John Lennon & Yoko Ono 1980
On August 7th, 1980, John Lennon and Yoko Ono began secret recording sessions at New York City’s famed Hit Factory for what would become their “Double Fantasy” album. It was sadly to be John Lennon’s final record. To document this historic occasion, John & Yoko enlisted the services of noted Boston photographer Roger Farrington.
Working under top secret instructions, Farrington on the morning of August 7th, was flown to New York City to meet John and Yoko at their Lennono Music office in the famous Dakota Apartments. From there, Farrington photographed the Lennon’s departing the Dakota, arriving at the Hit Factory, and warming up for that very first musical session. The scene was confusing and complicated as recording technicians were setting everything up while musicians were arriving for the first time.
‘Starting Over with John and Yoko’
The Book Coming September 2026
1980 Photographs of John Lennon and Yoko Ono at NYC’s Hit Factory for “Double Fantasy” Recording Sessions by Roger Farrington
My thirty-one historic photographs of John Lennon and Yoko Ono, taken on August 7th, 1980 (the first day of recording sessions for what became Lennon’s final album), are currently available for gallery representation. These are some of the last candid photographs of Lennon working in the recording studio prior to his death on December 8th, 1980. Available are both vintage and contemporary silver prints and modern archival pigment prints. If you are interested and/or would like further information, please contact Roger Farrington at 617-529-2464 (cell/text) or roger@rogerfarrington.com.
My book, “Starting Over with John & Yoko: The Photographs” co-authored by noted Beatles scholar and author Ken Womack, will be published in September 2026 by Rutgers University Press. Eight of the photographs will also be featured in Hollywood producer/director Steven Soderbergh’s soon-to-be-released full length documentary movie, “John Lennon: The Last Interview.”Interest in images that focus on music and rock history has increased significantly over the last decade. Images of The Beatles as a group or of the individual members have become very collectable. By design, my images of John Lennon have had limited public and collector exposure over the past 45 years, and I am currently seeking gallery representation.
“This is one to linger over.”
– Publishers Weekly.
Coming Up
Join authors Roger Farrington and Ken Womack to discuss their upcoming book Starting Over with John & Yoko. Get your copy signed and enjoy brunch from The Loft at City Winery.
John Lennon & Yoko Ono 1980 Gallery
Photograph prints and licensing available upon request.
