This week in Ohio, May Pang will share her candid photography and in-person stories reflecting on her year and a half relationship with the late Beatles’ frontman John Lennon; the time period was famously coined by Lennon as the “Lost Weekend.”
For 18 months from 1973-1975, the couple (Pang, 23-years-old at the time)—paired on recommendation by Yoko Ono during a relationship fall out between Lennon and Ono—were inseparable.
During their time together, Pang, now 74—who prior was personal assistant of three years to Lennon and Yoko Ono and later became a public relations manger working on albums including those by Bob Marley and Robert Palmer—took impromptu photos of Lennon that became iconic.
Some of her personal photos being showcased, include: Lennon signing documents officially dissolving the Beatles on Dec. 29, 1974; one of the last known photographs of Lennon and McCartney together on March 29, 1974; a photo of Lennon’s son Julian, which Julian used on his seventh album’s cover for Jude; a photo of John and Julian Lennon on a boat in the Long Island Sound in the summer of 1974; a photo meant for the cover of Walls And Bridges that was later recreated.
During the “Lost Weekend,” post-Beatles’ Lennon recorded albums Mind Games, Walls And Bridges, and Rock ‘n’ Roll. Pang whispers Lennon’s name in “#9 Dream” and the song “Surprise, Surprise (Sweet Bird of Paradox)” was written about her. Lennon also collaborated with David Bowie, Elton John, Mick Jagger, and Harry Nilsson.
Pang began the exhibition, in conjunction with Scott Segelbaum of Rock Art Show, to coincide with the release of the feature film documentary The Lost Weekend: A Love Story, which debuted at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2022 and details her life with Lennon. The digital release is available on Amazon Prime, AppleTV, YouTube. Xfinity, Verizon and Vudu.
Pang has also published three books on her times with Lennon, including: Loving John, John Lennon-The Lost Weekend and Instamatic Karma, featuring photos from her private archives.
“The Lost Weekend—The Photography of May Pang” free exhibit, with May Pang in attendance, includes limited-edition photographs available for purchase.
The exhibition stops at both The Arts Castle (190 W. Winter Street, Delaware, Ohio 43015) on Tuesday, June 3 from 12 p.m.-7 p.m. and Wednesday, June 4 from 12 p.m.-7 p.m.
and at The Treelawn Social Club & Music Hall (15335 Waterloo Rd., Cleveland, Ohio 44110) on Friday, June 6 from 4 p.m.-8 p.m.; Saturday, June 7 from 12 p.m.-6 p.m.; and Sunday, June 8 from
12 p.m.-4 p.m.
Pang took time for this OOTB Interview to discuss the exhibition and much more.
What is your favorite photograph by you in the exhibit and why that one?
I can’t pick a favorite. They are all my babies! Each one has a special memory for me. I particularly like the photos of John in the water. He loved swimming, boating and just being out in the water. He looks so peaceful in those photos.
How did you narrow down and decide on which images to showcase?
It was hard for me so I had my business partner who convinced me after bugging me for 6 years to finally bring these photos to the public. He had more of an objective eye.
What are your current photography interests as far as types of photography?
I like to take photos on my iPhone of interesting buildings, landscapes and the moon. Just for fun.
What music or artists do you currently listen to that catches your ear most?
I still listen to the ‘60s and ‘70s music, especially R&B and Brill Building songwriters. John and I had the same taste in music.
What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your career?
It was very difficult to get a job after my time with John Lennon. I was an Asian woman trying to work in music publishing. It was a boys club and it was hard to be taken seriously. I eventually landed a job at Island Records.
What’s been the highlight of your career?
As a professional manager at United Artists Music Publishing in the east coast, I was able to get Diana Ross to record one of the songs from my Nashville writers and another song written by a New York writer who was best known for Christian pop music to have his song recorded by Judas Priest!
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
I hope people come out and see my exhibition. It’s free and all of my photographs are available to purchase. You can take John home and see John the way I did.
Delaware Arts Castle Exhibit:
https://www.artscastle.org/exhibit-events/
Cleveland Treelawn Exhibit:
The touring exhibit visits more cities soon:
https://www.rockartshow.com/pages/tour-dates
More on May Pang:
Photos Provided
Photo 1: “California Grass.” Pang and Lennon stretch their legs in 1974 following a long car ride with Harry Nilsson, Mal Evans, and others.
Photo 2: May Pang poses with her exhibition photos.
Very lovely interview! This article contains a lot of information in a brief manner, well done!!! I’m interested to know what cameras and equipment she used for her photos. I will attend one of the gallery events and inquire!
ReplyDeleteWow, awesome interview!
ReplyDelete