The lads from Cardiff explore idolatry and reality with a sing-along song.
Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard have released an 8-minute documentary for their new single ‘John Lennon Is My Jesus Christ’; a song that focuses on how we idolise individuals despite, knowing deep down, that they are or were caustic and cruel individuals.
John Lennon famously got up in the morning, imagined equality in the afternoon and on the night checked up on his fur coats in their temperature-controlled, refrigerated room. In between, he was cocky, cruel and unaccountable for his words or actions, a hypocrite through and through.
The conflict between our admiration for his art and the reality of his temper and attitude towards others was the inspiration for Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard.
“[The song] started as a bit of fun more than anything,” says lead singer Tom Rees. “It developed into a conversation around idolisation, and how fandom, servitude and dedication to a certain character is universal, and not limited to any particular religion or art form. I’m really interested in the similarities and cultism in religion and art.
“I thought it was interesting to explore ideas around idolisation in an instance where the subject being idolised isn’t a good person, which is certainly the case for John Lennon – it was a provocation of my own idolisation of John, in the knowledge that he was truly an awful and wrathful person in reality.”
Across the 8 minute film, ‘Jesus Is My John Lennon’ is performed three times; once by Tom on his own; once by the whole band; and once whilst three dancers perform a pop-inspired dance routine.
“For me personally,” Rees says “there’s a fun contrast between the song itself, how we perform and the visual representation of the song through the dancers. In a usual scenario, the song would be steeped in ego with four men sweating and drooling, swinging and swaying, screaming and shouting. [But] It feels good to pair it with something distinctly pop, as opposed to rock, and see if it still rocks.”
The band also reference figures like Marc Bolan, David Bowie and Bill Fay throughout the song, comparing them to the Maharishi and Henry Ford. The lyrics refer to the individuals as god-like; they’re the reason you get up in the morning and the reason you got to bed at night.’
When it comes to our idols and their art, we tend to take them in as part of ourselves, and in turn, we find ways to justify the unjustifiable and love the unlovable. Whether you think that’s right or wrong is up to you, but Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard are raising the question with a stomping sing-along song.
Listen to Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard on Spotify and Apple Music. Get the latest edition of our magazine featuring interviews with Soccer Mommy, Alfie Templeman, Black Puma and Tennis HERE. Or, get a subscription for a whole year HERE.
