Allan Tannenbaum Reflects on John Lennon’s Last Weeks 45 Years After His Tragic Death

Allan Tannenbaum (left), Yoko Ono and John Lennon.
Credit :

Allan Tannenbaum / sohoblues.com

NEED TO KNOW

• Allan Tannenbaum enjoyed a career in music photography that blossomed throughout the ’70s and ’80s.
• One of Tannenbaum’s most unforgettable memories is spending time with John Lennon and Yoko Ono during the final weeks of Lennon’s life.
• The photographer spoke with PEOPLE about his role in ACC Art Books’ Elton John: Icon, sharing his story of the iconic musician.

A twist of fate allowed photographer Allan Tannenbaum to spend significant time with John Lennon in the last weeks of his life.

In 1975, Tannenbaum emerged as a rock photographer in New York City. His opportunity to meet the legendary musician arose while he was with the managing editor of Soho News, where he had recently begun working. “I used to be a big Beatles fan and John Lennon was my favorite,” Tannenbaum recalled. “I just thought he was so cool and was good at music, art, acting, and he was very funny.”

Reflecting on his contributions to Elton John: Icon, he recounted how he met Lennon while he was rehearsing for a TV special titled A Salute to Sir Lew Grade. Dressed in a striking red jumpsuit amid a quirky ensemble of performers, Lennon made a lasting impression. Tannenbaum captured backstage images, ultimately securing unique shots from what turned out to be Lennon’s last public performance.

Five years later, Tannenbaum reconnected with Lennon as he and Yoko Ono emerged from seclusion to promote their new album, Double Fantasy. Tannenbaum proposed to music editor Peter Occhiogrosso to feature the couple in a story, leading to an interview with Ono. “I arranged for Yoko to come to my studio in Tribeca for a portrait shoot for the cover of the paper,” he explained.

Initially uncertain of the artists’ willingness to participate, Tannenbaum felt exhilarated when Ono agreed. Their meeting resulted in casual portraits and a stroll through Central Park, where they captured spontaneous images of the couple in leather jackets, becoming iconic over time.

During this time, Tannenbaum also suggested a session featuring Lennon and their son, Sean. Ono responded, “Not Sean, but I’ll call John.” After Lennon joined them, Tannenbaum captured more intimate photographs, including an iconic image framed with the Dakota building in the background.

The two artists later invited Tannenbaum to join them on a film shoot. While observing their interactions, he managed to document the scene, which involved both street outfits and kimonos during a risqué segment that simulated intimacy.

Once Tannenbaum processed the film, he returned to the Dakota to share the photos with Lennon and Ono. “John really liked the photos,” Tannenbaum recalled. “He said, ‘You really capture Yoko’s beauty,’ something I’ll always remember.” Unfortunately, the following days brought shocking news: Lennon had been shot dead outside his New York City apartment on December 8, 1980, at the age of 40.

He is survived by Ono and their two sons, Julian and Sean, who continue to honor Lennon’s legacy.