Mr. Tilston, then 21, gave an interview with ZigZag music magazine, voicing concerns that financial success could ruin his song writing abilities.
Lennon read the story a few months after the Beatles broke up in 1970. He wrote a note to Tilston which he sent to ZigZag’s office but for some reason it did not reach Tilston.
“Being rich doesn’t change your experiences in the way you think. The only difference, basically, is that you don’t have to worry about money—food—roof etc,” Lennon wrote, according to Australian Associated Press, (AAP).
“But all other experiences—emotions—relationships—are the same as (anybody’s). I know, I have been rich and poor and so has Yoko (rich—poor—rich),” he wrote. “So, whatya think of that? Love John and Yoko.”
Yoko Ono said she remembers her husband writing the letter, reported AAP.
Since that time Tilston has recorded more than 20 albums during his 40 years in the music industry. The letter is estimated to be worth around £7,000 ($AU12,200).
“It was so frustrating because Lennon even included his home phone number on the top of the letter. I know it’s silly but I wanted to ring him up across the ages,” Tilston said, according to AFP.
The AAP reported, “I feel it was a rather brotherly letter really,” he said. “Not antagonistic, just offering words of advice.”
In the end, Tilston did not achieve extreme wealth. “Sadly, I was never really able to test this theory out,” he said, according to AAP.
