John Lennon has two live albums in his solo catalogue, the Live Peace In Toronto 1969 with the Plastic Ono Band and another that was recorded three years later in New York City. Whereas the first came out contemporaneously the Live In New York City album was released posthumously in 1986.
Recorded on 30 August 1972 at Madison Square Garden, Lennon performed two shows, one in the afternoon and one in the evening, to raise money for children with mental health issues. Live in New York City was John Lennon's last full-length concert performance, shortly after the release of Some Time in New York City. The concerts, billed as 'One to One', also featured Stevie Wonder, Roberta Flack, Melanie Safka and Sha-Na-Na, but none of their performances are featured on the album or subsequent video release.
Backing Lennon and Yoko Ono were Elephant's Memory, who played on Some Time in New York City. The material that was performed was largely drawn from John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band, Imagine and Some Time in New York City, but also included ‘Come Together’ from the Beatles’ Abbey Road and covered Elvis Presley’s ‘Hound Dog’ before finishing with, ‘Give Peace a Chance’.
There is a poignancy to this album as it was the only rehearsed and full-length live performances of John’s solo career, and his first – and last – formal, live concerts since the Beatles retired from the road in 1966.
Yoko produced the album and these two concerts also marked the last time that John and Yoko performed together on stage.
Released in February 1986 the album made the US charts on 22 March and peaked shortly after at #41. Sadly it is no longer available, but it would be fitting tribute if it were once again added to John’s solo catalogue.
FURTHER LISTENING:
Visit the dedicated John Lennon artist page here or use the players below to listen to our playlists in your chosen streaming service. You can also click the links underneath to view the playlists directly in the Spotify app.
Essential John Lennon - Nothing but the very best tracks!
Digging Deeper - Selected highlights of lesser known tracks from across the catalogue:
Click here to view or subscribe to the Digging Deeper playlist in Spotify
Complete - Everything on your chosen streaming service in one playlist!
Click here to view or subscribe to the Complete playlist in Spotify