Good Vibrations founder Terri Hooley has revealed he once punched John Lennon.
The Northern Irish figure is a true hero, someone who has fought the good fight for countless decades. Refusing to be cowed by the Troubles, his Good Vibrations record shop in Belfast became a beacon for fans on both sides of the sectarian divide.
Defying threats from para-military organisations, Terri Hooley helped offer hope to those who needed it most. Whether it was via his shop, promoting local shows, or releasing music through the Good Vibrations independent label, he’s consistently stood for the better qualities in humanity, come what may.
He’s met more than a few people along the way. A new memoir reveals a few unexpected tales – including a clash with Beatles icon John Lennon.
In a Guardian piece about the book, Terri Hooley recalls a trip to London, visiting a fundraiser put on by underground title Oz magazine. John Lennon – who frequently supported Oz financially – was there, and was introduced to Hooley.
The Beatle seemingly mistook Terri Hooley for an IRA supporter, and offered to supply him with weapons. In response, Terri Hooley took a swing at John Lennon, and punched him.
“He was stoned so it wasn’t my proudest moment,” says Hooley. “When I met Cynthia [Lennon’s first wife] and told her, she said, ‘You should have hit him harder!’”
The punch didn’t seem to put John Lennon off from voicing his opinions on the Troubles – 1972 solo album ‘Some Time In New York City’ contains both ‘Sunday Bloody Sunday’ and ‘The Luck Of The Irish’, both informed by the conflict.
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Terri Hooley was introduced to Derry band The Undertones in the latter half of the 70s, with the first release of their seminal single ‘Teenage Kicks’ coming through his Good Vibrations imprint. “CBS, EMI, anyone who would see me, said no. I went to Rough Trade, then the biggest indie label, and they told me it was the worst record they’d ever heard. I went back to Belfast in bits. Then John Peel played it. Twice in a row.”
It’s now revered as an all-time classic – listen again once more below.
Terri Hooley: Seventy-Five Revolutions is out now.
