More popular than Jesus
| History of the Beatles |
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"More popular than Jesus"[nb 1] is a phrase taken from a 1966 interview in which John Lennon of the Beatles claimed that the public's infatuation with the band surpassed that of Jesus Christ, and that Christian faith was declining to the point where it might be outlasted by rock music. His opinions drew no controversy when published in the Evening Standard in London, but ignited angry reactions from Christian communities when republished in the United States.
Lennon's comments incited protests and threats, particularly throughout the Bible Belt in the Southern United States. Some radio stations stopped playing Beatles songs, records were publicly burned, press conferences were cancelled, and the Ku Klux Klan picketed concerts. The controversy coincided with the band's 1966 US tour and overshadowed press coverage of their newest album, Revolver. Lennon apologised at a series of press conferences, clarifying that he was not comparing himself to Christ.
The controversy deeply impacted the band, contributing significantly to their decision to cease touring entirely. In 1980, Lennon was murdered by a Christian fan of the Beatles, Mark David Chapman, who stated that Lennon's comment was a motivating factor in the killing, though he has since refuted this claim.[5]
- ^ Sullivan 1987, p. 313.
- ^ "Beatles Still Supported in Columbus". The Columbus Enquirer. 6 August 1966. p. 9 – via Newspapers.com.
Radio station WAYX in Waycross announced it would hold a 'Beatle burning' [in two days on] Monday night and invited the public to join in.
- ^ Womack & Davis 2012, p. 103.
- ^ Gould 2008, pp. 308–309.
- ^ Nolasco, Stephanie (8 November 2022). "Mark David Chapman says he murdered John Lennon for fame: 'Evil in my heart'". New York Post. Retrieved 20 March 2025.
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