May Pang To Exhibit "Lost Weekend" Candids Of John Lennon In New Hope

NEW HOPE, PA — Few people knew John Lennon as intimately as May Pang. Pang was Lennon’s lover during the infamous “Lost Weekend,” which lasted 18 months during late 1973 through 1975.

During this highly creative time for Lennon, Pang took candid photos of Lennon in a comfortable, relaxed environment. A collection of these private photographs will be on display and available for purchase at Arete Gallery, 122 South Main Street, New Hope on Friday, May 19 through Sunday, May 21. Admission to the exhibit is free and all works are available to purchase.

May Pang will be in attendance at Arete Gallery, meeting customers and telling stories behind these amazing limited-edition photographs of John Lennon.

During the Lost Weekend, with May's help, Lennon had his most artistically and commercially productive period post-Beatles—with the albums "Mind Games", "Walls and Bridges", which included his only #1 Hit Single "Whatever Gets You Through the Night", "Rock and Roll" and collaboration with Rock legends Elton John, David Bowie, Harry Nilsson, Mick Jagger, and Ringo among others. On the “Walls & Bridges” album Pang can be heard on the song “#9 Dream” where she whispers John’s name. Another song on the album “Surprise, Surprise (Sweet Bird of Paradox)” was written about Pang.

Father & Son, Long Island Sound, NY 1974. (Contributed)

Pang also encouraged Lennon to reconnect with his family and his friends, which ultimately led to a reunion with Paul McCartney and a memorable jam session between the two Beatles. Pang also arranged for Julian Lennon to visit his father for the first time in almost three years. One of Pang’s photographs of Julian Lennon graces the cover of Julian’s latest album entitled “Jude.”

Lennon also went into the studio with friend Harry Nilsson during this time and produced his album, “Pussy Cats.” It was during this time that Pang rented a house in Santa Monica and moved in with Lennon and fellow partiers Ringo Starr, Keith Moon (The Who) and Harry Nilsson. Several photos from this time also appear in the exhibition.

Another highlight of the exhibition is the only photograph that exists of John Lennon signing the contract to dissolve the Beatles. This 50-year old photo has never been available to the public for purchase until now.

Pang has also published three books on her times with Lennon including Loving John, John Lennon – The Lost Weekend and Instamatic Karma featuring photos from her private archives.

“The Lost Weekend – The Photography of May Pang” coincides with the feature film documentary “The Lost Weekend: A Love Story” that premiered in theaters last month. Watch the film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6v07NzukoZU

“The Lost Weekend – The Photography of May Pang” exhibition will provide fans with a rare opportunity to see John Lennon in a new light, through the lens of someone who knew him intimately during one of the most creative periods of his life. Pang’s photos will be on display and available to purchase for three days only.

Check out the show and meet May Pang at Arete Gallery, 122 S. Main Street, New Hope, on Friday, May 19 and Sunday, May 21.