Few classic rock acts are as revered today as the Beatles. And, in their own time, it was mostly no different. With a few exceptions, that is.
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Call it jealousy, call it what you will, but while the Beatles’ popularity with fans was unmatched, some of their contemporaries were not sold on the Fabs. Some groups, like Steely Dan, saw hypocrisy in the band’s—especially John Lennon’s—activist rhetoric, which they saw as incongruous with the rock star’s opulent lifestyle.
Todd Rundgren, in particular, took his beef public in a 1974 Melody Maker interview, criticizing the former Beatle for his “revolutionary” persona and music, saying “John Lennon ain’t no revolutionary. He’s a f—ing idiot, man. Shouting about revolution and acting like an ass.”
Rundgren also took Lennon to task for allegedly assaulting a waitress during his notorious “Lost Weekend” era: “Hitting a waitress in the Troubador. What kind of revolution is that?”
But Lennon, who never missed an opportunity for a good rumble (verbal or otherwise), was not about to take that sitting down. Famous for knowing just how to get under people’s skin, the singer possessed a legendarily incisive wit—and, let’s just say, Rundgren should have thought twice before launching a war of words with this Beatle.
John Lennon’s Letter to Todd Rundgren
In a letter titled “AN OPENED LETTUCE TO SODD RUNTLESTUNTLE,” Lennon pulls no punches. There are sly accusations of plagiarism. Personal digs. Name-calling. Pythonesque absurdity. Surprising vulnerability. In sum, it’s pure Lennon, and in my opinion, it makes for some of his best work since Revolver.
Read the full transcript below (I hope you’re sitting down):
AN OPENED LETTUCE TO SODD RUNTLESTUNTLE
Couldn’t resist adding a few “islands of truth” of my own, in answer to Turd Runtgreen’s howl of hate (pain.)
Dear Todd,
I like you, and some of your work, including “I Saw The Light”, which is not unlike “There’s A Place” (Beatles), melody wise.
1) I have never claimed to be a revolutionary. But I am allowed to sing about anything I want! Right?
2) I never hit a waitress in the Troubador, I did act like an ass, I was too drunk. So shoot me!
3) I guess we’re all looking for attention Rodd, do you really think I don’t know how to get it, without “revolution?” I could dye my hair green and pink for a start!
4) I don’t represent anyone but my SELF. It sounds like I represented something to you, or you wouldn’t be so violent towards me. (Your dad perhaps?)
5) Yes Dodd, violence comes in mysterious ways it’s wonders to perform, including verbal. But you’d know that kind of mind game, wouldn’t you? Of course you would.
6) So the Nazz use to do “like heavy rock” then SUDDENLY a “light pretty ballad”. How original!
7) Which gets me to the Beatles, “who had no other style than being the Beatles”!! That covers a lot of style man, including your own, TO DATE…..
Yes Godd, the one thing those Beatles did was to affect PEOPLES’ MINDS. Maybe you need another fix?
Somebody played me your rock and roll girl private song, but I never noticed anything. I think that the real reason you’re mad at me is cause I didn’t know who you were at the Rainbow (L.A.) Remember that time you came in with Wolfman Jack? When I found out later, I was cursing cause I wanted to tell you how good you were. (I’d heard you on the radio.)
Anyway, However much you hurt me darling; I’ll always love you,
J. L.
30th Sept. 1974
Photo by Michael Putland/Getty Images
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