Julian Lennon

You have choices.

You have choices.

Right.

Right.

That's a real thing. Yeah. And things happening at a particular time and, uh,

That's a real thing. Yeah. And things happening at a particular time and, uh,

Yeah. I don't think you can say it's one or the other. No, I don't think so either. I really don't. But people love to do that, though.

Yeah. I don't think you can say it's one or the other. No, I don't think so either. I really don't. But people love to do that, though.

Yeah, well, pigeonholing.

Yeah, well, pigeonholing.

Open-mindedness is something that is a necessity in this strange, weird world that we live in. It's fun though, right? Yeah. Oh, no. Absolutely. Absolutely. I certainly have enjoyed the process.

Open-mindedness is something that is a necessity in this strange, weird world that we live in. It's fun though, right? Yeah. Oh, no. Absolutely. Absolutely. I certainly have enjoyed the process.

But it's funny what you're saying, how you're saying things because it makes – as you're discussing this, I'm thinking about certain choices that I've made because of certain things that have happened and certain things in the past and where I believe I should be in the future. I mean that's quite – I find quite an interesting one that this whole also concept of my mind's going blank.

But it's funny what you're saying, how you're saying things because it makes – as you're discussing this, I'm thinking about certain choices that I've made because of certain things that have happened and certain things in the past and where I believe I should be in the future. I mean that's quite – I find quite an interesting one that this whole also concept of my mind's going blank.

Not enough coffee today. What do you call it when you're putting it out there? I'm really brain dead right now. When you're visualizing the future and the possibilities. Manifesting your own. Manifesting your dreams. But, you know, is there some truth to that? Because that does seem to happen to a degree.

Not enough coffee today. What do you call it when you're putting it out there? I'm really brain dead right now. When you're visualizing the future and the possibilities. Manifesting your own. Manifesting your dreams. But, you know, is there some truth to that? Because that does seem to happen to a degree.

We're so close all the time, really. That's why one should just try and have a happy life wherever you can. That's for sure.

We're so close all the time, really. That's why one should just try and have a happy life wherever you can. That's for sure.

No. I think it's a factor. Not at all.

No. I think it's a factor. Not at all.

Yeah. That's a possibility. I agree with you on that. But there's something definitely to that. I definitely think. I certainly feel that I can relate certain things happening to me because of manifesting or the will to move things in a particular direction.

Yeah. That's a possibility. I agree with you on that. But there's something definitely to that. I definitely think. I certainly feel that I can relate certain things happening to me because of manifesting or the will to move things in a particular direction.

How did that happen without that?

How did that happen without that?

No, that's never the case. No, there's a ton of energy behind it. It's a weird process. That comes into that, for sure.

No, that's never the case. No, there's a ton of energy behind it. It's a weird process. That comes into that, for sure.

Sure.

Sure.

It's good to be aware. No question about that.

It's good to be aware. No question about that.

It's that thing called balance, isn't it? Yeah. Trying to do the balancing act as best as you can.

It's that thing called balance, isn't it? Yeah. Trying to do the balancing act as best as you can.

I hate to say it, but it's back to getting out into the fresh air and walking. Yeah. I mean, that really does, or even photography, you know, just being... Actually, my number one go-to is I'm a biker. I've been on motorcycles since I was, like, in my early teens. So to really blow the cobwebs out, it's...

I hate to say it, but it's back to getting out into the fresh air and walking. Yeah. I mean, that really does, or even photography, you know, just being... Actually, my number one go-to is I'm a biker. I've been on motorcycles since I was, like, in my early teens. So to really blow the cobwebs out, it's...

kind of getting on the bike and just riding somewhere I've never been before I'll just look at a map and go that looks interesting and I just go and that looks like so fun if I was bulletproof and made out of metal

kind of getting on the bike and just riding somewhere I've never been before I'll just look at a map and go that looks interesting and I just go and that looks like so fun if I was bulletproof and made out of metal

Really? Well, it's the other people, as they always say. That's exactly right. But I believe you have to have a heightened awareness to be a biker and still.

Really? Well, it's the other people, as they always say. That's exactly right. But I believe you have to have a heightened awareness to be a biker and still.

Yeah. I've had a few loud ones in my day. Like a Harley? I used to have a Harley. At the moment, I ride a Triumph, a couple of Triumphs. Oh, nice. One that looks like an old school but actually works. And then I thought I was never going to be one of those guys that ever kind of rode one of those 50s, no, the sort of adventure bikes.

Yeah. I've had a few loud ones in my day. Like a Harley? I used to have a Harley. At the moment, I ride a Triumph, a couple of Triumphs. Oh, nice. One that looks like an old school but actually works. And then I thought I was never going to be one of those guys that ever kind of rode one of those 50s, no, the sort of adventure bikes.

Yeah, kind of. Yeah, but relative half-faring. But when I go for a ride and these random rides, you know, I can be gone up in the mountains with no signal for three and a half, four hours, you know. And there has been an occasion or several in the past where without a signal, the bikers had problems riding. And it gets pretty scary when you're in the wilderness and you've got no backup plan.

Yeah, kind of. Yeah, but relative half-faring. But when I go for a ride and these random rides, you know, I can be gone up in the mountains with no signal for three and a half, four hours, you know. And there has been an occasion or several in the past where without a signal, the bikers had problems riding. And it gets pretty scary when you're in the wilderness and you've got no backup plan.

I had an oil leak with a brand new bike and no signal. And I was literally rolling down any hill I could just to survive, make it to whatever little village I could find in the middle of nowhere. Where were you? I was in France. Oh, wow. So I tend to go up in the wilds back there. So I decided also my backside after three and a half hours on one of the older style bikes is pretty painful.

I had an oil leak with a brand new bike and no signal. And I was literally rolling down any hill I could just to survive, make it to whatever little village I could find in the middle of nowhere. Where were you? I was in France. Oh, wow. So I tend to go up in the wilds back there. So I decided also my backside after three and a half hours on one of the older style bikes is pretty painful.

And something here as well. So she just did a little cutting. And no doubt I'll hear from her in a few days once she gets the results.

And something here as well. So she just did a little cutting. And no doubt I'll hear from her in a few days once she gets the results.

So I just happened to look at one of the Triumph Adventure bikes. What do they look like?

So I just happened to look at one of the Triumph Adventure bikes. What do they look like?

Is that it? So that's what my old bike looks like. That's actually my old bike with my old friend riding it. And that's the one where your ass kills after a couple of hours. But so, yeah, those are the kind of views I get. Those are in the middle of nowhere. Are these your photographs? Yeah, yeah. These are just quickies on my phone. Just the places I find myself in in the middle of nowhere.

Is that it? So that's what my old bike looks like. That's actually my old bike with my old friend riding it. And that's the one where your ass kills after a couple of hours. But so, yeah, those are the kind of views I get. Those are in the middle of nowhere. Are these your photographs? Yeah, yeah. These are just quickies on my phone. Just the places I find myself in in the middle of nowhere.

I mean, stunning, stunning, stunning places. And they're not far from where I am on the coast. That's beautiful. And they're kind of on the border with Italy. So it's pretty unique stuff. Where do you live? I officially live in Monaco.

I mean, stunning, stunning, stunning places. And they're not far from where I am on the coast. That's beautiful. And they're kind of on the border with Italy. So it's pretty unique stuff. Where do you live? I officially live in Monaco.

Okay.

Okay.

It's not a bad place to be. But a weird spot. It's a weird spot. It's like, what's going on here? Why is everybody stacked up in apartments right here? It's very transient. People come and go for whatever reason that they do. I mean, most people, like myself, we have a kind of summer house getaway so you can go breathe on the weekends. Yeah.

It's not a bad place to be. But a weird spot. It's a weird spot. It's like, what's going on here? Why is everybody stacked up in apartments right here? It's very transient. People come and go for whatever reason that they do. I mean, most people, like myself, we have a kind of summer house getaway so you can go breathe on the weekends. Yeah.

Oh, very much so. Yeah, yeah, no. A lot of real rich folks go there to hoard their cash. Oh, for sure, for sure. But there's a few new places around the world that offer that kind of possibility. Oh, really? Like where else? Well... Dubai is offering certain incentives now. Portugal, certain incentives.

Oh, very much so. Yeah, yeah, no. A lot of real rich folks go there to hoard their cash. Oh, for sure, for sure. But there's a few new places around the world that offer that kind of possibility. Oh, really? Like where else? Well... Dubai is offering certain incentives now. Portugal, certain incentives.

I've never been there personally. Is that a fact? I think it is. I'm not 100% sure.

I've never been there personally. Is that a fact? I think it is. I'm not 100% sure.

Yeah, well, that's one element of it. There's no crime. As long as you're not doing anything bad.

Yeah, well, that's one element of it. There's no crime. As long as you're not doing anything bad.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Fairly reasonable. Yeah, yeah. So... Although it's never inspired me so far anyway. Well, there's a lot of, like, wild restrictions over there. Oh, yeah. And I like a bit of character with where I am, you know. Yeah. And, you know, one of the pleasures I find is, number one, I'm a biker, so I get to ride around a lot. I'm not really a beach guy. After 20 minutes, I start twitching.

Fairly reasonable. Yeah, yeah. So... Although it's never inspired me so far anyway. Well, there's a lot of, like, wild restrictions over there. Oh, yeah. And I like a bit of character with where I am, you know. Yeah. And, you know, one of the pleasures I find is, number one, I'm a biker, so I get to ride around a lot. I'm not really a beach guy. After 20 minutes, I start twitching.

Yeah, but it was because of the birthmark. And, you know, I just kept... And the thinner hair, and so I just kept, you know, brushing it with a comb, and it caught it, and then it scabbed, and then it became itchy, and so I kept scratching it, you know, pulling it off. Like a kid, you know, as you do, as you just... Anyway, I'm happy to be here in one piece for the moment.

Yeah, but it was because of the birthmark. And, you know, I just kept... And the thinner hair, and so I just kept, you know, brushing it with a comb, and it caught it, and then it scabbed, and then it became itchy, and so I kept scratching it, you know, pulling it off. Like a kid, you know, as you do, as you just... Anyway, I'm happy to be here in one piece for the moment.

I need to do something. It's true. Yeah. But I'm also a foodie as well. So, you know, Monaco's half an hour away from Italy. And there's actually a big crossover in the restaurants between French and Italian food. And then you have places like... the island of Corsica, which is French now. It's been through the mill a few times. It was English at one point. It was Italian at one point.

I need to do something. It's true. Yeah. But I'm also a foodie as well. So, you know, Monaco's half an hour away from Italy. And there's actually a big crossover in the restaurants between French and Italian food. And then you have places like... the island of Corsica, which is French now. It's been through the mill a few times. It was English at one point. It was Italian at one point.

I think a few other nations do. And I could see it from where I was. You can actually see the outline of Corsica from the south of France and from Monaco in certain locations. And I'd seen it for 25, 30 years and had never been. And a couple of years ago, I decided with a friend to hop in. I've got a little mini convertible, and that's my little runaround.

I think a few other nations do. And I could see it from where I was. You can actually see the outline of Corsica from the south of France and from Monaco in certain locations. And I'd seen it for 25, 30 years and had never been. And a couple of years ago, I decided with a friend to hop in. I've got a little mini convertible, and that's my little runaround.

And decided to get the ferry, which is about six hours across, and drive with no bookings, no nothing, and just see if there was a hotel available. And drove around the whole island in 10 days. And it was one of the most magical places I've ever, ever been to. It's like 10 countries on one island. The scenery is mind-blowing. And the south of it is very much like the Caribbean.

And decided to get the ferry, which is about six hours across, and drive with no bookings, no nothing, and just see if there was a hotel available. And drove around the whole island in 10 days. And it was one of the most magical places I've ever, ever been to. It's like 10 countries on one island. The scenery is mind-blowing. And the south of it is very much like the Caribbean.

I go to see this dermatologist. Oh, you have almost skin. Yeah, a little excision here because it had been bothering me a bit. And a couple of years ago, I had a bit of a cancer scare on my head because I have a birthmark here that you don't really see. And there was a mole there and I kept, as my hair got a little thinner, I would use a comb and it caught it one time and it opened it up.

I go to see this dermatologist. Oh, you have almost skin. Yeah, a little excision here because it had been bothering me a bit. And a couple of years ago, I had a bit of a cancer scare on my head because I have a birthmark here that you don't really see. And there was a mole there and I kept, as my hair got a little thinner, I would use a comb and it caught it one time and it opened it up.

Crystal clear, turquoise, blue waters. But the food, again, is this combination of the best of Italian and the best of French. Wow. And just the freshest of the freshest of the fresh. And I've only been down there about two or three times because this was only a few years ago. And I couldn't believe that it's – and here's the other thing. Okay, the ferry is six hours.

Crystal clear, turquoise, blue waters. But the food, again, is this combination of the best of Italian and the best of French. Wow. And just the freshest of the freshest of the fresh. And I've only been down there about two or three times because this was only a few years ago. And I couldn't believe that it's – and here's the other thing. Okay, the ferry is six hours.

But you can get on what they call a vomit comet there. It's like a very short flight. You could be there in the south of Corsica from Nice airport in 45 minutes. And it's a different world. It's an entirely different world. Stunning, gorgeous, different world with, again, scenery unlike I've ever seen before. And for such a small island, which you can... Is it here? Oh, wow.

But you can get on what they call a vomit comet there. It's like a very short flight. You could be there in the south of Corsica from Nice airport in 45 minutes. And it's a different world. It's an entirely different world. Stunning, gorgeous, different world with, again, scenery unlike I've ever seen before. And for such a small island, which you can... Is it here? Oh, wow.

I mean, it's just insanely, insanely beautiful. And that's Bonifacio, yeah. They're renowned for being... They can be a bit of a tough nut. In what way? If they don't like you, if you piss them off, excuse my French, they'll blow up your house.

I mean, it's just insanely, insanely beautiful. And that's Bonifacio, yeah. They're renowned for being... They can be a bit of a tough nut. In what way? If they don't like you, if you piss them off, excuse my French, they'll blow up your house.

I mean there was a report a couple of years ago that this guy's house, he was causing some trouble and they didn't want him around and they blew up his house. They set it on fire and blew it up. I'm serious.

I mean there was a report a couple of years ago that this guy's house, he was causing some trouble and they didn't want him around and they blew up his house. They set it on fire and blew it up. I'm serious.

They're exactly like that. I mean if you don't – I get that. If you don't respect them. Yeah, I get that. Yeah, no.

They're exactly like that. I mean if you don't – I get that. If you don't respect them. Yeah, I get that. Yeah, no.

There's just, you know, I think if you're not prepared to be warm and friendly on the approach and treat them with the respect that they deserve in their own country. Treat like you're a visitor. Yeah. You're thankful to be there. Don't order them around. Don't tell them what to do. And even though they think it's quite funny that you try and speak their language, I mean –

There's just, you know, I think if you're not prepared to be warm and friendly on the approach and treat them with the respect that they deserve in their own country. Treat like you're a visitor. Yeah. You're thankful to be there. Don't order them around. Don't tell them what to do. And even though they think it's quite funny that you try and speak their language, I mean –

I can understand French pretty well and Italian and a few other things, but God help me if I try and speak it because they'll just – they don't laugh at you, but they'll speak back to you in English. Right.

I can understand French pretty well and Italian and a few other things, but God help me if I try and speak it because they'll just – they don't laugh at you, but they'll speak back to you in English. Right.

But at least make the effort is what I'm saying. Sure.

But at least make the effort is what I'm saying. Sure.

Show them that you're trying. Yeah. Say merci. Yeah. Say that. Just thank you. Alone, you know. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Don't just order them around, which I've seen many people do, and it's a bit shocking.

Show them that you're trying. Yeah. Say merci. Yeah. Say that. Just thank you. Alone, you know. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Don't just order them around, which I've seen many people do, and it's a bit shocking.

Where do you head?

Where do you head?

Where is that? I don't know.

Where is that? I don't know.

Yeah, Rome is not my favorite. The reason why it's so appealing to me is because actually my first stepfather was Italian, Roberto Bassanini. That's pretty Italian. Oh, he was very Italian. And he was the black sheep of the family. He was the naughty boy. And he was more like an older brother to me, married to mom. after dad, after John.

Yeah, Rome is not my favorite. The reason why it's so appealing to me is because actually my first stepfather was Italian, Roberto Bassanini. That's pretty Italian. Oh, he was very Italian. And he was the black sheep of the family. He was the naughty boy. And he was more like an older brother to me, married to mom. after dad, after John.

And his family were involved in kind of hotels and restaurants from also London in the heyday of Italian restaurants. It was like the 70s. And so they had a few small hotels in different areas. And so whenever I wasn't at school in London or England at that time,

And his family were involved in kind of hotels and restaurants from also London in the heyday of Italian restaurants. It was like the 70s. And so they had a few small hotels in different areas. And so whenever I wasn't at school in London or England at that time,

We'd take these little trips to Cortina or above Milan, there's a little town called Foppolo that I used to go, unknown by most tourists, locals to go skiing in the winter or Pesaro, which was on the east coast for summer holidays. I spent a lot of time there growing up from the age of five, six, seven. She was only with him for about three or four years, but we stayed in touch.

We'd take these little trips to Cortina or above Milan, there's a little town called Foppolo that I used to go, unknown by most tourists, locals to go skiing in the winter or Pesaro, which was on the east coast for summer holidays. I spent a lot of time there growing up from the age of five, six, seven. She was only with him for about three or four years, but we stayed in touch.

I used to go and visit him all the time because he was a laugh. Of course, sadly, his lifestyle killed him with a couple of heart attacks at the end of everything. That's usually how it goes when you're having a good time. Yeah, he was having too much of a good time. I'm afraid. But I miss him dearly. He certainly was, you know, one of those characters that you just, you know, you admired.

I used to go and visit him all the time because he was a laugh. Of course, sadly, his lifestyle killed him with a couple of heart attacks at the end of everything. That's usually how it goes when you're having a good time. Yeah, he was having too much of a good time. I'm afraid. But I miss him dearly. He certainly was, you know, one of those characters that you just, you know, you admired.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Yes.

Yes.

Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah.

Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah.

Relax. They can be a bit stressed sometimes, though, with the shouting at each other.

Relax. They can be a bit stressed sometimes, though, with the shouting at each other.

Yeah. I go for a proper checkup like twice a year just on every front just to make sure I'm going to be around because I like living. That's good. I want to be around for a long time. That's good. For sure.

Yeah. I go for a proper checkup like twice a year just on every front just to make sure I'm going to be around because I like living. That's good. I want to be around for a long time. That's good. For sure.

Yeah, agreed.

Yeah, agreed.

Yeah, I mean, I don't want to sound pompous, but it does sound pompous. If I have friends come over from the States or London, I'll say, yeah.

Yeah, I mean, I don't want to sound pompous, but it does sound pompous. If I have friends come over from the States or London, I'll say, yeah.

Fancy, you know, getting some Italian tonight. And we'll get in the car and we'll be on the freeway or the motorway over there. And they'll be saying, where the F are we going? You know, I'm going, go for Italian. And there's a little town about an hour away from Monaco. Tiny little medieval town called, well, we'll give it away, actually. Can't give it away.

Fancy, you know, getting some Italian tonight. And we'll get in the car and we'll be on the freeway or the motorway over there. And they'll be saying, where the F are we going? You know, I'm going, go for Italian. And there's a little town about an hour away from Monaco. Tiny little medieval town called, well, we'll give it away, actually. Can't give it away.

where I'll just go and get the best spaghetti vongole on the planet made by a grandmother who's in a kitchen, you know, 10 by 10 at the best of times, you know, with all... And it's down on the water and it's just, you know, it's Italy for me, if you're not in the mountains, if you're by the sea, at its best. And, you know, they all get dressed up at sunset.

where I'll just go and get the best spaghetti vongole on the planet made by a grandmother who's in a kitchen, you know, 10 by 10 at the best of times, you know, with all... And it's down on the water and it's just, you know, it's Italy for me, if you're not in the mountains, if you're by the sea, at its best. And, you know, they all get dressed up at sunset.

You know, they all love to walk the promenade and... in their finest attire and sit there and watch the world go by and drink their coffee and chat. Because I lived in L.A. for I think it was about eight years and I went back. The story of me going back actually was that I flew back to London to see a premiere of a film called Backbeat. It's about the early Beatles.

You know, they all love to walk the promenade and... in their finest attire and sit there and watch the world go by and drink their coffee and chat. Because I lived in L.A. for I think it was about eight years and I went back. The story of me going back actually was that I flew back to London to see a premiere of a film called Backbeat. It's about the early Beatles.

I didn't know anything about it, but I had an invite, so I went to see it. And I met this guy who said, who's a line producer, film producer. And he said, you know, have you been to Monaco before? I said, no, I've never even thought about it, really. And he said, do you like Grand Prix? I said, no. not really a Grand Prix kind of guy.

I didn't know anything about it, but I had an invite, so I went to see it. And I met this guy who said, who's a line producer, film producer. And he said, you know, have you been to Monaco before? I said, no, I've never even thought about it, really. And he said, do you like Grand Prix? I said, no. not really a Grand Prix kind of guy.

61.

61.

He said, well, listen, if you've got nothing to do this weekend after we saw the film and the premiere, why don't you come down? I've got an apartment. I've got an extra room. I know the town inside out. And I was thinking, oh, what am I going to do? Go back to L.A. and be numb again. And so I literally went down to Monaco the next day.

He said, well, listen, if you've got nothing to do this weekend after we saw the film and the premiere, why don't you come down? I've got an apartment. I've got an extra room. I know the town inside out. And I was thinking, oh, what am I going to do? Go back to L.A. and be numb again. And so I literally went down to Monaco the next day.

And he just showed me around and we went to this very famous restaurant and famous corner called the Rascasse Corner on the Grand Prix circuit. And it's literally where you're having a prawn cocktail and there's a car coming at you at about 180 miles an hour with just a chicken wire fence in front of your face. Yeah. How far away? I mean, directly in front of you.

And he just showed me around and we went to this very famous restaurant and famous corner called the Rascasse Corner on the Grand Prix circuit. And it's literally where you're having a prawn cocktail and there's a car coming at you at about 180 miles an hour with just a chicken wire fence in front of your face. Yeah. How far away? I mean, directly in front of you.

I mean, the car could be... So this is it right here? Yeah. That's not the Rascasse Corner. That's the Lowe's Corner. Rascasse Corner is a very, very famous little spot. There it is. Yeah, that's it. So you'd be behind the chicken wire fence. This is a kind of modern version of it. But that's even more protection than it used to have.

I mean, the car could be... So this is it right here? Yeah. That's not the Rascasse Corner. That's the Lowe's Corner. Rascasse Corner is a very, very famous little spot. There it is. Yeah, that's it. So you'd be behind the chicken wire fence. This is a kind of modern version of it. But that's even more protection than it used to have.

I don't think about it too much. I'm completely in denial. Yeah. Absolutely. I refuse. Because I just remember seeing my uncles on my mother's side, what they were like in their 50s alone. And they'd be sitting there with a big belly in front of the TV with a couple of packets of cigarettes and drinking tea or beer and watching the TV all day.

I don't think about it too much. I'm completely in denial. Yeah. Absolutely. I refuse. Because I just remember seeing my uncles on my mother's side, what they were like in their 50s alone. And they'd be sitting there with a big belly in front of the TV with a couple of packets of cigarettes and drinking tea or beer and watching the TV all day.

um and you'd have a bit of lunch there and they would and that became that was the hot spot in monaco for years and years there were three brothers that owned it real troublemakers and uh it it was a blast but so you had the car so i went all right i'm into this uh and i So I spent the summer down there. And I used to have a little bungalow on Mulholland and Coldwater.

um and you'd have a bit of lunch there and they would and that became that was the hot spot in monaco for years and years there were three brothers that owned it real troublemakers and uh it it was a blast but so you had the car so i went all right i'm into this uh and i So I spent the summer down there. And I used to have a little bungalow on Mulholland and Coldwater.

And I had a caretaker there because I had a dog at the time. And I just said, hi, Tim. pack it up sell the house i'm not coming back and i didn't i didn't go back did you take your dog uh the dog actually died before i i yeah sadly it was uh getting on but uh but yes uh yeah that that was it yeah i just i just put everything in storage i rented this kind of

And I had a caretaker there because I had a dog at the time. And I just said, hi, Tim. pack it up sell the house i'm not coming back and i didn't i didn't go back did you take your dog uh the dog actually died before i i yeah sadly it was uh getting on but uh but yes uh yeah that that was it yeah i just i just put everything in storage i rented this kind of

what could be seen as a Miami Vice kind of apartment on the 30th floor. It just had marble and a mirrored wall with no furniture. And so I bought a couch off of the floor of a store called Habitat and Because it would take like six weeks to order and I had nothing. And so I bought a couch. I bought a TV, even though there was no English TV back then. This is 30 years ago.

what could be seen as a Miami Vice kind of apartment on the 30th floor. It just had marble and a mirrored wall with no furniture. And so I bought a couch off of the floor of a store called Habitat and Because it would take like six weeks to order and I had nothing. And so I bought a couch. I bought a TV, even though there was no English TV back then. This is 30 years ago.

And I just had a trunk to put the TV on. Occasionally you get American movies. And a mattress on the floor and I lived like that for 10 years. Wow. And just was really stupid. Did you enjoy it? It was just stupid. Did you enjoy it? I had two – I've had two – Well, I've had three major – no, four. It's like the Spanish Inquisition. Four major incidents.

And I just had a trunk to put the TV on. Occasionally you get American movies. And a mattress on the floor and I lived like that for 10 years. Wow. And just was really stupid. Did you enjoy it? It was just stupid. Did you enjoy it? I had two – I've had two – Well, I've had three major – no, four. It's like the Spanish Inquisition. Four major incidents.

Now, I mean, London back in the day used to be a great place to party and enjoy. And then I moved to New York for a few years early in my career, in my early 20s. But I almost – I think I almost died there with the partying that went on and the clubs back in that –

Now, I mean, London back in the day used to be a great place to party and enjoy. And then I moved to New York for a few years early in my career, in my early 20s. But I almost – I think I almost died there with the partying that went on and the clubs back in that –

hey at the heyday then and it was celebrity set central you know um with the likes of at the limelight with alice cooper and a few other fruit cakes um and then and then i i really didn't feel like i was you know i could have i could have uh yeah yeah easily i was borderline uh i enjoyed it too much And then I went out to L.A.

hey at the heyday then and it was celebrity set central you know um with the likes of at the limelight with alice cooper and a few other fruit cakes um and then and then i i really didn't feel like i was you know i could have i could have uh yeah yeah easily i was borderline uh i enjoyed it too much And then I went out to L.A.

and a friend of mine had a convertible and we just drove across Mulholland down to Malibu and I went, this is gorgeous. What the hell am I doing? So I moved to L.A. I packed up and moved. And that's – I did exactly the same thing. I found a place to live and I just was there until I could get myself situated. I think I met you in LA. Are you serious? In 1993. That's a good possibility.

and a friend of mine had a convertible and we just drove across Mulholland down to Malibu and I went, this is gorgeous. What the hell am I doing? So I moved to L.A. I packed up and moved. And that's – I did exactly the same thing. I found a place to live and I just was there until I could get myself situated. I think I met you in LA. Are you serious? In 1993. That's a good possibility.

That would have been mid to end of my term out there.

That would have been mid to end of my term out there.

Shut the front door. Yes. Yeah, because I was early in on the MTV stuff. The label I was with was pushing whatever, you know, throw me on whatever was available.

Shut the front door. Yes. Yeah, because I was early in on the MTV stuff. The label I was with was pushing whatever, you know, throw me on whatever was available.

And that was their life in their 50s and 60s until they had a heart attack and died. And I went... No, I'm not doing that one. And I've just always been, not that I'm a health freak in any way, shape or form, but I certainly, you know, my regime is try to eat as healthy as you can and do a bit of power walking a couple of times a week. That's good. And that does the trick for me.

And that was their life in their 50s and 60s until they had a heart attack and died. And I went... No, I'm not doing that one. And I've just always been, not that I'm a health freak in any way, shape or form, but I certainly, you know, my regime is try to eat as healthy as you can and do a bit of power walking a couple of times a week. That's good. And that does the trick for me.

Oh, yeah.

Oh, yeah.

Yeah. The scary thing about L.A. was that you thought it was all over by 2 o'clock because they literally pull your drinks at 1.30. But then they go to someone's house. Right. And they continue until dawn. So that was dangerous too. So I was happy that I got away from that.

Yeah. The scary thing about L.A. was that you thought it was all over by 2 o'clock because they literally pull your drinks at 1.30. But then they go to someone's house. Right. And they continue until dawn. So that was dangerous too. So I was happy that I got away from that.

Yeah. You're lucky. Yeah. I mean, there was some fun to be had, no question about it. I'm sure. But a lot of it was kind of dark, too.

Yeah. You're lucky. Yeah. I mean, there was some fun to be had, no question about it. I'm sure. But a lot of it was kind of dark, too.

Oh, yeah. And a lot of Jack Daniels, too.

Oh, yeah. And a lot of Jack Daniels, too.

Yes.

Yes.

That's a stretch.

That's a stretch.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Yes.

Yes.

Yeah. It's just too strange. The scenes are pretty weird out there, that's for sure.

Yeah. It's just too strange. The scenes are pretty weird out there, that's for sure.

Yeah. And so we were in like a- That's absolutely spot on. A vampire den of famous people. You are absolutely spot on.

Yeah. And so we were in like a- That's absolutely spot on. A vampire den of famous people. You are absolutely spot on.

No.

No.

It feels like you're in a secret fraternity. Yeah, there's a few that I've left that I felt very uncomfortable being at. Like what? I mean, I couldn't tell you exactly where and when, but certainly some weird ones up in the hills. I just went, no, this doesn't feel good.

It feels like you're in a secret fraternity. Yeah, there's a few that I've left that I felt very uncomfortable being at. Like what? I mean, I couldn't tell you exactly where and when, but certainly some weird ones up in the hills. I just went, no, this doesn't feel good.

Well, one of the things was the fact that, well, I mean, now you've got Ubers all over the place. But, yeah, back in my day, there was no taxis around either. So you'd get trapped. Ooh. And then you'd figure, well, I'm here anyway, you know. Yeah. Might as well have another drink. Yeah. And that's what would happen more often than not. But, yeah, so it's, yeah, kind of better not to.

Well, one of the things was the fact that, well, I mean, now you've got Ubers all over the place. But, yeah, back in my day, there was no taxis around either. So you'd get trapped. Ooh. And then you'd figure, well, I'm here anyway, you know. Yeah. Might as well have another drink. Yeah. And that's what would happen more often than not. But, yeah, so it's, yeah, kind of better not to.

Yeah. Go and check it out. You don't want to do that. Go and see what that's all about.

Yeah. Go and check it out. You don't want to do that. Go and see what that's all about.

It's messy, though.

It's messy, though.

Been there, done that. Thank you very much.

Been there, done that. Thank you very much.

No, it's not.

No, it's not.

I did. I did get through it.

I did. I did get through it.

Oh, yeah.

Oh, yeah.

I think if you don't know, you can't. You can't talk about it. You can't understand that weird journey that you go through. I think you have to do certain things sometimes just to realize what it's all about. It's that balance thing. It's the light and the dark.

I think if you don't know, you can't. You can't talk about it. You can't understand that weird journey that you go through. I think you have to do certain things sometimes just to realize what it's all about. It's that balance thing. It's the light and the dark.

Even now, all you've got to have is a bloody iPhone or whatever. TikTok. And an account, and that's it. Very strange. Yeah, really, really odd. I can't quite get to grips with all of that, to be honest with you.

Even now, all you've got to have is a bloody iPhone or whatever. TikTok. And an account, and that's it. Very strange. Yeah, really, really odd. I can't quite get to grips with all of that, to be honest with you.

No, and I've also, in my time, dealt with a fair amount of depression as well. And anxiety, I get pretty anxious still. Even, you know, coming here today, I was a bit... Really? Yeah, yeah. So I went for a nice little power walk around the, whatever the lake is down there. Ladybird? The one where the bats are. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Ladybird. I had no idea about that. Have you seen them come out?

No, and I've also, in my time, dealt with a fair amount of depression as well. And anxiety, I get pretty anxious still. Even, you know, coming here today, I was a bit... Really? Yeah, yeah. So I went for a nice little power walk around the, whatever the lake is down there. Ladybird? The one where the bats are. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Ladybird. I had no idea about that. Have you seen them come out?

But it's also being known for nothing. Yeah, that's the scary thing. And having this element of what seems to be the latest generation of this privilege, you know, where they believe that, you know... Everything is owed to them. Right. Entitled. Entitled, yeah. And I find that shocking.

But it's also being known for nothing. Yeah, that's the scary thing. And having this element of what seems to be the latest generation of this privilege, you know, where they believe that, you know... Everything is owed to them. Right. Entitled. Entitled, yeah. And I find that shocking.

Yeah, there's a purpose.

Yeah, there's a purpose.

You have very interesting people on your show. That's for sure. I mean, that's what intrigued me, you know, from, you know, Professor Brian Cox, you know, I'm an absolute fan of. He's amazing. Such a nice guy. Lovely guy. Mind-blowing. Mind-blowing. Too much information for my good.

You have very interesting people on your show. That's for sure. I mean, that's what intrigued me, you know, from, you know, Professor Brian Cox, you know, I'm an absolute fan of. He's amazing. Such a nice guy. Lovely guy. Mind-blowing. Mind-blowing. Too much information for my good.

Yeah, yeah, mind-boggling. I mean, I doesn't comprehend. Because he looks like a rock star. He does. He does. Yeah, he's not changed his look since the beginning. And he's such a great science communicator. Well, that's the thing. See, I love science, but I get lost in it sometimes.

Yeah, yeah, mind-boggling. I mean, I doesn't comprehend. Because he looks like a rock star. He does. He does. Yeah, he's not changed his look since the beginning. And he's such a great science communicator. Well, that's the thing. See, I love science, but I get lost in it sometimes.

But he is probably the closest I'll ever get to really trying to have an insight into what it's all about as best as he can describe it.

But he is probably the closest I'll ever get to really trying to have an insight into what it's all about as best as he can describe it.

Yeah. Which is why he's so fascinating, which is why everybody should know him.

Yeah. Which is why he's so fascinating, which is why everybody should know him.

No, I have not.

No, I have not.

Yeah.

Yeah.

No, fantastic. Yeah. Fantastic stuff.

No, fantastic. Yeah. Fantastic stuff.

I don't know which category I'm in. You're not in the boring kind. No, no. Well, I can be. I think we all can be, I guess, at some stage, but.

I don't know which category I'm in. You're not in the boring kind. No, no. Well, I can be. I think we all can be, I guess, at some stage, but.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Well, I see you're a big fan of Bourdain as well. Yeah. And I loved his shows. I still watch them all the time because it's just what he discovered and how he entrenched himself with the people that he went to meet. And the conversations and the food are just – that's my cup of tea right there. I think how can you not want to do that, learn and love that experience?

Well, I see you're a big fan of Bourdain as well. Yeah. And I loved his shows. I still watch them all the time because it's just what he discovered and how he entrenched himself with the people that he went to meet. And the conversations and the food are just – that's my cup of tea right there. I think how can you not want to do that, learn and love that experience?

I had no idea. I'd never even heard of it before. It's really cool. The biggest bat population in the world. Is that true? That's what they're saying.

I had no idea. I'd never even heard of it before. It's really cool. The biggest bat population in the world. Is that true? That's what they're saying.

Spaghetti vongole. When it's done, right? I promise that if you ever come back to Monty, as we call it, I'll drive you.

Spaghetti vongole. When it's done, right? I promise that if you ever come back to Monty, as we call it, I'll drive you.

I'll go. We'll go for spaghetti vongole and hope the dear grandmother is still alive.

I'll go. We'll go for spaghetti vongole and hope the dear grandmother is still alive.

I don't know what's going on. I'm serious though. Yeah, it's seed oils. Absolutely. Seed oils in the salad dressing and sugar. Yep. All of that. All of that. Yeah, I agree. I live – it's a much healthier lifestyle over there without question. Oh, yeah. The food hasn't been violated. Yeah.

I don't know what's going on. I'm serious though. Yeah, it's seed oils. Absolutely. Seed oils in the salad dressing and sugar. Yep. All of that. All of that. Yeah, I agree. I live – it's a much healthier lifestyle over there without question. Oh, yeah. The food hasn't been violated. Yeah.

You can eat pizza every day and pasta every day. And also I think the other real big thing here is the portion control as well.

You can eat pizza every day and pasta every day. And also I think the other real big thing here is the portion control as well.

I mean, you can have one plate full of food here and it'll serve four people in Europe.

I mean, you can have one plate full of food here and it'll serve four people in Europe.

Yeah, yeah.

Yeah, yeah.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Yeah, yeah. For sure.

Yeah, yeah. For sure.

Oh, yeah. There's something special about it. It's great when you've got friends who have that same appreciation that, you know, while you're eating lunch, you're talking about dinner.

Oh, yeah. There's something special about it. It's great when you've got friends who have that same appreciation that, you know, while you're eating lunch, you're talking about dinner.

Yeah, yeah. That's how excited you are about food.

Yeah, yeah. That's how excited you are about food.

No question. No question about it. I long for that because also I go on these very long working time periods and I don't get to see a lot of friends quite often. And so I really try and work out and look at my schedule these days to go – I'm taking some time out here for a couple of days. I want to see my friends. I want to say hello. I want to share some time and stories and food with them.

No question. No question about it. I long for that because also I go on these very long working time periods and I don't get to see a lot of friends quite often. And so I really try and work out and look at my schedule these days to go – I'm taking some time out here for a couple of days. I want to see my friends. I want to say hello. I want to share some time and stories and food with them.

So it's become a key thing to have that included in running around like a headless chicken all the time.

So it's become a key thing to have that included in running around like a headless chicken all the time.

Yeah, no, they claim. There's signage down there. Oh, really? Oh, yeah, that says it's the biggest bat population in the world. Hmm. Maybe it's a specific kind of bat. I don't know. Google, where's the big... Sorry. It's definitely part of it. Is this at sunset that this happens? Yes.

Yeah, no, they claim. There's signage down there. Oh, really? Oh, yeah, that says it's the biggest bat population in the world. Hmm. Maybe it's a specific kind of bat. I don't know. Google, where's the big... Sorry. It's definitely part of it. Is this at sunset that this happens? Yes.

Thank you. Thank you. You know, it was a dear friend, Timothy White, who's a celebrity photographer. And he'd done my second and third album. And we were doing a charity single called Lucy, which was about Lucy Voden, who was the Lucy in the sky with diamond that I grew up with. who died from lupus. And then I became the lupus, the ambassador for the Lupus Foundation of America.

Thank you. Thank you. You know, it was a dear friend, Timothy White, who's a celebrity photographer. And he'd done my second and third album. And we were doing a charity single called Lucy, which was about Lucy Voden, who was the Lucy in the sky with diamond that I grew up with. who died from lupus. And then I became the lupus, the ambassador for the Lupus Foundation of America.

We were doing a single to raise money called Lucy. And we were doing with another great artist called James Scott Cook. And we were doing a photo shoot and he'd sent me some pictures and I started screwing around with his pictures. And he said to me, and you actually don't do that with another photographer's work. He said, what the fuck are you doing with my pictures?

We were doing a single to raise money called Lucy. And we were doing with another great artist called James Scott Cook. And we were doing a photo shoot and he'd sent me some pictures and I started screwing around with his pictures. And he said to me, and you actually don't do that with another photographer's work. He said, what the fuck are you doing with my pictures?

He said, where did you learn how to do this? I said, well, I didn't. I just, you know, I'm intuitively inspired to play around with stuff, you know. I'm still a big kid. And he said, well, do you have any other – do you have other – do you actually have photos yourself that you've taken and worked on? I said, well, I've got bits and bobs but nothing.

He said, where did you learn how to do this? I said, well, I didn't. I just, you know, I'm intuitively inspired to play around with stuff, you know. I'm still a big kid. And he said, well, do you have any other – do you have other – do you actually have photos yourself that you've taken and worked on? I said, well, I've got bits and bobs but nothing.

So he and I sat down and looked through all the photos I had. And I think there was maybe 1,000 at that time, which isn't much at all. I'm now over 120,000 photos. It's mind-boggling. That's why this was difficult. Yeah, so he said, Jules, why don't you do something with this stuff? And I said, what? What am I going to do? He said, listen, you should do an exhibition.

So he and I sat down and looked through all the photos I had. And I think there was maybe 1,000 at that time, which isn't much at all. I'm now over 120,000 photos. It's mind-boggling. That's why this was difficult. Yeah, so he said, Jules, why don't you do something with this stuff? And I said, what? What am I going to do? He said, listen, you should do an exhibition.

You've got some really beautiful things here. And I said, listen, I'll do it if you mentor me through the whole process. which he did. And I was probably more petrified at the first exhibition that I did, which was in New York at the old CBGB's, which turned into the Morrison Hotel Gallery. And that was in 2010, I think. And I was more petrified

You've got some really beautiful things here. And I said, listen, I'll do it if you mentor me through the whole process. which he did. And I was probably more petrified at the first exhibition that I did, which was in New York at the old CBGB's, which turned into the Morrison Hotel Gallery. And that was in 2010, I think. And I was more petrified

The three days leading up to that than I was ever going on stage. Well, probably my first ever stage performance, which I did in Dallas at a rehearsal space that was down here for the first ever tour. Now, again, the anxiety. It's the unknown. I don't know what... You know, the worry of what people are going to think because, you know, not just being you but John Lennon's son.

The three days leading up to that than I was ever going on stage. Well, probably my first ever stage performance, which I did in Dallas at a rehearsal space that was down here for the first ever tour. Now, again, the anxiety. It's the unknown. I don't know what... You know, the worry of what people are going to think because, you know, not just being you but John Lennon's son.

Being the second John, so to speak, was always an issue for me. You know, feeling like you have to doubly prove yourself. So, and literally an hour or two before the opening as well, there was the most horrendous storm and downpour in New York. And I thought, well, that's it. Nobody's coming.

Being the second John, so to speak, was always an issue for me. You know, feeling like you have to doubly prove yourself. So, and literally an hour or two before the opening as well, there was the most horrendous storm and downpour in New York. And I thought, well, that's it. Nobody's coming.

But to my utter delight, I had reviews from fine art, photography, magazines, et cetera, et cetera, that gave me nothing but praise. And I was shocked. Wow. Absolutely shocked. So I just continued doing that. I'm now over, I think, 42 exhibitions worldwide. And I just finished my biggest one in Venice at a museum over the last three months. And the book, in fact...

But to my utter delight, I had reviews from fine art, photography, magazines, et cetera, et cetera, that gave me nothing but praise. And I was shocked. Wow. Absolutely shocked. So I just continued doing that. I'm now over, I think, 42 exhibitions worldwide. And I just finished my biggest one in Venice at a museum over the last three months. And the book, in fact...

I had approached other publications before but been pretty much turned down by everybody. And then out of the blue earlier this year, this company out of Berlin called Tenoise said, listen, do you want to do a photography book? And I said, hell yeah. And they said, why haven't you done one before? I said, because nobody gave me the opportunity. Excuse my French.

I had approached other publications before but been pretty much turned down by everybody. And then out of the blue earlier this year, this company out of Berlin called Tenoise said, listen, do you want to do a photography book? And I said, hell yeah. And they said, why haven't you done one before? I said, because nobody gave me the opportunity. Excuse my French.

I didn't hear that. Yeah, you can hear them in there. Okay.

I didn't hear that. Yeah, you can hear them in there. Okay.

Listen, I certainly recognize that there's walls up without question.

Listen, I certainly recognize that there's walls up without question.

There's some things going on. I mean, I've discussed this with Rebecca, who you met, my manager, and a few other people. You know, there's occasions where I'll be totally blanked. Like with the last album I came out with, Jude, which took, you know, in between five and 30 years to write and record. It was old songs and new songs that I wanted to balance the sound.

There's some things going on. I mean, I've discussed this with Rebecca, who you met, my manager, and a few other people. You know, there's occasions where I'll be totally blanked. Like with the last album I came out with, Jude, which took, you know, in between five and 30 years to write and record. It was old songs and new songs that I wanted to balance the sound.

And it was at a time when I'd gone through a lot of changes myself and I had decided to finally be Julian. I'd been John Charles Julian Lennon all my life. But everybody had always known me as Julian. Even mum and dad called me Julian. So I'm like, you know, I want to be me finally. So by deed poll in 2020, I said, right, I'm going to be Julian now. And the album's going to be called Jude.

And it was at a time when I'd gone through a lot of changes myself and I had decided to finally be Julian. I'd been John Charles Julian Lennon all my life. But everybody had always known me as Julian. Even mum and dad called me Julian. So I'm like, you know, I want to be me finally. So by deed poll in 2020, I said, right, I'm going to be Julian now. And the album's going to be called Jude.

Is that what it is? Yeah.

Is that what it is? Yeah.

And the reason I called it Jude was it was finally not only an acceptance but actually – what's the terminology? I'm actually taking ownership, should I say, of the name Jude and what that represented for all these years. Yeah.

And the reason I called it Jude was it was finally not only an acceptance but actually – what's the terminology? I'm actually taking ownership, should I say, of the name Jude and what that represented for all these years. Yeah.

Fantastic. They take care of the mosquitoes. Mosquitoes, yeah. What purpose do they have, really?

Fantastic. They take care of the mosquitoes. Mosquitoes, yeah. What purpose do they have, really?

to other people and to me so anyway so i i you know that was the album was a biggie for me calling the album jude for starters inciting right hopefully positive things um um but the weird thing was you know i did uh i put this whole band together and i i i wanted to as an as a starter to go on all the TV shows that I'd always ever wanted to appear on.

to other people and to me so anyway so i i you know that was the album was a biggie for me calling the album jude for starters inciting right hopefully positive things um um but the weird thing was you know i did uh i put this whole band together and i i i wanted to as an as a starter to go on all the TV shows that I'd always ever wanted to appear on.

For instance, in England, like Jules Holland, later with Jules Holland, which is the only live music show that I've watched all my life, literally. There's Graham Norton. And I'd done their radio shows, which is really, really weird. And we got on like a house on fire, and I performed live. And that all went down well. And then it was kind of like see you on the real show.

For instance, in England, like Jules Holland, later with Jules Holland, which is the only live music show that I've watched all my life, literally. There's Graham Norton. And I'd done their radio shows, which is really, really weird. And we got on like a house on fire, and I performed live. And that all went down well. And then it was kind of like see you on the real show.

That and aubergines. I don't understand the aubergines either.

That and aubergines. I don't understand the aubergines either.

Producers turned me down. And, you know, and and same with a lot of the late night American shows got got just didn't they weren't interested. And, you know, I had, you know, I'd done the name change. I'd been away for 10 years. I'd called the album Jude. You know, there was a lot to talk about, you know, and a great deal more than I'm presenting right now.

Producers turned me down. And, you know, and and same with a lot of the late night American shows got got just didn't they weren't interested. And, you know, I had, you know, I'd done the name change. I'd been away for 10 years. I'd called the album Jude. You know, there was a lot to talk about, you know, and a great deal more than I'm presenting right now.

Anyway, I was turned down and still, and that still happens to me. which saddens me because just when you feel like you want to open up, you know, and answer any question you can throw at me, you know, I've not been allowed to. That's what it's felt like, that I've not been allowed to speak my piece, whatever that is, you know. on whatever subject matter. It's weird.

Anyway, I was turned down and still, and that still happens to me. which saddens me because just when you feel like you want to open up, you know, and answer any question you can throw at me, you know, I've not been allowed to. That's what it's felt like, that I've not been allowed to speak my piece, whatever that is, you know. on whatever subject matter. It's weird.

I don't understand.

I don't understand.

Yeah, yeah. He's fucked.

Yeah, yeah. He's fucked.

Yeah, yeah. Iconic. Well, and I think with a lot of people, they don't want anybody to interfere with that. You know, I mean, how dare the sun come along and even try and be better in any way, shape or form or be as good as or whatever.

Yeah, yeah. Iconic. Well, and I think with a lot of people, they don't want anybody to interfere with that. You know, I mean, how dare the sun come along and even try and be better in any way, shape or form or be as good as or whatever.

Which is why, you know, to a certain degree, photography really appealed to me. Number one, because... And the reality is I prefer it behind the camera. I don't mind being a goofball once in a while doing in front of the camera things, but I'm not really comfortable there. But behind the camera and, you know, traveling is what I've... I have a foundation called the White Feather Foundation and...

Which is why, you know, to a certain degree, photography really appealed to me. Number one, because... And the reality is I prefer it behind the camera. I don't mind being a goofball once in a while doing in front of the camera things, but I'm not really comfortable there. But behind the camera and, you know, traveling is what I've... I have a foundation called the White Feather Foundation and...

We try to help people all over the world and it started – I know that you have interest in indigenous cultures. Sure. And I don't know if you know the back story to this, to the White Feather Foundation at all. I don't. Okay. So here we go. Okay. I was on tour with probably my most, at least outside of America, most well-known song.

We try to help people all over the world and it started – I know that you have interest in indigenous cultures. Sure. And I don't know if you know the back story to this, to the White Feather Foundation at all. I don't. Okay. So here we go. Okay. I was on tour with probably my most, at least outside of America, most well-known song.

It was at number one and top ten in countries all over the world except for America. And it was called Saltwater. And Saltwater is about environmental and humanitarian issues. And I was number one in Australia. I was doing all kinds of shows. I was doing promo and tour as well.

It was at number one and top ten in countries all over the world except for America. And it was called Saltwater. And Saltwater is about environmental and humanitarian issues. And I was number one in Australia. I was doing all kinds of shows. I was doing promo and tour as well.

And I found myself in Adelaide and I got this call from the hotel management saying, excuse me, Mr. Lennon, but there's an Aboriginal tribe down here with TV crews who want to say hi. And I thought it was like an on-the-road prank. I said, yeah, sure. Why would they be coming to see me? And they called back and they said, no, no, no, this is serious. Can you come down, please?

And I found myself in Adelaide and I got this call from the hotel management saying, excuse me, Mr. Lennon, but there's an Aboriginal tribe down here with TV crews who want to say hi. And I thought it was like an on-the-road prank. I said, yeah, sure. Why would they be coming to see me? And they called back and they said, no, no, no, this is serious. Can you come down, please?

And so nothing came of it then.

And so nothing came of it then.

And so I think TV crews, Aboriginal tribe, what's this about? And so I kind of get dolled up a little bit because I don't know what the TV shows are or cameras are. So I go down. And in the lobby, there's a little platform and about 30 people, half of them indigenous, TV crews, a bunch of other stuff. And I honestly have no idea what it's about.

And so I think TV crews, Aboriginal tribe, what's this about? And so I kind of get dolled up a little bit because I don't know what the TV shows are or cameras are. So I go down. And in the lobby, there's a little platform and about 30 people, half of them indigenous, TV crews, a bunch of other stuff. And I honestly have no idea what it's about.

And this woman who was the elder of this particular tribe called the Moaning people walked up to me and presented me with a male swan's white feather, which is about yay big, and said, you know, can you help us? You have a voice. Can you help us? And I just kind of went, Well, you know, do I just continue being the rock and roller or do I step up to the plate? Whatever that means.

And this woman who was the elder of this particular tribe called the Moaning people walked up to me and presented me with a male swan's white feather, which is about yay big, and said, you know, can you help us? You have a voice. Can you help us? And I just kind of went, Well, you know, do I just continue being the rock and roller or do I step up to the plate? Whatever that means.

Well, I'll tell you. Initially, you know... I didn't know what their problems were. I imagined that it would be the same as most other indigenous tribes around the world that have had issues. And they said, can you help us? And I said, I'll do it for the children. So I guess what I was saying is the next generation, I can try and Anyway, so this woman was called Irish. She was the elder.

Well, I'll tell you. Initially, you know... I didn't know what their problems were. I imagined that it would be the same as most other indigenous tribes around the world that have had issues. And they said, can you help us? And I said, I'll do it for the children. So I guess what I was saying is the next generation, I can try and Anyway, so this woman was called Irish. She was the elder.

She's since passed in the last year or so. But I spent 10 years making a documentary with a best friend, Kim Kindersley, who initiated this whole thing. We made a documentary called Whale Dreamers. independent we had no money really behind it no sponsorship we won about 8 international independent film awards which was great but the back story to this is that

She's since passed in the last year or so. But I spent 10 years making a documentary with a best friend, Kim Kindersley, who initiated this whole thing. We made a documentary called Whale Dreamers. independent we had no money really behind it no sponsorship we won about 8 international independent film awards which was great but the back story to this is that

is that Dad had said to me, and I couldn't tell you when or where, just was one of those times that we were together. He just said that, you know, if something ever happens to me, that I'll let you know that... that to let you know that I'm okay or that we're all going to be okay will be in the form of a white feather. Whoa. So...

is that Dad had said to me, and I couldn't tell you when or where, just was one of those times that we were together. He just said that, you know, if something ever happens to me, that I'll let you know that... that to let you know that I'm okay or that we're all going to be okay will be in the form of a white feather. Whoa. So...

when that woman presented me with a white feather, you know, the goosebumps came on heavy. I get them now every time I talk about the story. I'm getting them right now. So, yeah, there she is. There's Iris, and there's Bunna, who's one of the other guys. That is so crazy. I still have that. I still have that in the original envelope that she gave it to me, and it's, you know, it's a...

when that woman presented me with a white feather, you know, the goosebumps came on heavy. I get them now every time I talk about the story. I'm getting them right now. So, yeah, there she is. There's Iris, and there's Bunna, who's one of the other guys. That is so crazy. I still have that. I still have that in the original envelope that she gave it to me, and it's, you know, it's a...

In a very special place at home. I mean you can talk all about coincidences. No, listen. For me, I'm sorry, that was undeniable regardless of where my faith or spirituality or religion was. To me, that was, this is real. This is as real as it gets.

In a very special place at home. I mean you can talk all about coincidences. No, listen. For me, I'm sorry, that was undeniable regardless of where my faith or spirituality or religion was. To me, that was, this is real. This is as real as it gets.

Yeah. And I was in Australia, number one at the time, with Saltwater, the most environmental humanitarian song I've ever written and performed, you know. Right. Yeah, so I said, yeah, I'll do what I can. So we did make the film. And then with the advent of, of course, the internet, I thought, okay, we'll put a website together to sell the film.

Yeah. And I was in Australia, number one at the time, with Saltwater, the most environmental humanitarian song I've ever written and performed, you know. Right. Yeah, so I said, yeah, I'll do what I can. So we did make the film. And then with the advent of, of course, the internet, I thought, okay, we'll put a website together to sell the film.

And I'd also said to my business manager, I said, if we make anything on this film, I said I want everything to go back to the moaning people. And he said the only way that that can happen is if you have a foundation. So initially the foundation was just a vehicle just to pass money along. But I started the White Feather Foundation to have, again, a vehicle to sell the film.

And I'd also said to my business manager, I said, if we make anything on this film, I said I want everything to go back to the moaning people. And he said the only way that that can happen is if you have a foundation. So initially the foundation was just a vehicle just to pass money along. But I started the White Feather Foundation to have, again, a vehicle to sell the film.

And then slowly but surely, I would start getting these emails from people over the years, you know, over time. Sorry. Say, well, you know, can you help us? And I'm going, well, I'm not really a foundation. I'm just I did this project and I thought that was it. Anyway, there are a few other. There was lots of emails. And I finally said, well, you know, all right, this is a platform.

And then slowly but surely, I would start getting these emails from people over the years, you know, over time. Sorry. Say, well, you know, can you help us? And I'm going, well, I'm not really a foundation. I'm just I did this project and I thought that was it. Anyway, there are a few other. There was lots of emails. And I finally said, well, you know, all right, this is a platform.

Let me see if I can. OK, what am I interested in? What can I do? There's plenty of other charities out there. There's plenty of other people doing other things. But what can I do? What's most important to me? Indigenous tribes were the first, so the Moaning People.

Let me see if I can. OK, what am I interested in? What can I do? There's plenty of other charities out there. There's plenty of other people doing other things. But what can I do? What's most important to me? Indigenous tribes were the first, so the Moaning People.

And then, in fact, in the film itself, in Whaledreamers, Kim, my director, friend and director, had already done a segment of a film where he...

And then, in fact, in the film itself, in Whaledreamers, Kim, my director, friend and director, had already done a segment of a film where he...

80 of the elders of the world's indigenous tribes, 80 from around the world, around a fire and just filmed them to talk about their plight and what they had in common and the fact that their cultures and land were being taken away from them, being destroyed, etc., etc.,

80 of the elders of the world's indigenous tribes, 80 from around the world, around a fire and just filmed them to talk about their plight and what they had in common and the fact that their cultures and land were being taken away from them, being destroyed, etc., etc.,

So that became one of the first orders of the day, protect the mining, protect indigenous tribes around the world, try to buy back their lands and protect their cultures and their people and try and support them in whatever way we can, which is what we continue to do. And I was in Kenya going to different schools and health clinics, mostly girls' schools.

So that became one of the first orders of the day, protect the mining, protect indigenous tribes around the world, try to buy back their lands and protect their cultures and their people and try and support them in whatever way we can, which is what we continue to do. And I was in Kenya going to different schools and health clinics, mostly girls' schools.

I set up a scholarship in my mom's name, the Cynthia Lennon Scholarship for Girls. And so we send them to college and universities where they go to learn how to protect their people and their families and cultures. Yeah.

I set up a scholarship in my mom's name, the Cynthia Lennon Scholarship for Girls. And so we send them to college and universities where they go to learn how to protect their people and their families and cultures. Yeah.

And so we support, you know, we build health clinics and dormitories and we do it because, I mean, the stories that I heard from these girls about having to walk to and from schools that took three to six hours and they'd be exhausted by the time they got to home or to school. And that they, in order to, you know, get ahead, they had to pass, you know, certainly exams.

And so we support, you know, we build health clinics and dormitories and we do it because, I mean, the stories that I heard from these girls about having to walk to and from schools that took three to six hours and they'd be exhausted by the time they got to home or to school. And that they, in order to, you know, get ahead, they had to pass, you know, certainly exams.

And so I kind of kept picking at it when it became a scab and I kept picking over the course of like six months. And then I went to see this dermatologist for the first time in L.A. And I said, yeah, I've got a little bit of a, you know, I've been trying not to scratch it now. But I'm a bit worried about it. It's been like six months of me being an idiot because it just was really irritable.

And so I kind of kept picking at it when it became a scab and I kept picking over the course of like six months. And then I went to see this dermatologist for the first time in L.A. And I said, yeah, I've got a little bit of a, you know, I've been trying not to scratch it now. But I'm a bit worried about it. It's been like six months of me being an idiot because it just was really irritable.

But they had the threat pretty much every day of being either raped or murdered. And they would literally stay in their own schools, sleep in the classrooms and convert them to dormitories at night so that they felt protected. I mean, it was when they went home, they were doing three hours of chores every night before they could do any homework and then go to sleep and then walk to school again.

But they had the threat pretty much every day of being either raped or murdered. And they would literally stay in their own schools, sleep in the classrooms and convert them to dormitories at night so that they felt protected. I mean, it was when they went home, they were doing three hours of chores every night before they could do any homework and then go to sleep and then walk to school again.

So you'd hear these incredible stories that you just you just realize how lucky you are. And so we try to help, again, the indigenous. We do help with health and education as far as young kids, young girls across Africa, Kenya and Ethiopia. And also my last trip was to Colombia, to South America, to visit the Koji tribe, who were these insane people people that chewed the cocoa leaves. Oh.

So you'd hear these incredible stories that you just you just realize how lucky you are. And so we try to help, again, the indigenous. We do help with health and education as far as young kids, young girls across Africa, Kenya and Ethiopia. And also my last trip was to Colombia, to South America, to visit the Koji tribe, who were these insane people people that chewed the cocoa leaves. Oh.

But they used to be fishermen years ago before the Spanish arrived in the 1600s and chased them off into the Sierra Nevada mountains. Is it coca leaves or cat? Yeah, it's coca leaves. Coca leaves. Yeah, and they chew it and mix it with spit. Oh, boy. Yeah, they're all off their heads really. But –

But they used to be fishermen years ago before the Spanish arrived in the 1600s and chased them off into the Sierra Nevada mountains. Is it coca leaves or cat? Yeah, it's coca leaves. Coca leaves. Yeah, and they chew it and mix it with spit. Oh, boy. Yeah, they're all off their heads really. But –

But they still have this beautiful culture and I was only there for a few days and we were up in the mountains with them. There's another group, there's an NGO, another group called the Amazon Conservation Team who the White Feather Foundation worked with and we went down there and was able to buy back some of their land and we did a couple of ceremonies with them.

But they still have this beautiful culture and I was only there for a few days and we were up in the mountains with them. There's another group, there's an NGO, another group called the Amazon Conservation Team who the White Feather Foundation worked with and we went down there and was able to buy back some of their land and we did a couple of ceremonies with them.

Which were very, very beautiful. But probably one of the happiest moments of my life, and I've only mentioned this once or twice, was that we came back down from the mountains. And we came to the sea where we were staying in huts. And the Koji tribe came down with us. It lit a fire on the beach. The sun was just going down. And there was no phones, no computers, no nothing.

Which were very, very beautiful. But probably one of the happiest moments of my life, and I've only mentioned this once or twice, was that we came back down from the mountains. And we came to the sea where we were staying in huts. And the Koji tribe came down with us. It lit a fire on the beach. The sun was just going down. And there was no phones, no computers, no nothing.

And we're just sitting on the beach. And the fire's between myself and the Koji tribe. And the sun's just going down. And the waves are right in front. And it's just very beautiful. Nobody on the beach. Old, beautiful, beaten-up tree trunks that have washed up on the shore. And just a little haze from the water and the sand being blown. And there was a piece that I can't explain.

And we're just sitting on the beach. And the fire's between myself and the Koji tribe. And the sun's just going down. And the waves are right in front. And it's just very beautiful. Nobody on the beach. Old, beautiful, beaten-up tree trunks that have washed up on the shore. And just a little haze from the water and the sand being blown. And there was a piece that I can't explain.

I looked over at them and through the fire, the flames of the fire, and we just smiled. There was no words. It was just... some level of peace that had been found just living in that moment, that present moment. And then the sun going down and then because there's no street lights or anything else around, you saw every star in the sky possible.

I looked over at them and through the fire, the flames of the fire, and we just smiled. There was no words. It was just... some level of peace that had been found just living in that moment, that present moment. And then the sun going down and then because there's no street lights or anything else around, you saw every star in the sky possible.

And so with that transition, hanging out with this one of the oldest tribes in South America with the fire, with the sea, with the sky and the stars. I can't even describe it. It was one of the most loving and most peaceful moments of my entire life. The simplicity of it. It was actually the simplicity of it all. And just the human heart and the appreciation. for the world that we live in.

And so with that transition, hanging out with this one of the oldest tribes in South America with the fire, with the sea, with the sky and the stars. I can't even describe it. It was one of the most loving and most peaceful moments of my entire life. The simplicity of it. It was actually the simplicity of it all. And just the human heart and the appreciation. for the world that we live in.

And it's like, well, that's partly why I do what I do, you know, even with the photography is capturing those moments, those once-in-a-lifetime moments. And the other thing was, is that how I started doing photography is when I was on the road a lot, you do these real long-haul flights, you know, to America or to Asia or wherever. And back in the day, you only had... one movie on a projector.

And it's like, well, that's partly why I do what I do, you know, even with the photography is capturing those moments, those once-in-a-lifetime moments. And the other thing was, is that how I started doing photography is when I was on the road a lot, you do these real long-haul flights, you know, to America or to Asia or wherever. And back in the day, you only had... one movie on a projector.

That was it. You didn't have TV screens or the iPhones or anything to watch anything. So once the movie was done and you'd have a bit of food or whatever, that was it. Most people would go to sleep. I would always be twitching, of course. So I'd be looking out the window and staring at the clouds. And I realized that what I was seeing was literally just moments. And they would never be again.

That was it. You didn't have TV screens or the iPhones or anything to watch anything. So once the movie was done and you'd have a bit of food or whatever, that was it. Most people would go to sleep. I would always be twitching, of course. So I'd be looking out the window and staring at the clouds. And I realized that what I was seeing was literally just moments. And they would never be again.

They would be gone, fleeting. That's it. Whatever that cloud, that light, that shade, that shadow, the color, the beauty of that, the enormity of it as well was… So I started taking pictures of clouds.

They would be gone, fleeting. That's it. Whatever that cloud, that light, that shade, that shadow, the color, the beauty of that, the enormity of it as well was… So I started taking pictures of clouds.

And I just thought that at these moments, while everybody else was asleep on the plane, I'd be sitting there looking out, either thinking about everything that was on my mind in the world, yeah, or I'd be thinking of nothing at all. And I'd just be at peace. And again, like that moment in Colombia, just... absorbing everything that I found to be beautiful that was surrounded me.

And I just thought that at these moments, while everybody else was asleep on the plane, I'd be sitting there looking out, either thinking about everything that was on my mind in the world, yeah, or I'd be thinking of nothing at all. And I'd just be at peace. And again, like that moment in Colombia, just... absorbing everything that I found to be beautiful that was surrounded me.

So clouds were my thing at first. That was my moment to either get away or think about everything. But mostly that kind of element of freedom and space and just, am I the only one seeing this? Everybody else is asleep. Everyone's distracted. Yeah, so I started taking...

So clouds were my thing at first. That was my moment to either get away or think about everything. But mostly that kind of element of freedom and space and just, am I the only one seeing this? Everybody else is asleep. Everyone's distracted. Yeah, so I started taking...

pictures of clouds and then I knew a few rock and rollers so I started taking pictures of those too and then one thing led to another because I'd go on these trips to Ethiopia with great organizations like Charity Water and again Kenya and South America and a number of other places I just would take a camera with me

pictures of clouds and then I knew a few rock and rollers so I started taking pictures of those too and then one thing led to another because I'd go on these trips to Ethiopia with great organizations like Charity Water and again Kenya and South America and a number of other places I just would take a camera with me

Because I have to confess, and I've said this a few times, I have the worst memory of anybody I know. Absolute terrible. Absolutely terrible. And so, in a way, this was taking a camera with me was to catalog what was going on. And it was only when I got back home, I put them on the screen and I go, oh, that's quite a nice picture. Oh, that's not so bad.

Because I have to confess, and I've said this a few times, I have the worst memory of anybody I know. Absolute terrible. Absolutely terrible. And so, in a way, this was taking a camera with me was to catalog what was going on. And it was only when I got back home, I put them on the screen and I go, oh, that's quite a nice picture. Oh, that's not so bad.

What if I just did this, that and the other? And so I started making collections of my journeys, which eventually became my website and my photography. You know, I've never done a paid gigs as such and I've never used. Nothing that was natural light or present light. So I've never set anything up. I've always tried to, again, get that moment, whatever it was.

What if I just did this, that and the other? And so I started making collections of my journeys, which eventually became my website and my photography. You know, I've never done a paid gigs as such and I've never used. Nothing that was natural light or present light. So I've never set anything up. I've always tried to, again, get that moment, whatever it was.

And then I had the opportunity – I know I've gone in a bit of a roundabout circle. But the publishers came to me earlier this year saying, do you want to do a book? And I'm thinking, well –

And then I had the opportunity – I know I've gone in a bit of a roundabout circle. But the publishers came to me earlier this year saying, do you want to do a book? And I'm thinking, well –

yes and how do i do this and and because a lot of people don't know i'm a photographer in any way shape or form i i thought okay can i can i make it a retrospective can i can i make it all the stuff that i'm interested in you know because often as a photographer or even a musician you get well what is your favorite thing what do you take pictures of what does your songs about Everything.

yes and how do i do this and and because a lot of people don't know i'm a photographer in any way shape or form i i thought okay can i can i make it a retrospective can i can i make it all the stuff that i'm interested in you know because often as a photographer or even a musician you get well what is your favorite thing what do you take pictures of what does your songs about Everything.

Why do they? You know, the idea of being pigeonholed in any way, shape or form horrifies me. Me too. So this was a way for me to show my work. And it was a bit of a nightmare, too, because I had decided with the onset of this...

Why do they? You know, the idea of being pigeonholed in any way, shape or form horrifies me. Me too. So this was a way for me to show my work. And it was a bit of a nightmare, too, because I had decided with the onset of this...

exhibition I'd been offered in Venice at this museum alongside Helmut Newton no less why don't I try and marry the two so I have the book come out at the same time as the exhibition Now, that meant working on the book like an absolute fruitcake, madman on crack.

exhibition I'd been offered in Venice at this museum alongside Helmut Newton no less why don't I try and marry the two so I have the book come out at the same time as the exhibition Now, that meant working on the book like an absolute fruitcake, madman on crack.

I mean, we were doing nine to 12 hours a day virtually because he was based in the guy who I was working with from the publishers was based in Berlin. And I was where I was. So this would be virtual back and forth trying to figure out. What makes a photography book great? It was something else. We did it in a couple of weeks. It was insane.

I mean, we were doing nine to 12 hours a day virtually because he was based in the guy who I was working with from the publishers was based in Berlin. And I was where I was. So this would be virtual back and forth trying to figure out. What makes a photography book great? It was something else. We did it in a couple of weeks. It was insane.

And the hardest job of it all was because I used to shoot anywhere between 150 and 100 pictures for a collection. I was never one of those that had like a limited edition of four or ten pictures on deck. Again, this was just a catalog of the work of what I'd seen and the charity stuff.

And the hardest job of it all was because I used to shoot anywhere between 150 and 100 pictures for a collection. I was never one of those that had like a limited edition of four or ten pictures on deck. Again, this was just a catalog of the work of what I'd seen and the charity stuff.

But then I had to, you know, in those moments, I had to learn how to make a collection of 50 pictures, five pictures. I'm going, well, how the hell do I do that? How am I going to do that? So it's being able to tell the same story of 50 pictures in five pictures. The problem is you know about the other 90 pictures. Well, of course. And as I keep saying, they're all my babies. So, you know, it's...

But then I had to, you know, in those moments, I had to learn how to make a collection of 50 pictures, five pictures. I'm going, well, how the hell do I do that? How am I going to do that? So it's being able to tell the same story of 50 pictures in five pictures. The problem is you know about the other 90 pictures. Well, of course. And as I keep saying, they're all my babies. So, you know, it's...

What it makes you realize is, OK, what's the truth? What's the really, really, really important message I'm trying to get across here? What am I trying to say? What am I trying to express here? Because half the time I just feel like a messenger, really. I'm just capturing something and I'm sharing it.

What it makes you realize is, OK, what's the truth? What's the really, really, really important message I'm trying to get across here? What am I trying to say? What am I trying to express here? Because half the time I just feel like a messenger, really. I'm just capturing something and I'm sharing it.

And the reason I say that is because once I started getting into this, a lot of the earlier emails I had were from disabled people or people that didn't have money that couldn't travel around the world. And they would say, well, you're bringing this to us. By taking these photos, you're showing us your journey and where you've been and these indigenous tribes and this and that.

And the reason I say that is because once I started getting into this, a lot of the earlier emails I had were from disabled people or people that didn't have money that couldn't travel around the world. And they would say, well, you're bringing this to us. By taking these photos, you're showing us your journey and where you've been and these indigenous tribes and this and that.

I'm going, that's really quite special. That's really, you know, really quite special because you're taking on another role. Because I try not to... In whatever profession I've done, whether it's documentary work or books or children's books or music, I never try and shove things down people's throats. I just present things and you take what you want from them.

I'm going, that's really quite special. That's really, you know, really quite special because you're taking on another role. Because I try not to... In whatever profession I've done, whether it's documentary work or books or children's books or music, I never try and shove things down people's throats. I just present things and you take what you want from them.

So the idea was to put a book together that just showed the world as I'd seen it through those journeys that I've been on. And what happened was... that when we got the go-ahead for this exhibition, which was only earlier this year, I was thinking, how am I going to do that? And I decided to make that a retrospective too. But how do I then chop that many pictures down to that of this exhibition?

So the idea was to put a book together that just showed the world as I'd seen it through those journeys that I've been on. And what happened was... that when we got the go-ahead for this exhibition, which was only earlier this year, I was thinking, how am I going to do that? And I decided to make that a retrospective too. But how do I then chop that many pictures down to that of this exhibition?

Again, funnily enough, the book became my guideline. So what I'd learned in the editing process of putting the book together, I now looked to that and the book to see how I could present the work in a larger scale in a museum, which was bonkers. And this all happened this year. So it's like... Okay. All right. I'm going for the ride. I obviously want it.

Again, funnily enough, the book became my guideline. So what I'd learned in the editing process of putting the book together, I now looked to that and the book to see how I could present the work in a larger scale in a museum, which was bonkers. And this all happened this year. So it's like... Okay. All right. I'm going for the ride. I obviously want it.

But when it all hits you at once, it's quite something else. It's been a full-on, full-on busy, busy year. And there's been music involved too and other documentary film projects, which you'll probably hear about next year. So it's probably been, weirdly, one of my busiest years.

But when it all hits you at once, it's quite something else. It's been a full-on, full-on busy, busy year. And there's been music involved too and other documentary film projects, which you'll probably hear about next year. So it's probably been, weirdly, one of my busiest years.

I'm alive. I think that's, for me, people say, how are you? I'm alive. And I have always gone with things that have been presented to me organically. Uh, anytime I've ever fought that or, or, or been pushed into situations, uh, never generally never works out. I think for everybody. Yeah. Yeah.

I'm alive. I think that's, for me, people say, how are you? I'm alive. And I have always gone with things that have been presented to me organically. Uh, anytime I've ever fought that or, or, or been pushed into situations, uh, never generally never works out. I think for everybody. Yeah. Yeah.

So I, you know, I, I feel fortunate in that these things have come along and I've, I've been in the right head space, thankfully to go, yes, I want to, I want to do this, you know?

So I, you know, I, I feel fortunate in that these things have come along and I've, I've been in the right head space, thankfully to go, yes, I want to, I want to do this, you know?

How did you learn how to use them? I didn't. I didn't. You just like figured out how to focus them? Same with music. I play by ear. Not a clue how to read or write music. Really? Yeah. And this, I tell you, this is one of my fears is that, and I'll come back to this, but I Because I'm not a practicing musician. Well, I haven't been for years anyway because of all the other work that I do.

How did you learn how to use them? I didn't. I didn't. You just like figured out how to focus them? Same with music. I play by ear. Not a clue how to read or write music. Really? Yeah. And this, I tell you, this is one of my fears is that, and I'll come back to this, but I Because I'm not a practicing musician. Well, I haven't been for years anyway because of all the other work that I do.

So if I'm not on the road and I'm not practicing and I've got a terrible memory, I forget. And so, you know, I've been cornered a few times when people say, come on, pick up the guitar or play the piano, give us a song. I couldn't. I couldn't even if you gave me a million bucks tomorrow. I couldn't do it. My memory just doesn't work that way.

So if I'm not on the road and I'm not practicing and I've got a terrible memory, I forget. And so, you know, I've been cornered a few times when people say, come on, pick up the guitar or play the piano, give us a song. I couldn't. I couldn't even if you gave me a million bucks tomorrow. I couldn't do it. My memory just doesn't work that way.

And so this is why my manager and I, Rebecca, we keep having chats about going on the road. I said, listen, if we're going to do this, then this is a lot of work for me. I have to relearn how to play my own songs and my lyrics. And I kid you not. Wow.

And so this is why my manager and I, Rebecca, we keep having chats about going on the road. I said, listen, if we're going to do this, then this is a lot of work for me. I have to relearn how to play my own songs and my lyrics. And I kid you not. Wow.

yeah yeah right so what would you do like have you done that in the past where you had to relearn yeah well what i i yeah i mean the last tour i did with the album everything changes how do you scale it like how do you get you just have to get in the room so you just get in the room and get in the room with the guys you know the the the band that you put together

yeah yeah right so what would you do like have you done that in the past where you had to relearn yeah well what i i yeah i mean the last tour i did with the album everything changes how do you scale it like how do you get you just have to get in the room so you just get in the room and get in the room with the guys you know the the the band that you put together

Generally, I'll have one or two friends in the band. And I have generally played rhythm guitar or a bit of piano for a couple of songs. But I have to relearn everything. And then lyrics. How long does it take to relearn how to play? Well, we were actually setting up, as I said, to do a bunch of TV shows to promote the album.

Generally, I'll have one or two friends in the band. And I have generally played rhythm guitar or a bit of piano for a couple of songs. But I have to relearn everything. And then lyrics. How long does it take to relearn how to play? Well, we were actually setting up, as I said, to do a bunch of TV shows to promote the album.

And I was quite surprised about how quickly, because the band was so good, I walked into the room, they had the songs down already, and I just went, oh, fuck. Shit, I'm screwed. So that means, again, I have to step up to the plate. And it was just a question of being in there every day, remembering, learning the chords, going over it, over it, over it again.

And I was quite surprised about how quickly, because the band was so good, I walked into the room, they had the songs down already, and I just went, oh, fuck. Shit, I'm screwed. So that means, again, I have to step up to the plate. And it was just a question of being in there every day, remembering, learning the chords, going over it, over it, over it again.

And of course, all this stuff that we were going to perform was all new material. Because when I write a song, if I've written the basics of a song in an hour or two, and it's all there, and then written the lyrics, and then produced it, recorded it, and it's done, that's the one and only or couple of times that I'll have ever played it.

And of course, all this stuff that we were going to perform was all new material. Because when I write a song, if I've written the basics of a song in an hour or two, and it's all there, and then written the lyrics, and then produced it, recorded it, and it's done, that's the one and only or couple of times that I'll have ever played it.

So it's almost a new song to me every time I come back to it. It's a real weird one. So for the photography, I just took along basically a really good quality automatic camera that took the shots. Did you know what you were buying or did you just go buy one? Did someone help you? No, I'd ask a few friends like Timothy White. I'd say, you know, what could I use if I'm running around and –

So it's almost a new song to me every time I come back to it. It's a real weird one. So for the photography, I just took along basically a really good quality automatic camera that took the shots. Did you know what you were buying or did you just go buy one? Did someone help you? No, I'd ask a few friends like Timothy White. I'd say, you know, what could I use if I'm running around and –

And so I took their advice and I started with a very simple camera that was autofocus and all compact and I didn't have to change lenses. And that's one I did for a trip around the South China Seas on a boat trip. I just took this one camera in my backpack and hoped for the best. I had a show here at Leica in L.A. because it was a Leica camera. which was about 50 images of the trip that I did.

And so I took their advice and I started with a very simple camera that was autofocus and all compact and I didn't have to change lenses. And that's one I did for a trip around the South China Seas on a boat trip. I just took this one camera in my backpack and hoped for the best. I had a show here at Leica in L.A. because it was a Leica camera. which was about 50 images of the trip that I did.

But I think where my strength lies in photography is weirdly not on the technical side, obviously. but capturing that moment. I tell you the one thing about the woman that's on the cover of the book. She is now the Princess of Monaco, originally Charlene Whitstock. And I'd met her a couple of times and I'd met Prince Albert a couple of times.

But I think where my strength lies in photography is weirdly not on the technical side, obviously. but capturing that moment. I tell you the one thing about the woman that's on the cover of the book. She is now the Princess of Monaco, originally Charlene Whitstock. And I'd met her a couple of times and I'd met Prince Albert a couple of times.

And I got this call literally the day before they were getting married from a mutual friend saying, Charlene loves your photography. She wants you to come and shoot the show. What? What? Yeah, she wants you to come down to where she is getting ready for the civil wedding tomorrow and she wants you to take pictures.

And I got this call literally the day before they were getting married from a mutual friend saying, Charlene loves your photography. She wants you to come and shoot the show. What? What? Yeah, she wants you to come down to where she is getting ready for the civil wedding tomorrow and she wants you to take pictures.

I mean, you want to talk about anxiety and crapping yourself? Excuse me.

I mean, you want to talk about anxiety and crapping yourself? Excuse me.

I arrive at the hotel where she and all the maids of honors are. I'm sitting in the lobby and I've got a backpack and one camera. And I've tried to dress myself up a little bit. I don't know what's going to happen. I had to go through several layers of security, roadblocks and all this to get there, which was nerve-wracking to say the least anyway. And then...

I arrive at the hotel where she and all the maids of honors are. I'm sitting in the lobby and I've got a backpack and one camera. And I've tried to dress myself up a little bit. I don't know what's going to happen. I had to go through several layers of security, roadblocks and all this to get there, which was nerve-wracking to say the least anyway. And then...

The likes of Patrick de Marchelier, you know, one of the best photographers in the world, walks in with, you know, the suitcase trolleys, you know, those ones at the hotel, the big ones on wheels with all his equipment on. Three or four trolleys and there's – I've got a backpack, you know. Yeah. Anyway, I go upstairs. I'm placed in front of her in a room probably about similar to this size.

The likes of Patrick de Marchelier, you know, one of the best photographers in the world, walks in with, you know, the suitcase trolleys, you know, those ones at the hotel, the big ones on wheels with all his equipment on. Three or four trolleys and there's – I've got a backpack, you know. Yeah. Anyway, I go upstairs. I'm placed in front of her in a room probably about similar to this size.

And she's sitting there completely blanked out in front of the mirror with the hairdresser, the hairdresser's assistant and their assistant, the makeup artist, the makeup artist's assistant. Is that you? Yeah, that's me. Yeah.

And she's sitting there completely blanked out in front of the mirror with the hairdresser, the hairdresser's assistant and their assistant, the makeup artist, the makeup artist's assistant. Is that you? Yeah, that's me. Yeah.

Yeah. So I'm in the book a few times. That'll be a questionnaire at one point. That'll be a quiz at one point. How many times am I in the book? I don't even know myself, to be honest. But so I sit next to her and you've got all these people, 20 people in a room this size doing things, trying to get her ready 10 minutes before she's getting married. And they put me on this little poof next to her.

Yeah. So I'm in the book a few times. That'll be a questionnaire at one point. That'll be a quiz at one point. How many times am I in the book? I don't even know myself, to be honest. But so I sit next to her and you've got all these people, 20 people in a room this size doing things, trying to get her ready 10 minutes before she's getting married. And they put me on this little poof next to her.

I'm sitting next to her and she's and I'm saying, Are you okay? Should I just take pictures? She said, Jules, I'm not sure what to do. I don't know what to do. I'm going, what do you mean? You don't know what to do about... the marriage or me taking pictures. She said, no, no, Jules, it's the photos. I said, listen, this is historic.

I'm sitting next to her and she's and I'm saying, Are you okay? Should I just take pictures? She said, Jules, I'm not sure what to do. I don't know what to do. I'm going, what do you mean? You don't know what to do about... the marriage or me taking pictures. She said, no, no, Jules, it's the photos. I said, listen, this is historic.

The scary thing is we have no idea what half of these people are up to. No, we don't. COVID being an example.

The scary thing is we have no idea what half of these people are up to. No, we don't. COVID being an example.

This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to record what's going to happen to you. And exciting for me, too, to be a part of that as a photographer. And so I said, listen, I'll keep out the way. I'm a fly on the wall. You know, I won't be anywhere. And I was thinking, how am I going to do this? How do I do this? And so I just start. I just let people get on and I'm taking pictures.

This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to record what's going to happen to you. And exciting for me, too, to be a part of that as a photographer. And so I said, listen, I'll keep out the way. I'm a fly on the wall. You know, I won't be anywhere. And I was thinking, how am I going to do this? How do I do this? And so I just start. I just let people get on and I'm taking pictures.

And I get a message from Vogue, Vogue.com, who want a photo from me the moment she's married. And I'm thinking, OK, I'll just keep snapping away at whatever I do. And I watch The Civil Wedding and then I get on my bike, go home and start putting things up on the screen. And I'm looking at pictures going, I've got fuck all. I've got shit. I can't. This looks like crap to me.

And I get a message from Vogue, Vogue.com, who want a photo from me the moment she's married. And I'm thinking, OK, I'll just keep snapping away at whatever I do. And I watch The Civil Wedding and then I get on my bike, go home and start putting things up on the screen. And I'm looking at pictures going, I've got fuck all. I've got shit. I can't. This looks like crap to me.

And this happens to me every time. Every fucking time. And I'm looking at the pictures going, they look terrible. They really, really look terrible. Blurred and this and that and badly positioned and... I'm cursing myself. And the one thing that I remembered that she said to me is that, look, whatever you do, don't let any picture have me drinking or smoking in it. And I went, oh, OK.

And this happens to me every time. Every fucking time. And I'm looking at the pictures going, they look terrible. They really, really look terrible. Blurred and this and that and badly positioned and... I'm cursing myself. And the one thing that I remembered that she said to me is that, look, whatever you do, don't let any picture have me drinking or smoking in it. And I went, oh, OK.

And the one thing that Vogue said to me is we want to see her smiling. And the one picture where she was smiling... And she had champagne in her hand and she had a cigarette. So, OK, I was not a Photoshop kind of guy, but I managed to get rid of the cigarette. I'm thinking, OK, how do I get deal with the champagne shit? And then the one thing occurred to me. I thought, OK, I'll do it.

And the one thing that Vogue said to me is we want to see her smiling. And the one picture where she was smiling... And she had champagne in her hand and she had a cigarette. So, OK, I was not a Photoshop kind of guy, but I managed to get rid of the cigarette. I'm thinking, OK, how do I get deal with the champagne shit? And then the one thing occurred to me. I thought, OK, I'll do it.

I'll desaturate it. Not black and white, but it'll have an there'll be elements of tones. I'll make it, you know, so you can't see that it's champagne. And I did that and I cropped it in a certain way. And I went, that's it. Why didn't I think of this before? You know, 1930s, 40s, 50s, Princess Grace, black and white, old school. So then I turned every picture I had black and white.

I'll desaturate it. Not black and white, but it'll have an there'll be elements of tones. I'll make it, you know, so you can't see that it's champagne. And I did that and I cropped it in a certain way. And I went, that's it. Why didn't I think of this before? You know, 1930s, 40s, 50s, Princess Grace, black and white, old school. So then I turned every picture I had black and white.

Well, desaturated version similar to black and white of of the whole collection I had of her. and cropped it in a way that it was like 1950s magazines. It's just certain angles and a different look and a different feel. Was she okay with the champagne being in the photo? Well, it didn't look like champagne.

Well, desaturated version similar to black and white of of the whole collection I had of her. and cropped it in a way that it was like 1950s magazines. It's just certain angles and a different look and a different feel. Was she okay with the champagne being in the photo? Well, it didn't look like champagne.

It just looked like fizzy water because on the side there had been bottles of fizzy water and still water. So I went, that's cool. She had to give me the okay to do that. When we decided that should be the cover of this book, I had to get her approval. I mean I already had approval for having her pictures in a collection or a box set but not on the front cover of a book that may do well. Right.

It just looked like fizzy water because on the side there had been bottles of fizzy water and still water. So I went, that's cool. She had to give me the okay to do that. When we decided that should be the cover of this book, I had to get her approval. I mean I already had approval for having her pictures in a collection or a box set but not on the front cover of a book that may do well. Right.

No, I did not know that.

No, I did not know that.

That's so funny.

That's so funny.

Whose idea was it to get rid of the cigarettes?

Whose idea was it to get rid of the cigarettes?

And it's so insanely addictive. I used to be an insane smoker. Yeah. How'd you quit? Cold turkey. Wow. Yeah, I'd be one of those guys that would wake up at four in the morning and light up a cigarette and then go back to sleep. Wow. Or I'd take about two or three packs out with me every evening. Really? Oh, yeah, because I knew half of the people would nick half of my cigarettes.

And it's so insanely addictive. I used to be an insane smoker. Yeah. How'd you quit? Cold turkey. Wow. Yeah, I'd be one of those guys that would wake up at four in the morning and light up a cigarette and then go back to sleep. Wow. Or I'd take about two or three packs out with me every evening. Really? Oh, yeah, because I knew half of the people would nick half of my cigarettes.

Oh, boy. Now, when the whole no smoking law came, you know, Italy was one of the first. Really? And Ireland. Yeah, I think it was California that initiated it.

Oh, boy. Now, when the whole no smoking law came, you know, Italy was one of the first. Really? And Ireland. Yeah, I think it was California that initiated it.

And then Europe took it on board, and it was actually Italy and Ireland, and I was in both of those places, and it was extremely weird to go into any, especially in Italy, and Ireland in the pubs, and for it to be a smoke-free environment. That was just so weird because it was part of the norm back in the day that you'd be In a cloud of stinky cigarette smoke.

And then Europe took it on board, and it was actually Italy and Ireland, and I was in both of those places, and it was extremely weird to go into any, especially in Italy, and Ireland in the pubs, and for it to be a smoke-free environment. That was just so weird because it was part of the norm back in the day that you'd be In a cloud of stinky cigarette smoke.

Yeah, that was... In any of those locations.

Yeah, that was... In any of those locations.

Yeah.

Yeah.

And as a smoker, you don't think... You're not conscious of how other people... How you stink as well. Right. Which, you know... Because it was funny. When I quit Cold Turkey, I did it. I did it because... I didn't want anybody to tell me I couldn't smoke. I was such a brat. That's why you quit cold turkey?

And as a smoker, you don't think... You're not conscious of how other people... How you stink as well. Right. Which, you know... Because it was funny. When I quit Cold Turkey, I did it. I did it because... I didn't want anybody to tell me I couldn't smoke. I was such a brat. That's why you quit cold turkey?

I quit cold turkey because I wanted to tell myself I couldn't smoke, not for you to tell me I couldn't smoke. How rough was it? That's what brought me down into a depression for a couple of years. Oh, yeah, because I... Listen, I started smoking at the age of probably 11 or 12 as part of my local gang, you know, that I used to be in as a kid. That's what you did.

I quit cold turkey because I wanted to tell myself I couldn't smoke, not for you to tell me I couldn't smoke. How rough was it? That's what brought me down into a depression for a couple of years. Oh, yeah, because I... Listen, I started smoking at the age of probably 11 or 12 as part of my local gang, you know, that I used to be in as a kid. That's what you did.

You know, you nicked ciggies from your parents and you'd... and the back of the school, and that was part of the initiation, you know, the part of growing up. And I loved it because for me, when I became noticed as a musician, again, with my anxiety, and I was a very shy kid, very, very shy kid, still can be at times depending on how I feel that day.

You know, you nicked ciggies from your parents and you'd... and the back of the school, and that was part of the initiation, you know, the part of growing up. And I loved it because for me, when I became noticed as a musician, again, with my anxiety, and I was a very shy kid, very, very shy kid, still can be at times depending on how I feel that day.

I would yeah I would cigarette for me was my best friend you know I'd go to a bar and I'd be able to I'd be the you know not the cool guy at the bar but certainly that would be my way of not having to interact with people right you know I just sit there and you know be a rocker and smoke my ciggy and down my Jack Daniels and that's like leave me the fuck alone you know right

I would yeah I would cigarette for me was my best friend you know I'd go to a bar and I'd be able to I'd be the you know not the cool guy at the bar but certainly that would be my way of not having to interact with people right you know I just sit there and you know be a rocker and smoke my ciggy and down my Jack Daniels and that's like leave me the fuck alone you know right

Unless I, you know, wanted to talk. So that was the groove back then. And then when I gave that up, you know, instantly, it was like, what do I do? How do I fill in that void? Well, I actually had to speak to people. Is that what caused the depression? Well, no, no, no. It was actually, I feel it was definitely a chemical thing because, again, I... I was smoking a couple of packs a day.

Unless I, you know, wanted to talk. So that was the groove back then. And then when I gave that up, you know, instantly, it was like, what do I do? How do I fill in that void? Well, I actually had to speak to people. Is that what caused the depression? Well, no, no, no. It was actually, I feel it was definitely a chemical thing because, again, I... I was smoking a couple of packs a day.

I loved smoking. Did you consider going back just to alleviate the depression? Actually, a business manager friend of mine at the time saw me at one stage and said, Jules, pick up a fucking cigarette, please. Seriously. And he said, you're going to die the way you're going. Wow.

I loved smoking. Did you consider going back just to alleviate the depression? Actually, a business manager friend of mine at the time saw me at one stage and said, Jules, pick up a fucking cigarette, please. Seriously. And he said, you're going to die the way you're going. Wow.

Yeah. That was literally his sentiment. Wow. And it was a few years where it was very, very dark. And it was the cigarettes. No question about it. Did you try patches or gum? Yeah, I did all of that stuff. Did it help? No. Not really. I loved that deep inhale.

Yeah. That was literally his sentiment. Wow. And it was a few years where it was very, very dark. And it was the cigarettes. No question about it. Did you try patches or gum? Yeah, I did all of that stuff. Did it help? No. Not really. I loved that deep inhale.

It's different than anything else. And the thing was, I would still challenge most good singing friends of mine that I could hold my breath or do lengths in a swimming pool underwater. and hold my breath better than anybody else, which I was able to. And it's because I was such a deep, deep smoker. When I inhaled, I really, really inhaled.

It's different than anything else. And the thing was, I would still challenge most good singing friends of mine that I could hold my breath or do lengths in a swimming pool underwater. and hold my breath better than anybody else, which I was able to. And it's because I was such a deep, deep smoker. When I inhaled, I really, really inhaled.

Literally, literally. And I remember going for my certain... Yeah, seriously, I consider myself a shallow breather now in comparison. Except for when I go on these kind of power walks, you know. Wow. Trying to get it all in anymore. But, yeah, no, I bought a little apparatus, which I still haven't been procrastinating about it. But it's an exerciser. Yeah, I have one of those. Yeah, to expand.

Literally, literally. And I remember going for my certain... Yeah, seriously, I consider myself a shallow breather now in comparison. Except for when I go on these kind of power walks, you know. Wow. Trying to get it all in anymore. But, yeah, no, I bought a little apparatus, which I still haven't been procrastinating about it. But it's an exerciser. Yeah, I have one of those. Yeah, to expand.

It's an O2 trainer.

It's an O2 trainer.

Yeah, there you go. So I haven't done it yet.

Yeah, there you go. So I haven't done it yet.

Well, you just change the inhalation volume. Yeah, it's less. Back and forth. Less of an opening. So you just train to.

Well, you just change the inhalation volume. Yeah, it's less. Back and forth. Less of an opening. So you just train to.

Very good. Yeah. I mean, I know that they work. I just haven't gotten around to it. But yeah.

Very good. Yeah. I mean, I know that they work. I just haven't gotten around to it. But yeah.

Well, when I was, I mean, you know, the COVID experience was very, very different for very many people. Yeah. Where I was in Monaco in France, you weren't allowed to leave your house without written paperwork to the police that you were going out for one hour. And you could only go within one kilometer unless you were going to get groceries where you could only go out for a limited amount of time.

Well, when I was, I mean, you know, the COVID experience was very, very different for very many people. Yeah. Where I was in Monaco in France, you weren't allowed to leave your house without written paperwork to the police that you were going out for one hour. And you could only go within one kilometer unless you were going to get groceries where you could only go out for a limited amount of time.

And, of course, I love it when the media says, you know, something along the lines of the end of that statement. Could be. Could be weaponized. So that's great. Now all the freaks are going to go and try and find that stuff.

And, of course, I love it when the media says, you know, something along the lines of the end of that statement. Could be. Could be weaponized. So that's great. Now all the freaks are going to go and try and find that stuff.

If you didn't have the paperwork with you, you'd be fined. So I started using quite a few apps to calm myself and take on deep breath and deep focus because I felt trapped, especially as someone who loved walking, who loved biking, who loved exploring, all of that stuff, and I couldn't move. And here's the really...

If you didn't have the paperwork with you, you'd be fined. So I started using quite a few apps to calm myself and take on deep breath and deep focus because I felt trapped, especially as someone who loved walking, who loved biking, who loved exploring, all of that stuff, and I couldn't move. And here's the really...

annoying thing was that where I was was quite close to the sea, a couple of hundred yards away. But as I said, I could only be in a one kilometer circle from where I was. But that half of that was in the sea. Wow. And so I could walk left and right to try and get 5K in back and forth, you know, at least 5K to try and get a good walk in.

annoying thing was that where I was was quite close to the sea, a couple of hundred yards away. But as I said, I could only be in a one kilometer circle from where I was. But that half of that was in the sea. Wow. And so I could walk left and right to try and get 5K in back and forth, you know, at least 5K to try and get a good walk in.

But you weren't allowed on the beach, which was the most to sit there and contemplate and breathe and just, you know, try and relax. One of the healthiest things you can do. Yeah. You weren't allowed to do that.

But you weren't allowed on the beach, which was the most to sit there and contemplate and breathe and just, you know, try and relax. One of the healthiest things you can do. Yeah. You weren't allowed to do that.

Anyway, so along the path ahead of me, about a quarter of a mile, I see a number of bobbing heads. And I wasn't wearing a mask. You had to wear a mask even when you're out power walking on your own. Because of science. Of course. Genius. Well, let's not get into that. But yeah. And so over the ridge they come. And I noticed that one of the person at the front is wearing a police hat. Oh, great.

Anyway, so along the path ahead of me, about a quarter of a mile, I see a number of bobbing heads. And I wasn't wearing a mask. You had to wear a mask even when you're out power walking on your own. Because of science. Of course. Genius. Well, let's not get into that. But yeah. And so over the ridge they come. And I noticed that one of the person at the front is wearing a police hat. Oh, great.

And so I'm trying to scramble putting my mask on. And he's taking out, going for a run with a bunch of trainers, trainees, you know, about eight other people from the police force. They're all gunned up and truncheoned and everything else. And the guy's going off on me in French saying, wear your fucking mask.

And so I'm trying to scramble putting my mask on. And he's taking out, going for a run with a bunch of trainers, trainees, you know, about eight other people from the police force. They're all gunned up and truncheoned and everything else. And the guy's going off on me in French saying, wear your fucking mask.

And I'm going... And he says to me, you know, I understand a little bit, a good amount of French, and I can speak a little bit, but I... He said, who are you with? And I'm looking around... There's nobody for half a mile anywhere near me. And he's asking me, who am I with? And I'm thinking, what's that about? This is the weirdest scenario. I'm in the middle of nowhere on a rocky peninsula.

And I'm going... And he says to me, you know, I understand a little bit, a good amount of French, and I can speak a little bit, but I... He said, who are you with? And I'm looking around... There's nobody for half a mile anywhere near me. And he's asking me, who am I with? And I'm thinking, what's that about? This is the weirdest scenario. I'm in the middle of nowhere on a rocky peninsula.

And he's asking me who I'm with. And there's nobody. And, you know, to put my mask back on, otherwise I'd be in trouble. And it was just the most surreal, peculiar circumstance to be, you know.

And he's asking me who I'm with. And there's nobody. And, you know, to put my mask back on, otherwise I'd be in trouble. And it was just the most surreal, peculiar circumstance to be, you know.

I still love the fact that you see people sitting on their own in cars today wearing a mask. Oh, yeah.

I still love the fact that you see people sitting on their own in cars today wearing a mask. Oh, yeah.

Right.

Right.

Yeah, it's beyond messed up.

Yeah, it's beyond messed up.

And people are eager as well to join that club.

And people are eager as well to join that club.

Seems like a bad dream.

Seems like a bad dream.

It's all a bit surreal. So strange. It really is. It's all a bit odd. I still don't get it. I don't get any of it.

It's all a bit surreal. So strange. It really is. It's all a bit odd. I still don't get it. I don't get any of it.

Hopefully these viruses... No, especially those.

Hopefully these viruses... No, especially those.

Oh, without question.

Oh, without question.

I'm sure of that.

I'm sure of that.

It's funny because I'm in the process of moving. I mean, I still have my base in Monaco, but the little place I had outside. A lot of my... later teenage years where mum remarried a couple of times but we were in North Wales. I don't know if you're familiar with North Wales or Wales in general. It's mountains. Sheep and mountains.

It's funny because I'm in the process of moving. I mean, I still have my base in Monaco, but the little place I had outside. A lot of my... later teenage years where mum remarried a couple of times but we were in North Wales. I don't know if you're familiar with North Wales or Wales in general. It's mountains. Sheep and mountains.

So, yeah, we lived in farmland, on farmland, and I used to work on a farm too. So I loved, and that's where I actually learned how to ride a motorbike, you know, on farmland and through rivers and enduros and stuff like that. And so I've always loved that element of countryside.

So, yeah, we lived in farmland, on farmland, and I used to work on a farm too. So I loved, and that's where I actually learned how to ride a motorbike, you know, on farmland and through rivers and enduros and stuff like that. And so I've always loved that element of countryside.

And so she, you know, cut it out and sent it off. And... I was at a pretty serious meeting with a whole bunch of people. And she called me up at the end of it and said, listen, I'm sorry to tell you this, but it's cancerous. We've got to cut it out. We've got to get it. And, yeah, I just went completely numb.

And so she, you know, cut it out and sent it off. And... I was at a pretty serious meeting with a whole bunch of people. And she called me up at the end of it and said, listen, I'm sorry to tell you this, but it's cancerous. We've got to cut it out. We've got to get it. And, yeah, I just went completely numb.

I always liked the excitement of a city and the people and the energy, but there's also that other side of peace and quiet and birdsong and running water. Yeah, yeah.

I always liked the excitement of a city and the people and the energy, but there's also that other side of peace and quiet and birdsong and running water. Yeah, yeah.

Yeah. So I'm in the process of – I've just – and I hate this terminology, forever home. But I certainly think it's a place that I'll be for a while. Do you hate the terminology of home? No. Forever. Oh. This is going to be my forever home. Oh, yeah. It's so –

Yeah. So I'm in the process of – I've just – and I hate this terminology, forever home. But I certainly think it's a place that I'll be for a while. Do you hate the terminology of home? No. Forever. Oh. This is going to be my forever home. Oh, yeah. It's so –

Yeah. I think it's good for the brain. I think I've been at the same place for over 26 years through some very good things but some pretty dark moments as well, whether that's relationships or friendships and things like that. And I finally decided a few years ago I need to change. Where are you going? I'm very close by.

Yeah. I think it's good for the brain. I think I've been at the same place for over 26 years through some very good things but some pretty dark moments as well, whether that's relationships or friendships and things like that. And I finally decided a few years ago I need to change. Where are you going? I'm very close by.

I mean, I'm literally 15 minutes away, but it's just a different environment up in the mountains. Okay. Surrounded by, you know, beautiful old oak trees and walking paths. I mean, I know I sound like I'm turning old all of a sudden.

I mean, I'm literally 15 minutes away, but it's just a different environment up in the mountains. Okay. Surrounded by, you know, beautiful old oak trees and walking paths. I mean, I know I sound like I'm turning old all of a sudden.

You know, the funny thing is when I went to see this place for the first time, my shoulders just dropped. And it was, I don't want to leave here. You know, the rest of the world seemed very alien after walking onto this property. I just went, okay, a couple of acres of land surrounded by beautiful old trees and peace and quiet and...

You know, the funny thing is when I went to see this place for the first time, my shoulders just dropped. And it was, I don't want to leave here. You know, the rest of the world seemed very alien after walking onto this property. I just went, okay, a couple of acres of land surrounded by beautiful old trees and peace and quiet and...

There's a new one.

There's a new one.

I mean, that also the whole, you know, tree hugging, earthing thing. Yeah, it's real. I believe absolutely 100%. It's real. It's real. You feel better. I mean, scientifically proven.

I mean, that also the whole, you know, tree hugging, earthing thing. Yeah, it's real. I believe absolutely 100%. It's real. It's real. You feel better. I mean, scientifically proven.

This is very, very true.

This is very, very true.

You know, you can put, and I have done this too, that you can get earthing sheets that you can sleep on. I don't know. You know, I sleep on one. I don't know if it works or not. It probably does something. Yeah, but what? I don't know.

You know, you can put, and I have done this too, that you can get earthing sheets that you can sleep on. I don't know. You know, I sleep on one. I don't know if it works or not. It probably does something. Yeah, but what? I don't know.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Not thinking about Gaza. Yeah. Not thinking about Ukraine. It's about that little moment of appreciation here and now. Thank you very much. And how that can be beyond beneficial to you on –

Not thinking about Gaza. Yeah. Not thinking about Ukraine. It's about that little moment of appreciation here and now. Thank you very much. And how that can be beyond beneficial to you on –

For sure. Hijacked. They've been hijacked.

For sure. Hijacked. They've been hijacked.

Yeah, which is very sad actually because it just – Yeah, we can take it back.

Yeah, which is very sad actually because it just – Yeah, we can take it back.

I'm in. I'm in.

I'm in. I'm in.

No.

No.

I'm sure you have.

I'm sure you have.

It would be good to. Yeah.

It would be good to. Yeah.

Is he professing anything?

Is he professing anything?

Is this derived from... Yeah. Like acid and magic mushrooms.

Is this derived from... Yeah. Like acid and magic mushrooms.

Well, I'm certainly a believer in other realms that we don't see on a daily basis. Yeah. Probably should be. I've had a few experiences that would – whether that's a dream within a dream or whether it's reality, I don't actually know.

Well, I'm certainly a believer in other realms that we don't see on a daily basis. Yeah. Probably should be. I've had a few experiences that would – whether that's a dream within a dream or whether it's reality, I don't actually know.

Oh, yes.

Oh, yes.

Yeah, I read that.

Yeah, I read that.

That's too much information.

That's too much information.

What do you mean? I get it, but I don't get it.

What do you mean? I get it, but I don't get it.

What are we even saying here? That it couldn't come up with those answers within the allotted time span that's... Yeah. What? Yeah. I can't even explain. I mean, funnily enough, this is that my brother's into all of this stuff, Sean. In simpler language. He would probably be able to explain it to you, Sean. Probably. Well, he would give it a shot. He would, certainly.

What are we even saying here? That it couldn't come up with those answers within the allotted time span that's... Yeah. What? Yeah. I can't even explain. I mean, funnily enough, this is that my brother's into all of this stuff, Sean. In simpler language. He would probably be able to explain it to you, Sean. Probably. Well, he would give it a shot. He would, certainly.

What does this mean for me?

What does this mean for me?

Jesus Christ. How did they even come up with that if that has to be the case?

Jesus Christ. How did they even come up with that if that has to be the case?

That's just brain damage.

That's just brain damage.

No question.

No question.

Maybe they realize and they just say, fuck it.

Maybe they realize and they just say, fuck it.

I woke up relatively calm and peaceful this morning. A little bit of pre-podcast anxiety. And now you're worried about the end of the world. Welcome to the show. Thank you very much. Thank you.

I woke up relatively calm and peaceful this morning. A little bit of pre-podcast anxiety. And now you're worried about the end of the world. Welcome to the show. Thank you very much. Thank you.

It hurts my brain. I mean, I'd love to know more. Well, just think about what we're doing right now. Just think about what we're doing. I still don't get how a TV works or the radio. I'm still not. How does this work? I'm still back there.

It hurts my brain. I mean, I'd love to know more. Well, just think about what we're doing right now. Just think about what we're doing. I still don't get how a TV works or the radio. I'm still not. How does this work? I'm still back there.

I truly resign on that level. I can't.

I truly resign on that level. I can't.

I'm fascinated by it every day, and that's why with... subjects that are happening with AI right now, I find massively intriguing because there is an element to that that may allow me to understand a great deal more before it's too late.

I'm fascinated by it every day, and that's why with... subjects that are happening with AI right now, I find massively intriguing because there is an element to that that may allow me to understand a great deal more before it's too late.

Even that sounds like a dream though. I know. I mean just the whole concept of that is dream-worthy. Yeah. I mean, I have a number of theories on who we are and where we came from and UFOs. What do you think? Well, to some degree, I'd always felt even as a young kid that the UFOs were us coming back for history lessons basically and that the vehicles were driven by our minds anyway.

Even that sounds like a dream though. I know. I mean just the whole concept of that is dream-worthy. Yeah. I mean, I have a number of theories on who we are and where we came from and UFOs. What do you think? Well, to some degree, I'd always felt even as a young kid that the UFOs were us coming back for history lessons basically and that the vehicles were driven by our minds anyway.

But, I mean, I've seen, as Dad had also seen a UFO, I've clearly seen a UFO. What did you see? I was actually, here's the weird thing, I was actually on my way to, I think, visit Dad in New York. I think it was New York, which is where he'd seen one on the Upper East Side in an apartment that I visited. I went to see him at.

But, I mean, I've seen, as Dad had also seen a UFO, I've clearly seen a UFO. What did you see? I was actually, here's the weird thing, I was actually on my way to, I think, visit Dad in New York. I think it was New York, which is where he'd seen one on the Upper East Side in an apartment that I visited. I went to see him at.

He's standing on the roof of this apartment where he was living at the time. It's on film. He clearly says, this thing came along. I can tell you exactly what it looked like. Went up the Hudson, went under the bridge, and then zapped off. I've had two experiences, but the most profound was, funnily enough, was one of those flights on good old TWA.

He's standing on the roof of this apartment where he was living at the time. It's on film. He clearly says, this thing came along. I can tell you exactly what it looked like. Went up the Hudson, went under the bridge, and then zapped off. I've had two experiences, but the most profound was, funnily enough, was one of those flights on good old TWA.

And I was in the front part of the plane, and I had been given, because I was quite young, maybe... Anyway, between 8 and 10, I don't know, 11 maybe. I was going to see dad for one of the first times in the US. And the guy that was escorting me over gave me one of those, first time I'd ever seen them, one of those books that had blank pages. I thought, wow, those are weird.

And I was in the front part of the plane, and I had been given, because I was quite young, maybe... Anyway, between 8 and 10, I don't know, 11 maybe. I was going to see dad for one of the first times in the US. And the guy that was escorting me over gave me one of those, first time I'd ever seen them, one of those books that had blank pages. I thought, wow, those are weird.

You know, quite unusual. I'd never seen them over in England before. Just these hardback black covered books with nothing inside. So I had one of those in the colouring set. So I was, I guess, relatively young. Everybody had watched the movie. Everybody had gone to sleep. I was staring out the bloody window as I normally do. And I was in front of the wing on the right-hand side.

You know, quite unusual. I'd never seen them over in England before. Just these hardback black covered books with nothing inside. So I had one of those in the colouring set. So I was, I guess, relatively young. Everybody had watched the movie. Everybody had gone to sleep. I was staring out the bloody window as I normally do. And I was in front of the wing on the right-hand side.

And I'm just staring out at the stars, literally. And I kid you not, all of a sudden I see your archetypal UFO with the lights around, light on top. It was silver or, you know, reflective metal with pulsating white lights all the way around. It stayed there. I can't tell you how long.

And I'm just staring out at the stars, literally. And I kid you not, all of a sudden I see your archetypal UFO with the lights around, light on top. It was silver or, you know, reflective metal with pulsating white lights all the way around. It stayed there. I can't tell you how long.

It was right there. It was 50 feet.

It was right there. It was 50 feet.

Yeah, yeah. In front of the wing of the plane.

Yeah, yeah. In front of the wing of the plane.

Nobody else was there. Everybody else was asleep. There was no stewardesses. Nobody was around. What about the pilots? That I don't know. All I know is what I saw. God, I would have wanted to ask them. I just, I guess I was kind of freaked out or just okay with it. I can't even. How old were you at the time? You know, 8, 9, 10, 11, something like that. And how big do you think it was?

Nobody else was there. Everybody else was asleep. There was no stewardesses. Nobody was around. What about the pilots? That I don't know. All I know is what I saw. God, I would have wanted to ask them. I just, I guess I was kind of freaked out or just okay with it. I can't even. How old were you at the time? You know, 8, 9, 10, 11, something like that. And how big do you think it was?

I would say it seemed about the radius would be about the width of this room. But what happened was, so I watched it for a few seconds, but I knew we were going along somewhere in between 300 and 500 miles an hour. I think the big old 747s used to reach that kind of speed. And it just started doing this. going up at the same speed. And I'm watching it through the window going up and over.

I would say it seemed about the radius would be about the width of this room. But what happened was, so I watched it for a few seconds, but I knew we were going along somewhere in between 300 and 500 miles an hour. I think the big old 747s used to reach that kind of speed. And it just started doing this. going up at the same speed. And I'm watching it through the window going up and over.

And there was nobody in the seats on the other side. And so I ran to the other side and was at the window like this. And it was I was at a seat or two in front of where I actually wasn't here. And it came down the other side. This is my mother's life. I came down on the other side and sort of pitched itself there for a few seconds, proceeded to move forward.

And there was nobody in the seats on the other side. And so I ran to the other side and was at the window like this. And it was I was at a seat or two in front of where I actually wasn't here. And it came down the other side. This is my mother's life. I came down on the other side and sort of pitched itself there for a few seconds, proceeded to move forward.

what looked like relatively quite slow and then literally just went and disappeared it forward and that was there and I and that was At sunrise, literally just turning to sunrise because I actually, the book I had, I drew the whole thing and the light and what it looked like. Do you still have those drawings? Okay, no. Damn. Tell me about it.

what looked like relatively quite slow and then literally just went and disappeared it forward and that was there and I and that was At sunrise, literally just turning to sunrise because I actually, the book I had, I drew the whole thing and the light and what it looked like. Do you still have those drawings? Okay, no. Damn. Tell me about it.

I don't know what happened to that, but as clear as day, as clear as day. My life, my mother's life.

I don't know what happened to that, but as clear as day, as clear as day. My life, my mother's life.

I mean, there's been moments in my life, certainly, that I felt things have happened at a particular time for me to notice things, that it was related to my life experience. I mean, half of the things I couldn't tell you what they were, but I mean, white feather was an example of that. Right. Where for me, that was undoubtedly a sign, a relevant sign that made me certainly feel that

I mean, there's been moments in my life, certainly, that I felt things have happened at a particular time for me to notice things, that it was related to my life experience. I mean, half of the things I couldn't tell you what they were, but I mean, white feather was an example of that. Right. Where for me, that was undoubtedly a sign, a relevant sign that made me certainly feel that

and I'd had other experiences, that that was a real connection, a real message, indirectly.

and I'd had other experiences, that that was a real connection, a real message, indirectly.

There's all kinds of stuff going on. I mean, I've seen – I was invited to a location where I was staying – And I had this experience where I saw quite clearly I was on my own again, of course. And I was looking out to the sea. This was down in Mexico. And... And I was literally just kind of drifting off.

There's all kinds of stuff going on. I mean, I've seen – I was invited to a location where I was staying – And I had this experience where I saw quite clearly I was on my own again, of course. And I was looking out to the sea. This was down in Mexico. And... And I was literally just kind of drifting off.

And I, without question, at least I believe so, I saw, to me, what looked like Mayan Indians, see-through, dancing around a fire. And I went, what the fuck? I mean, I really kind of got a little scared. I went, what am I seeing? How am I seeing this? Why? Anyway, it was all a bit weird. And At the breakfast table the next day, and I'd never been to this place before.

And I, without question, at least I believe so, I saw, to me, what looked like Mayan Indians, see-through, dancing around a fire. And I went, what the fuck? I mean, I really kind of got a little scared. I went, what am I seeing? How am I seeing this? Why? Anyway, it was all a bit weird. And At the breakfast table the next day, and I'd never been to this place before.

I was invited down as a guest, and the hostess said, you know, how did you sleep? Is everything all right? I said, well, I don't want to say anything, but I think I saw some see-through Mayan Indians last night. Oh, you didn't know that this was built on a Mayan Indian burial ground? I said, shut the front door. She said, that freaked me out, firstly.

I was invited down as a guest, and the hostess said, you know, how did you sleep? Is everything all right? I said, well, I don't want to say anything, but I think I saw some see-through Mayan Indians last night. Oh, you didn't know that this was built on a Mayan Indian burial ground? I said, shut the front door. She said, that freaked me out, firstly.

Then, of course, she comes back into the room with a tray of artifacts, spearheads and a few other things and other tools that they use. But then she did one better. She came, goes and brings in a book that's a very, very thick book with the generations of Mayan and civilizations that have been there before. And so she says, you know, have a look. And I'm flipping through the books, the book.

Then, of course, she comes back into the room with a tray of artifacts, spearheads and a few other things and other tools that they use. But then she did one better. She came, goes and brings in a book that's a very, very thick book with the generations of Mayan and civilizations that have been there before. And so she says, you know, have a look. And I'm flipping through the books, the book.

And I see the exact headdress and skirt that they were wearing and the exact colors of those headdresses. It was two tone. It was like an earth color and a blue. sky blue kind of that color and that's in a particular arrangement on their headdresses and on their on the skirts and And I said, that's them. And they said, oh, yeah, that was a particular era.

And I see the exact headdress and skirt that they were wearing and the exact colors of those headdresses. It was two tone. It was like an earth color and a blue. sky blue kind of that color and that's in a particular arrangement on their headdresses and on their on the skirts and And I said, that's them. And they said, oh, yeah, that was a particular era.

And that's where the property was built on. And I just went, well, OK. All right. To me, I'm sorry. That just says between that and the white feather. Yeah. And there's one or two other incidences. I just went, yeah, there's so much more shit that we don't know that lives and breathes and exists around.

And that's where the property was built on. And I just went, well, OK. All right. To me, I'm sorry. That just says between that and the white feather. Yeah. And there's one or two other incidences. I just went, yeah, there's so much more shit that we don't know that lives and breathes and exists around.

And there was something written the other day also, whether it's today or yesterday, saying that, you know, our ears and our eyes can only see so much. Right. You know, humans. Right. That there exists so much more that we don't have a clue about. Right. So I'm just going, okay, there's, If only.

And there was something written the other day also, whether it's today or yesterday, saying that, you know, our ears and our eyes can only see so much. Right. You know, humans. Right. That there exists so much more that we don't have a clue about. Right. So I'm just going, okay, there's, If only.

I would love to be a, you know, a fly on the wall.

I would love to be a, you know, a fly on the wall.

Yeah, yeah. There's a lot of unanswered things out there, but I make the odd documentary, so I'm a documentary watcher whenever I can, really. It's either Anthony Bourdain or a documentary that puts me to sleep most evenings after watching them, not during. Right. But yeah, no, so I thirst for information half the time.

Yeah, yeah. There's a lot of unanswered things out there, but I make the odd documentary, so I'm a documentary watcher whenever I can, really. It's either Anthony Bourdain or a documentary that puts me to sleep most evenings after watching them, not during. Right. But yeah, no, so I thirst for information half the time.

Whether I retain it or not is another thing, but I certainly am driven to absorb what I can.

Whether I retain it or not is another thing, but I certainly am driven to absorb what I can.