May Pang: The Woman Who Gave John Lennon Back to Himself

May Pang is often remembered as the woman who shared John Lennon’s “Lost Weekend”—a misnomer for an 18-month period of emotional clarity, musical rebirth, and personal healing. But Pang’s story is far more than a romantic interlude in rock history. She was a trusted assistant, a creative collaborator, a witness to the unraveling and rebuilding of one of the 20th century’s most iconic artists, and a woman who helped reconnect Lennon with his estranged son, Julian. This in-depth feature explores her family history, career, relationship with Lennon, and her life after the spotlight faded.

Roots in Manhattan

May Fung Yee Pang was born on October 24, 1950, in Manhattan, New York City, to Chinese immigrant parents. She grew up in Spanish Harlem with her older sister and adopted brother, both born in China. Her mother ran a laundry business, and the family later relocated to an apartment near 97th Street and 3rd Avenue when their tenement was scheduled for demolition.

May attended Saint Michael Academy, a Catholic girls’ school, and later enrolled at New York City Community College. She aspired to become a model, but was told by agencies that she was “too ethnic”—a rejection that would shape her understanding of identity and visibility in the entertainment world.

Breaking into the Music Industry

May’s first job in music was as a song plugger, promoting compositions to recording artists. In 1970, she joined ABKCO Records, the management company run by Allen Klein, which represented Apple Records and three former Beatles: Lennon, Harrison, and Starr.

Her competence and calm demeanor led to her being assigned as a production coordinator and assistant to John Lennon and Yoko Ono. She helped organize Ono’s art exhibition This Is Not Here in Syracuse in 1971, and worked on Lennon’s avant-garde film projects like Fly and Up Your Legs Forever. When the Lennons moved to Manhattan, Pang became their full-time personal assistant.

The “Lost Weekend” Begins

In mid-1973, Lennon and Ono’s marriage hit a breaking point. Ono, sensing the need for space, suggested that May Pang accompany John during their separation. What began as a logistical arrangement evolved into a romantic relationship that lasted for 18 months.

Lennon and Pang moved to Los Angeles, where he reconnected with old friends like Harry Nilsson, Ringo Starr, and Keith Moon. The period was chaotic—marked by heavy drinking and infamous incidents like the “Smothers Brothers ejection” from the Troubadour—but it was also creatively fertile.

Lennon recorded Walls and Bridges (1974), which included the hit “Whatever Gets You Thru the Night” with Elton John. He also collaborated with David Bowie on “Fame” and produced Rock ’n’ Roll, a covers album that paid homage to his musical roots. Pang was instrumental in organizing sessions, managing logistics, and providing emotional support.

Reconnecting with Julian Lennon

One of Pang’s most profound contributions was helping Lennon reconnect with his son Julian, whom he had become estranged from after divorcing Cynthia Lennon. Pang encouraged phone calls, arranged visits, and facilitated a relationship that had long been neglected.

Julian later credited Pang with restoring his bond with his father. “She was the one who made it happen,” he said in interviews. During this time, Lennon and Julian spent holidays together, and Pang documented their moments in photographs later published in her book Instamatic Karma.

Emotional and Artistic Growth

Despite the chaos, Lennon flourished emotionally during his time with Pang. He stopped drinking, began therapy, and reconnected with his musical instincts. Pang provided a stabilizing presence, encouraging him to write, record, and reflect.

Lennon referred to this period as his “Lost Weekend,” but later admitted it was one of the most productive and emotionally honest times of his life. Pang’s influence was subtle but profound—she didn’t try to change him, but helped him rediscover himself.

Songs like “Surprise, Surprise (Sweet Bird of Paradox)” were written about Pang, and she appears in the lyrics and liner notes of several albums. She was not just a muse—she was a collaborator and confidante.

The End of the Affair

In early 1975, Ono re-entered Lennon’s life. She contacted him under the pretense of a medical emergency and gradually reasserted her presence. Pang was blindsided when Lennon returned to Ono, ending their relationship abruptly.

Though heartbroken, Pang remained dignified. She continued working in the music industry and maintained a friendship with Lennon until his death in 1980. In interviews, she said, “Our relationship never died. It just changed.”

Her memoir Loving John (1983) offered a candid but respectful account of their time together. She later published Instamatic Karma (2008), a collection of personal photographs that captured Lennon’s humanity during their shared journey.

Life After Lennon

In 1989, Pang married record producer Tony Visconti, known for his work with David Bowie and T. Rex. They had two children and divorced in 2000. Pang also became a successful jewelry designer, launching her own line and appearing at trade shows and exhibitions.

She remained active in Beatles fan communities, giving talks, attending conventions, and participating in documentaries. In 2022, she co-produced The Lost Weekend: A Love Story, a film that reexamined her relationship with Lennon from her perspective.

A Legacy of Truth and Healing

May Pang’s story is one of courage, clarity, and compassion. She entered Lennon’s life during a time of emotional fragmentation and helped him rebuild his relationships—with Julian, with music, and with himself. She never sought fame, but she preserved truth.

Her legacy is not just in the photographs or memoirs—it’s in the emotional restoration she facilitated. She gave Lennon space to breathe, to feel, and to reconnect. And in doing so, she shaped one of the most transformative chapters in his life.