On this day in 1966, John Lennon’s infamous comments on Christianity were first published

London’s Evening Standard planned a weekly series called “How Does a Beatle Live?” to be written by journalist Maureen Cleave who was close to and respected by the band. Earlier in their career, Cleave had described them as “the darlings of Merseyside” and accompanied the group on their first trip to the US.

Lennon’s interview was held in February at his home in Weybridge, Surrey. The article portrayed him as searching for meaning in life, and it was mentioned Lennon was reading a lot about religion. It was then that Lennon was quoted as saying “Christianity will go. It will vanish and shrink. I needn’t argue about that; I’m right and I’ll be proved right. We’re more popular than Jesus now; I don’t know which will go first – rock ‘n’ roll or Christianity.”

The Evening Standard published the article on the 4th March and the reaction was much delayed. The UK had no response the article, and it was only after being published in the US in July that controversy was sparked. Radio stations around the States then planned a ban on the groups records. Christian fans began burning records and holding demonstrations against the band. Lennon soon after said that his comments were misconstrued and apologised. The controversy played a big part in the bands decision to stop touring.