Our third interview with Yoko Ono

    * By Steve Marinucci
       Beatles Examiner

      February 11th, 2010 

(Introduction: This interview was done by email. We thank Yoko Ono for taking the time to answer our questions.)

Yoko Ono says she regrets ever mentioning doing an autobiography

Q: I've discovered there is already an autobiography by Yoko called "ima anatani shittemoraitaikoto (what I would like you to know now)". Are there any plans to translate this to English?

Yoko Ono: It's not an autobiography. It's a collection of essays I've written in Japanese. 

Q: When I interviewed you in 1998, you said you had done some web surfing and expressed an interest in the internet. In the past year, you've been one of the most visible well-known names on Twitter. What is it about Twitter you like so much and that makes you feel it's such a good communication tool?

Yoko Ono: I like the minimalist aspect of it.

Q: What has surprised you most about the questions you get on Twitter each week?

Yoko Ono: Nothing surprised me.

Q: Did reviving the Plastic Ono Band for your album make you approach your music in a different way for "Between My Head and the Sky"?

Yoko Ono: It's just me, as I always was with my songs and albums.

Q: There have been stories calling the New York show the first Plastic Ono Band show in many years. Can you briefly say what the concept of the POB is? And, in a general sense, aren't we all POB?

Yoko Ono: Yes. You are. And you will see how, when you come to the concert.

Q: How much is working with Sean like working with John? Do they both have similar musical approaches?

Yoko Ono: No, not similar. But the passion is the same. They are both passionate musicians. And I am, too, I think.

Q: Any more music projects in the works?

Yoko Ono: I already have some ideas....

Q: You provided a version of John Lennon's "Mother" for the film "Nowhere Boy." Have you seen the film and what did you think about what it said about John's early life?

Yoko Ono: You will see in this film for the first time, how hard it was for John in his childhood.

Q: Do you have any definite plans for more public appearances, peace tree installations or more concerts this year?

Yoko Ono: I'll do as much as I can.

Q: How much of the Oakland concert will be from your recent album? Will it be all music from the past few albums or is there a chance you will go back to the Apple recordings, both by the Plastic Ono Band and yourself?

Yoko Ono: Old songs will be new, too.

Q: Any thoughts of reissues of your older material, especially the Apple recordings?

Yoko Ono: We are discussing what is the best way to do it.

Q: Were you surprised with the success in reaching across generations "The Beatles: Rock Band" has had?

Yoko Ono: None of us were surprised since it was obvious that Beatles' Rock Band was something the world needed now.

Q: From an artistic standpoint, "Love" had to be especially intriguing and enjoyable for you in both its conception and final presentation. As an artist yourself, what does looking at the Beatles and their music from the scope of "Love" add to their artistic legacy?

Yoko Ono: I love it.

Q: Are you pleased with President Obama's progress toward peace?

Yoko Ono: It's up to us to work on it. IMAGINE PEACE. WAR IS OVER IF YOU WANT IT.

Q: And I have to ask ... are there any special John Lennon projects on tap for this year?

Yoko Ono: You will get many quality stuff. But I am not going to divulge any information now.

Q: Also, can you give any hints about Beatle projects that might be in the works?

Yoko Ono: That's a no, no.

Q: With all you do, how do you find time to relax and how do you like to relax?

Yoko Ono: I love to work. Doing things we love is how we relax, I think.

(Thanks to Kip Kouri for assistance with the interview.)