By Laurie Kaye

Meeting an idol can be a life defining moment. Such a meeting, and the expectations surrounding it can either enhance or dispel the feelings one has for their heroes. In the case of Laurie Kaye, she had earned the opportunity to spend some quality time with her idol John Lennon and Yoko Ono at the Dakota building on December 8th 1980. Upon completion of her interview along with her RKO Radio colleagues; which was to be John’s last, it was considered by all parties to have been a great success. With plans to meet again, Laurie stepped out of the Dakota having been rewarded with a career defining interview topping what was the best day of her life …

The minutes following her departure from the Dakota building, and her being accosted by an aggressive individual demanding answers to his questions were to forever taint Laurie’s memories. Hours later she learnt of the attack and murder of John but that same individual who had pestered her and the pendulum had swung on the verdict of her day. It is sad to understand that Laurie still carries a burden of guilt arising from that day.

Having been asked for countless years, why she had not yet written her account of that day, the Covid lockdown and the passing of her mother afforded her the necessary time and space to put pen to paper. Her memoire is not just an account of that day. Laurie is a successful, journalist, writer, broadcaster and producer which has, over the span of a remarkable career, given her countless opportunities to meet and interview legendary musical personalities. Her story is from childhood through to and including the fateful day of December 1980 and it is one which I found to be compelling.

Her love of music in so many forms is evident on each page. From late night listening in her room on a transistor radio to seeing monumental figures in rock perform live including the Rolling Stones, David Bowie and also the Beatles. The influence of such events cannot be underestimated as well as the characters and relationships that travel with her on her path to the Dakota interview.

While working for RKO Radio Laurie was tasked to write and co-produce an epic radio show that eventually spanned in excess of seventeen hours. “From Liverpool to Legend” was produced for national syndication and was a key component in Laurie and her team being requested to conduct their interview with John and Yoko. The detailed account of those hours with John and Yoko are fascinating and poignant given its place in history. Both John and Yoko are obliging of their time and do not restrict the subjects for discussion adding a warmth and humour to proceedings in their own inimitable style.

Laurie’s book also details her memorable interviews with George Harrison, Paul and Linda McCartney [along with Wings] as well as with Beatles producer George Martin.

I know from experience that the readers of these pages have a deep musical appreciation in all forms and not just of the Beatles. Laurie’s telling of events, relationships and characters involved in her journey are colourful and sometimes shocking, sometimes funny … always compelling. I’m sure you’ll enjoy the ride despite knowing that the destination is going to be a sad place.

Review by Gwyn Jenkins.

Confessions of a Rock’n’Roll Name Dropper: My Life Leading Up to John Lennon’s Last Interview by Laurie Kaye is published by Fayetteville Mafia Press.

Available at: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Waterstones …