40 Year Itch : John Lennon on the Today Show

     On December 16, 1974 John Lennon appeared on The Today Show, where he talked about his efforts to avoid getting deported by the US Immigration Department who claimed his 1968 drug arrest in the UK was grounds for deportation. Lennon also talked about the Red and the Blue albums, working with various Beatles ( even hinting that he'd appear on stage with George Harrison that Friday--he didn't). Lennon also suggested the major hold up to a Beatles reunion was the difficulty in getting the various members into the US at the same time. Such a reunion, Lennon said, was "quite possible" but "it would have to be interesting to us musically. Otherwise there would be no point."

    In the interview, Lennon explains the story behind his 1968 drug bust. His attorney, Leon Wildes,is also present . Lennon says he wants to live in America because he wants to live in his day's Rome. The deportation order was overturned in 1975. He received his permanent green card in 1976.