Colin Hall, the former custodian of John Lennon's childhood home Mendips in Liverpool, has shared the remarkable story of Bob Dylan's unannounced visit in May 2009. Hall, who lived at the property for 20 years after Yoko Ono bought it, recalled how the legendary musician joined a public tour incognito.
Dylan arrived during the lunch break at Paul McCartney's childhood home, 20 Forthlin Road, and asked to see the house. When told he would have to wait for the afternoon tour, he instead drove to Speke Hall to board the last tour bus of the day, which stopped at Mendips. Dylan wore a hoodie and was accompanied by his entourage, but blended in with other visitors.
Hall, 76, from Woolton, said: 'The driver phoned me and said, “Colin, you’re late. You’re talking too much as usual.” I said, “I’m not late, I’m waiting for the bus.” Then the bus arrived, and Bob Dylan got off. It was an incredible moment.'
Hall, author of 'The Songs The Beatles Gave Away' and 'PreFab!', has kept many celebrity encounters private over the years, but decided to share this story now. He maintained a friendship with Yoko Ono, who bought Mendips in 2004 to open it as a visitor attraction, and insisted on treating famous guests as ordinary visitors.
Hall's wife, Sylvia, became custodian of Paul McCartney's childhood home and developed a close bond with Mike McCartney, Paul's brother. Sylvia's play 'Julia's Song', about John Lennon's mother, will debut at the Epstein Theatre later this year.
