The original inspiration for “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” (off the immortal Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club), died last week at the age of 46, as a result of ongoing complications that stemmed from an incurable autoimmune disease.
Julian Lennon’s boyhood friend Lucy Vodden was recently revealed to be the source behind the now infamous psychedelia-fueled classic, which was long embraced by drug culture as an anthem for LSD use.
According to Britain’s Daily Mail, Julian drew a picture of his nursery school classmate (Vodden) alongside starbursts and other space themed imagery, and when showing his father the fruits of his labor, described the work of art by its now famous namesake.
Julian told reporters that he was “shocked and saddened” by the news and allegedly sent his condolences in a handwritten letter addressed to her family.
“I was so upset to hear what had happened,” he said.