John Lennon Chocolate Craving Interview

John Lennon’s Chocolate Craving Revealed

Are you a fan of The Beatles? What about Beatles trivia? Of course, you say.

It seems that when we love something, like America loved The Beatles, we just can’t let it go. That’s why we like to resurrect facts and interesting tidbits of information in trivia games with friends and family. Well, I’ve got a good one for you.

But, how does this relate to chocolate? Let me tell you…

In true trivia fashion, allow me to ask –

Did you know that the legendary Beatles member John Lennon once asked to be compensated with Chocolate Olivers for a TV interview?

Now you know!

Yes, even The Beatles had chocolate cravings.

The interview I’m speaking about was done by Bob Harris, who presented The Old Grey Whistle Test, a British television music show which ran from 1971 to 1988 on BBC Radio 2.

When Harris reported to John Lennon that he’d have to be compensated, the required 15 British pounds for agreeing to do the interview, Lennon responded with a simple counter request – that he instead be compensated with a box of Chocolate Olivers, a treat he’d been missing from back home.

What are Chocolate Olivers? The British refer to them as biscuits. We know them as scrumptious dark chocolate covered crisp cookies. They are hard to find stateside, but well worth the effort for a taste.

The recipe for the inner biscuit originated with Dr. William Oliver, who concocted them for patients of his exclusive spa. When his patrons reported weight gain caused by the biscuits, he changed the recipe to a plainer, less calorie-ridden biscuit.

It’s this recipe that was passed on from Dr. Oliver through changing hands until the Chocolate Oliver was at last created in the 1930s by manufacturers Huntly and Palmers. Although the company was closed from about 1990 to 2006, they continue making the mouth-watering confections.

Below is the interview with John Lennon, featured on the Old Grey Whistle Test by Bob Harris in 1975. You’ll notice at 4:56 John talks about missing his beloved Chocolate Olivers from England. Enjoy!

Photo: "john lennon, albert goldman" by steve is licensed under CC BY SA 2.0 /cropped from original

Ashleigh Rader
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