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I continued to read about the Amsterdam Bed-in and the Dutch Fan Club's involvement in the May/June 1999 issue of Beatles Unlimited Magazine. I found another story written by another member who met John and Yoko. I thought it was interesting that some of the questions from the interview were the same questions asked on the paper I had shared earlier in the week.
For one week, the Hilton's guests heard nothing else but shouting from the ever-waiting fans outside in front of the door, hoping to see John and Yoko. A quick glimpse, maybe outside the window, was often rewarded by the couple. John waved his hands like a king while Yoko blew kisses down with her hands. It was the ultimate satisfaction and the highest attainable for the fans! At that time, most of the fans were just happy knowing which window was theirs. It was easy to spot as the windows had John's posters on it, but it was the "Virgin" backside we saw!
During the first few days, fans were also happy to have a closer look inside Lennon's car, a white Rolls Royce with a bar, phone, TV, radio, record player, and tape player. Many attempts by fans to get access to the actual floor failed, but there was always a bellboy or a porter blocking you as if they were protecting the crown jewels! But John and Yoko had no intention of hiding themselves. On the contrary, the couple had decided to meet as many people as possible to talk to them about peace and also sometimes about the Beatles. In groups of 10 to 20, they sat around the bed, journalists, photographers, writers, and us.
Frits Ubels then a staff member of the Dutch Beatles fan club, was present along with a handful of fans. Here's his report.
One of the girls that stood there from 2pm, a crowd of the press, were gathered there as well. Suddenly a car came in front. It was stormed because everyone thought it might be them. But finally, at 23:37, a white Rolls Royce stopped in front. It was routine. It was difficult for John and Yoko to get to the entrance of the hotel. Both were dressed in white. After they entered the hotel lobby, they were scrutinized by the neat, smart, posh hotel guests.
We, the fans outside, were satisfied with looking at the interior of his car. The car (EUC 110 C ) had a TV antenna on the roof, and among the luggage were a couple of open red boxes with clothing inside. We had seen John and Yoko, and it meant a great deal to me.
On behalf of the Dutch Beatles fan club, we had sent two telegrams to John and Yoko after they had arrived. One was to congratulate them on their marriage, and the other one was to welcome them to Amsterdam. Of course, it took many phone calls to Bovema and the Hilton before we finally got permission to speak to and meet the couple. On Saturday afternoon, right after we arrived at the Hilton, it was clear to us that any intention to try to get inside by any fans were completely blocked. After three checkpoints, a porter, a desk, and a bellboy, we finally reached the ninth floor, where the fourth security check took place. After a Secret Knock on the door, the door opened, and ... there they were!
Sitting on the blankets and in pajamas were John and Yoko. She had a yellow flower between her toes, and she and John were surrounded by questioning fans and school newspaper journalists. They had also been invited for the peace chat. The walls were decorated with handmade drawings proclaiming, "Grow your hair," "Stay in bed," and "Hair Peace," as well as the poster that was produced by a photo printer and which was for sale in the shops at seven pounds 50. In the corner stood the white bicycle given to them by the fan in the name of Provo, an organization that was quite famous at the time.
We were given two spots for the photographers among us, and John's tape recorder ran silently, recording the conversation. It had to be a peace talk, although questions about the Beatles were answered too. Those questions and answers that were not used by the press are presented below.
Q: what do you mean with Hair Peace?
J: Well, just grow your hair to show that you want peace. Hair nowadays is very important. You can recognize someone through his hair; through your hair, you are a Beatnik, a Beatle, a Provo, a Rolling Stone. This will have to stop now. People with long hair will show their point, demanding peace, just no more war.
Q: What about if you have to serve your country?( In England, there's no military service anymore."
J: I would refuse.
Q: What about if they should send you to Vietnam?
J: Again I'll refuse.
Q: And if they should force you?
J: They wouldn't dare.
Q, Will Yoko's movie, John smile, be released in the cinemas here in the Netherlands?
Y: I hope so.
J: yes, pretty soon.
Q: Are the both of you working on a new LP?
J: It's already finished, and the LP will be released on the second of May.
Q, are you still using drugs?
J: Well now and then.
Q: You both believe in reincarnation, don't you? What do you think you'll be after this life?
J: Happy, something sweet.
Y: I'll be reunited with John again.
Q: Do you really believe you can talk with Brian Epstein through a seance?
J: Maybe. I believe everything, unless it's proven different.
Q: How do you think about the Maharishi today?
J: I like him, and I still meditate.
Q: If you weren't a Beatle, what else would you be?
J: Probably the same. I am, who I am. I actually can't give you an answer to this question. While I am a Beatle. I also can't give an answer to the question of what I should be when I wasn't born.
Q: Why did all this publicity happen during your honeymoon?
J: Well, if you're famous, you'll be watched by the press; even on your honeymoon, they can't leave you alone, so you might as well invite them. It doesn't matter.
Q: Why did you say that you were the ugliest couple in the world? I like what I see. You're both dressed in pajamas.
J: Thank you. But we had criticism from all over the world. It hurts when people are cruel, even when you feel pity for them.
Q, John, thank you for all those happy years you gave your fans with your music.
J: Okay, that's the reason why I'd like to continue for many years. I'm glad to know that there are people I can make happy.
Q: What do you think at the moment, John?
J: I'm hungry, I'm tired, and I want peace and something to eat.
That was a good enough reason to stop. After we gave them some flowers and got an autograph, we shook hands and went away at the door. We quickly turned for a last snapshot of two very serious peace ambassadors, and then we were gone.
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