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Julia Baird, John Lennon’s sister, recently shared insights with NME regarding the unveiling of a new exhibition in London. This exhibition features a replica of Lennon’s childhood bedroom and addresses her concerns about forthcoming Beatles biopics. Take a look at our interview with Baird and footage from the launch below.
Launched this week at Camden’s Stables, Live Odyssey has been characterized as “a celebration of the rich tapestry of British music, providing a unique experience for fans of all ages” through “an innovative tribute to the sounds that shaped Britain”.
This attraction combines live performances, an exhibition museum, and a holographic show featuring The Libertines, guiding visitors through six decades of music in a two-and-a-half-hour journey that showcases the evolution of British pop—from the early hits of the ’60s and ’70s to the Britpop surge of the ’90s and beyond.
This week, Baird unveiled a multi-sensory immersive exhibit dedicated to the late Lennon, illustrating his formative years leading up to his immense fame with The Beatles through various artefacts, artwork, writings, and moving images, curated by James Wilkinson.
A highlight of the exhibit is the reproduction of Lennon’s childhood room, which Baird described as “very moving”.
“If you’re a Beatles enthusiast, you’ve either visited Mendips or seen a photograph of John’s childhood abode, known for having ‘the box room’,” Baird stated to NME. “The space is quite cramped. You had just six inches to navigate. It’s incredibly true-to-life: the bed, the red quilt, everything. It’s a great representation of what his room was like. He spent countless hours there, writing and sketching.”
Baird detailed how allowing fans to experience the room contributes to her mission of reclaiming Lennon’s childhood narrative from myth.
“I published a book in 2006, Imagine This, and it has become clear that John’s childhood isn’t quite as it has been portrayed,” she explained to NME. “More individuals are now recognizing the reality. My mother wasn’t this carefree person who had kids and sold them online. That was the narrative I was encountering, so I felt the need to address it.
“With that context, James has taken excerpts from my book and adapted them for the room.”
Baird also expressed her fatigue with the constant stream of new films, books, and projects about John Lennon, particularly criticizing Sam Mendes’ upcoming high-budget biopics about each of the Beatles.
“It’s never-ending: new discoveries keep surfacing,” she commented. “I obviously have no control over any of this, nor do I desire it. However, I feel a sense of despair whenever I learn about the next project. Biopics, four of them—why? Just leave us alone! I say ‘us’ because it impacts me, my sister, my cousins. I read the news and think, ‘What else have they uncovered?’ I can’t fathom anything new.”
“John isn’t the only one feeling the effects; we are. But does anyone ever inquire about our perspective? No. Sam Mendes isn’t even visiting Liverpool. I don’t know if he’s ever been here or would consider coming this far North.”
It’s been announced that Harris Dickinson will portray Lennon, alongside Paul Mescal as Paul McCartney, Barry Keoghan as Ringo Starr, and Joseph Quinn as George Harrison.
“We have talented actors right here in Liverpool,” Baird noted. “We have acting schools and young men who could perfectly represent John. Will he meet them? No. Everybody knows that no one can mimic a Scouse accent without sounding ridiculous. They roll their Rs as if they’re in Mexico or something. It’s simply not accurate.
“Just come to Liverpool and find an actor from Liverpool.”
When asked about the potential for the Lennon biopic to offer an authentic portrayal of his childhood, Baird replied: “Wouldn’t that be fantastic? How will they accomplish that? I bet they won’t consult me. They’ll talk to someone who knew someone American with a dog that barks ‘John Lennon.’”
Gary Prosser, co-director of Live Odyssey, shared that the section dedicated to John Lennon was his “favorite room” in the exhibition. “It has an incredible New York loft vibe,” he told NME. “It feels very personal and intimate. What James has aimed to achieve is to narrate the story of John’s early life before The Beatles, including his family life, The Quarrymen, and what led him to The Beatles.”
Regarding the bedroom exhibit, he remarked: “Everyone depicts John as this mythical, untouchable figure. To see this box room where he dreamt is very special. The liberation started here, in spaces like this.”
Prosser described the rest of Live Odyssey as “a walk-through music experience chronicling the history of British live music, aiming to encapsulate the essence of the last 60 years.”
“We feature two live bands—one that represents the ‘60s and ‘70s and another that spans the ‘80s to today—and in between, there are many themed bars, artwork, merchandise, paraphernalia, posters, and a hologram of The Libertines performing a short set,” he mentioned.
“Six months ago, we painstakingly filmed The Libertines at The Roundhouse. They played three songs, and we’ve spent the last six months editing and assembling it. The response has been fantastic.”
In a previous conversation with NME, The Libertines’ Carl Barât stated: “This is something truly significant. Performing in Camden for this project brought everything full circle for us. Knowing it will remain as part of Live Odyssey is incredibly exciting—it’s a tribute to the music that shaped us and our loyal fans.
“This is a unique experience for us. Performing for this project in Camden felt like a full circle moment, from squatters to holograms, buskers to beams of light. Knowing it will be a part of ‘Live Odyssey’ is both thrilling and surreal—it’s a tribute to the people and music that influenced us and the place that made it all possible.”
Bandmate Pete Doherty added: “British music thrives on its history and its ability to change and grow. Being a part of this is exhilarating—it’s like stepping into the future while honoring the past.”
Live Odyssey is now open in Camden. Visit here for tickets and further information. Proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to Music Venue Trust.
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