Part of the problem is basing their entire relationship on who played what on the records.
While there are fantastic examples of their musical collaboration (John's solo in "For You Blue" makes the song and George's influence with the Moog is obvious in "I Want You"), their real connection seemed to go deeper than studio politics.
The thing is, John and George were the most emotion-oriented Beatles and recognized each other as extraordinarily sensitive personalities. That's the key to understanding their bond. Of course, it's not a popular idea because it goes against all the notions about John's masculinity. Real men don't have feelings after all and certainly not towards a human of the same sex. :eyeroll:
Their relationship, however, seemed to revolve around two basic things: a search for meaning and being an outlet for the most dramatic, angsty or effusive emotions they did not feel safe to share with either Paul or Ringo.
John's insecurity might've prevented him from recognizing George's influence in public but in effect, he often embraced his interests at some point. It happened with Dylan, Indian music, meditation, the Moog and even borrowing his usual musicians for Plastic Ono Band (after inviting the man himself to join). Allegedly, the reason a man-made lake was added to Tittenhurst Park was because John knew Friar Park had one and he liked the idea of seeing water from his bedroom too.
Friar Park and Tittenhurst Park
If these are not acknowledgments of his friend's good taste, I don't know what else would be.
Another small but interesting example is how they were the only Beatles to own cars painted with psychedelic designs. John, in fact, drove George's Mini on Magical Mystery Tour.
They chose to socialize outside the studio and even went on a double date holiday with Cynthia and Pattie. I cannot see any other explanation other than they enjoyed each other's company and had much to talk about. Correct me if I am missing something.
Unfortunately, no one bothered to ask for details when more Beatle associates were still alive. Much information was lost forever.
Another sign of how solid but emotionally charged their relationship was is how George was the ONLY Beatle who openly antagonized Yoko in the studio, going as far as saying she had "bad vibes" to John's face and calling her a "bitch" when she ate his Digestive biscuits. He was a no show for "The Ballad of John and Yoko" and made a statement of it. In contrast, Paul walked on eggshells and let her sit on his amp. Ringo offered her gum.
George got away with yanking the glasses from John's face, hurling them on the floor and shouting abuse at him with no repercussions. Bob Wooler almost met his maker for a smaller transgression.
John's response to the situation proves my point effectively:
"I saw George goin’ through pain and I know what pain is about. So I let him do it."
With that in mind, I'd argue it's not far fetched to say that, yes, they felt a safety in exploring complex emotions with each other, even if, in some cases, it was through fighting.
It was not always the case, of course. For most part, it was through spirituality. I find it curious how both authors AND fans either overlook or minimize the importance of this connection.
I am guessing the reason is because it's not a very trendy, particularly "masculine" or rock and roll interest. Or because it did not produce full albums, I don't know. But, in my opinion, it speaks volumes about the level of trust they had on each other, whether consciously or not. I find it hard to believe one would go on a journey for The Meaning Of Life with a person they perceived to have no inner wisdom. They were, in some way, looking for the same thing and bonded over that.
It was no small matter that John not only agreed to be on David Frost with George to promote meditation but they also turned up in matching red outfits. Which has always been a sign of great compatibility on Lennon lore.
This is not supposed to be a super long post, it's just a bit of a rant after I was exposed to so called specialists being completely dense about what could possibly bring these human beings together.
Have you considered maybe they just...liked each other?
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