Quote:
|
Originally Posted by SonicBebs
|
Thanks for that. I'll definitely need to pick up the next issue of Prospect to get the full interview.
From that article's account, I think Paul might be overdoing it with words like 'politicised'. He may have been the first to be exposed to what was going on in Vietnam (as much through his contact with Ginsberg as with his meeting with Russell). He may also have been the one who then informed the rest of the band about what was going on. But being aware, and even shocked, by events doesn't necessarily lead to a process of politicisation. To be honest, I'm doubtful as to just how politicised the Beatles
ever really were - even in the late sixties: a time when it was a very much a required stance within the 'underground'. They never to my knowledge recorded a particularly pro-Revolution song ('Revolution' is hardly a call to arms in that sense) and songs such as 'All You Need is Love' hardly reflected the more militant, radical turn emerging within the counter-culture at that time. Certainly by around 67-68 it was the Stones, not the Beatles, who were beginning to be seen as the more 'radical' by an increasingly politicised Underground. So while I'd still say that Lennon was the more politically aware Beatle, I think it was Yoko, not Paul, who had the greatest influence on his move in this area - and that this took place largely after he'd left the Beatles (and Britain) altogether.
It raises an interesting point though. Thanks again for the link.