Follow the Sun: The Beatles in Greece

Anatomy of a quote from ‘The Beatles Anthology’

What exactly did George Harrison say about the Greek island, and when?

Sep 24 • 

Jonathan Knott

4

Desertion, theft and a stay in hospital: Alf Lennon’s eventful war

Newly-discovered ships' records reveal how John Lennon’s father jumped ship in New York and was imprisoned in Algeria for stealing cargo, before being…

Sep 11 • 

Jonathan Knott

4

2

August 2025

The 'Blackpool incident': what we've been overlooking

Billy Hall, a good friend of John Lennon’s father Alfred, emigrated to New Zealand after the second world war. Did Alf intend to join him there?

Aug 21 • 

Jonathan Knott

6

2

July 2025

Recap: what we’ve learned about the Beatles’ Greek island mystery

My attempts to clarify a historical footnote led me into a maze of phantom islands, financial strategies, secret services and cold war propaganda.

Jul 24 • 

Jonathan Knott

5

February 2025

Where does the island name ‘Leslo’ come from?

While the name appears in Paul McCartney’s authorised biography, the author’s records suggest it didn’t originate from the Beatle himself.

Feb 5 • 

Jonathan Knott

6

3

December 2024

Who was the ‘Swedish actress’ with the Beatles in Greece?

A woman who appears in footage of the trip bears a surprising resemblance to a 1960s Hollywood star

Dec 4, 2024 • 

Jonathan Knott

3

3

October 2024

George Harrison on Monolia?

Footage shown during Paul McCartney's live performance of 'Now and Then' appears to show Harrison in the Lichadonisia archipelago

Oct 8, 2024 • 

Jonathan Knott

9

4

September 2024

John Lennon’s island fantasies

Considering Lennon’s interest in islands could help us understand his idealism, his reading habits, and his musical and literary writing – perhaps even…

Sep 19, 2024 • 

Jonathan Knott

17

4

August 2024

Mistake or misdirection? The ‘Aegos in Konstadinos’ mystery

The supposed name for the island the Beatles wanted doesn't seem to actually exist - but it's very similar to the name of a real place, that was close…

Aug 24, 2024 • 

Jonathan Knott

4

3

June 2024

A closer look at the Lichadonisia

Like the cluster of islands said to have been desired by the Beatles, Greece’s hidden ‘Seychelles’ are home to a natural harbour, abandoned houses and…

Jun 20, 2024 • 

Jonathan Knott

4

2

May 2024

A secret service connection? Argyris Mardas, IDEA and KYP

Employment by Greece’s Central Intelligence Service could explain why Alexis Mardas’ father is often associated with military and secret activity

May 29, 2024 • 

Jonathan Knott

3

5

April 2024

How a reporter tracked down the Beatles in Greece

Labis Tsirigotakis’ account fleshes out our picture of the group’s trip – while raising a few additional questions

Apr 24, 2024 • 

Jonathan Knott

5

3