Julian Lennon Opens Up: Life Beyond the Beatles’ Circle and His Passion for Photography

Born in Liverpool, Julian Lennon, 61, was primarily brought up by his mother Cynthia, yet he has devoted his adulthood to escaping the shadow of his renowned father, John. Already recognized as a Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter, children’s author, documentary filmmaker, and philanthropist, he has now ventured into fine art photography with a polished new book, Life’s Fragile Moments. Covering over two decades of work, it features photojournalism captured during his travels worldwide for his charity, the White Feather Foundation; a portrait of his half-brother, Sean Lennon, taken while on tour; and intimate snapshots of a royal wedding. He resides in Monaco.

What sparked your interest in photography?
I think I was around 11 years old when I first visited the US to see Dad, and he owned a rather simple brown leather Polaroid camera that he frequently used – I still have it. I was genuinely intrigued. The immediacy of it was thrilling. I attempted to become a photographer with film, but consistently faced challenges – while I possess considerable patience in some areas, I have little in others. Then digital photography emerged.

Have you received any formal training?
No way, I’ve always approached everything organically. I never learned to read or write music. I’m self-taught, and I prefer it that way. Most photographers have a precise target in mind; I don’t realize what I have until I review the photos afterward. If I were fully aware of what I was doing, I believe I would lose that spark, that creativity.

The cover image of the book is of Charlene Wittstock, preparing to wed Prince Albert II of Monaco.
That was utterly surreal. Charlene was in a tiny room with the hairdresser, the hairdresser’s assistant, the makeup artist, and the makeup artist’s assistant – it resembled a beehive. She appeared completely astonished and said to me: “I’m not sure I can do this.” And I was like, “Wait, what do you mean? The photos, the wedding?” I said: “Listen, I don’t really know what I’m doing either, but this is historic; you’re about to become a princess.”

Is that your image captured in the mirror?
I’m actually present in a few. It’s like where’s Waldo, only it’s where’s Jules?

The captions are quite conversational and longer than usual. Any plans to pen a memoir?
I am starting to. I feel it would be fulfilling to share my perspective, but it won’t be your typical autobiographical book. I desire something rooted more in art and emotions.

What motivates you?
It has always been, “John Lennon’s son, John Lennon’s son,” and I’m thinking, for heaven’s sake. I said, what I need to do for myself, first and foremost, is to create a body of work, a framework that I can rely on, that nobody can strip from me. And I am persistent in doing that. It’s not about showing off; it’s merely to prove to myself that I can indeed accomplish this. I’m not interested in battling other individuals’ views.

Your most recent album was Jude in 2022. Are there any new music projects in the pipeline?
I formed a band at the end of last year and conducted some rehearsals in Los Angeles, and I was astonished at how incredible we sounded. The intention was to appear on a couple of American late-night TV shows, and with figures like Graham Norton and Jools Holland, but unfortunately, nobody would invite me on, which was a bit disheartening. I’m not claiming that I’m abandoning music altogether, but I was deeply saddened by that; I still am.

What are your thoughts on the recent rise in interest in the Beatles? I’m referring to Peter Jackson’s Get Back, the restored Let It Be, Martin Scorsese’s Beatles ’64…
It’s news to me much of the time. I’m not part of the inner circle – I never have been. You have to understand that when Dad departed, when I was between three and five (it was somewhat of a process), it was just Mum and me, and we had nothing to do with the Beatles or Dad. I occasionally visited him, but we were very much on the periphery. I’m grateful that Sean and I get along splendidly – we’re best friends, and he tells me what he can, but matters regarding the Beatles tend to be rather confidential.

That must feel odd even now.
Incredibly odd, but I’m not troubled by it. I’d rather be exhilarated and awed by what they accomplished and continue to accomplish. As a fan, I remain as curious as anyone else, even though I find myself thinking, how can it be possible there’s another Beatles film?

You appear remarkably composed. How do you maintain that?
I believe it stems from my Mum, observing how she navigated what life presented her with love, grace, and positivity. I realized that’s the only way forward. You take the high road, you strive to be the better individual, and attempt to learn from all the negativity that’s hurled at you. Without a doubt, I’ve experienced my share of depression and still occasionally grapple with serious anxiety, but the only path is to push yourself through. Indulging in self-pity is fruitless – been there, done that.

Have you ever set a New Year resolution and adhered to it?
I’ve made life resolutions. The most significant was quitting smoking. When smoking bans began to emerge, I didn’t want anyone dictating my choices, so I took it upon myself. I was one of the most dedicated smokers you would ever encounter. I’ve always been rather reserved, so I could sit at a bar and a cigarette served as my confidant and protection. I quit cold turkey and fell into a severe depression for a couple of years, but I’ve maintained my decision.

Any suggestions for remaining upbeat in 2025?
God help us! Well, you have to ponder, what would it be like if you did nothing, if you weren’t optimistic? What if you don’t write that book, what if you don’t capture those photographs reflecting the truth from the other side of the globe, what if you don’t create those documentaries that offer people choices or insights – what would the result be? In my view, there’s only one option. Stay on course, believe that things can improve.