Renowned as an English musician, singer, and songwriter, John Lennon achieved legendary status as a member of The Beatles, a band that left an indelible mark on history. More than just a musical genius, Lennon championed peace and social transformation. His timeless compositions and messages of love hold a universal appeal, captivating audiences across the globe.
Amidst rumors of a feud between The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, John Lennon managed to pull off a playful yet spine-chilling prank on Brian Jones. Despite their friendly rapport and Lennon’s admiration for Jones’ musical talent, he couldn’t resist using their relationship as an opportunity for amusement. Lennon successfully convinced a terrified Jones that the police were on the verge of arresting him, leaving the Stones’ member caught in the web of his mischievous prank.
John Lennon Played A Hilarious Prank On Brian Jones
When John Lennon acquired a car, he didn’t settle for the ordinary. He went on to customize it with a record player, a unique horn serenading Lilli Marlene upon honking, and an ingenious addition – a microphone with speakers in the front wheel wells. This setup allowed Lennon to engage with the outside world, chatting with pedestrians or playing the sounds of trains and airplanes, leaving people bewildered by his playful and inventive antics.
Additionally, Lennon used the microphone to playfully prank his friends and acquaintances. Whenever he encountered someone he knew while driving, he couldn’t resist using the speaker system to communicate directly with them, adding a touch of mischief to their interactions. On one occasion, he spotted Jones and couldn’t resist having a bit of amusement at his friend’s expense.
“Once we were going through Regent’s Park on our way to North London to do a session,” Paul McCartney said in The Beatles Anthology. “We were in John’s Rolls and we’d just come from his house in Weybridge. Suddenly we pulled up behind Brian Jones, who was sitting quietly in the back of his Austin Princess. John was a very funny guy, and he shouted through the microphone: ‘Brian Jones, do not move! You have been under surveillance — you are under arrest!'”
While McCartney and Lennon found the joke amusing, Jones didn’t share the same sense of humor and didn’t find it nearly as funny.
Brain Jones’ Arrest Record Made It Easy For John Lennon
Lennon’s prank likely hit close to home for Jones, considering his history of run-ins with the law. In 1967, he faced his first arrest when police discovered drugs in his residence, making the subject of law enforcement a sensitive and poignant topic for him.
In 1968, Jones encountered another brush with the law, this time for cannabis possession. Although this arrest could have led to jail time, a compassionate judge took pity on him, opting for a fine instead.
With a history of drug use and prior arrests, it’s understandable that Jones wouldn’t have found it hard to believe that the police were after him.
Source: Cheatsheet