John Lennon rose to fame as a member of The Beatles, quickly becoming an icon of ’60s culture. A talented singer and songwriter, Lennon eventually gained recognition as one of the most politically-aware members of the group, never afraid to speak his mind, no matter what the consequences.
Even after the Beatles disbanded, Lennon remained politically active and involved in the peace movement. At times, Lennon’s dedication to his ideals meant that he had to ruffle some feathers — and once, he even snubbed his nose at an honor given to him by Queen Elizabeth herself.
John was a writer and creative thinker. He published several books of poems and art during his time with The Beatles, and beginning in the late sixties, became a face of the anti-war movement.
When did the Beatles receive their MBE medals?
In 1965, when The Beatles were still at the peak of their popularity, they were honored with one of the greatest distinctions that can be bestowed on a British citizen. On Oct. 26, 1965, Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr all made a trip to Buckingham Palace to receive individual Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) medals, presented by Queen Elizabeth herself.
John was a writer and creative thinker. He published several books of poems and art during his time with The Beatles, and beginning in the late sixties, became a face of the anti-war movement.
When did the Beatles receive their MBE medals?
In 1965, when The Beatles were still at the peak of their popularity, they were honored with one of the greatest distinctions that can be bestowed on a British citizen. On Oct. 26, 1965, Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr all made a trip to Buckingham Palace to receive individual Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) medals, presented by Queen Elizabeth herself.
While the decision to award The Beatles with the MBE medals was a controversial one at the time, since rock and roll music was still very divisive in Britain, thousands of fans were supportive of the honor.
Why did John Lennon return his MBE?
Most rock stars would be thrilled to receive such a high honor from Britain’s monarch. However, four years after originally receiving his MBE medal, John decided that he didn’t want it after all.
According to People, John became disenchanted with Britain’s politics in the late sixties and returned his award. “I am returning my MBE as a protest against Britain’s involvement in the Nigeria-Biafra thing, against our support of America in Vietnam and against Cold Turkey slipping down the charts,” John wrote in a letter accompanying the award.
Around the same time that he returned the medal, John went on the record to state that he never really wanted the medal in the first place: “It all just seemed part of the game we’d agreed to play. We’d nothing to lose, except that bit of you that said you didn’t believe in it. I really think the Queen believes in it all. She must.”
Why did John Lennon return his MBE?
Most rock stars would be thrilled to receive such a high honor from Britain’s monarch. However, four years after originally receiving his MBE medal, John decided that he didn’t want it after all.
According to People, John became disenchanted with Britain’s politics in the late sixties and returned his award. “I am returning my MBE as a protest against Britain’s involvement in the Nigeria-Biafra thing, against our support of America in Vietnam and against Cold Turkey slipping down the charts,” John wrote in a letter accompanying the award.
Around the same time that he returned the medal, John went on the record to state that he never really wanted the medal in the first place: “It all just seemed part of the game we’d agreed to play. We’d nothing to lose, except that bit of you that said you didn’t believe in it. I really think the Queen believes in it all. She must.”
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