
Episode 29: Whatever Gets You to the Light
From Rock N Roll Archaeology by Pantheon Media
November 19, 2025 · 1h 28m
About this episode
The episode explores the contrasting journeys of Elton John and John Lennon in the 1970s, highlighting their personal and professional struggles.
Synopsis Rock N Roll Archaeology excavates the divergent paths of Elton John and John Lennon in the first half of the 1970s, a period where one man sprinted toward the brightest spotlight on Earth while the other desperately sought an escape. From Elton's star-making coronation at the Troubadour to Lennon's chaotic "Lost Weekend" in Los Angeles, their journeys collide in a New York studio with a high-stakes wager over the song "Whatever Gets You Thru the Night." This is a story of two friends, two paths, and the unforeseen consequences of getting exactly what you wish for, set against the backdrop of the post-Beatles power vacuum and the dizzying heights of 70s superstardom. Producer and Host: Christian Swain Head Writer: Richard Evans Sound Designer: Jerry Danielsen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
People in this episode
Host: Christian Swain
Topics covered
- Elton John
- John Lennon
- 1970s music
- superstardom
- friendship
- music history
Keywords
- Elton John
- John Lennon
- 1970s
- music history
- superstardom
- Lost Weekend
- Troubadour
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