John Lennon & George Harrison In Concert at the Lyceum Ballroom, London (December 15, 1969)

The Plastic Ono Band's live performance at the Lyceum Ballroom in London on Monday, December 15, 1969, was a momentous event that pushed boundaries and challenged expectations. The concert was part of a benefit event for the charity UNICEF, titled "Peace For Christmas," and featured an eclectic lineup of acts including the Young Rascals, Desmond Dekker and the Aces, Blue Mink, and Black Velvet, among others.

This particular performance by the Plastic Ono Band, however, stood out as a historic moment in music history. With just 48 hours' notice, the lineup for the Plastic Ono Band's debut European concert included an impressive array of talent: John Lennon, George Harrison, Eric Clapton, Klaus Voormann, Alan White, Billy Preston, Bobby Keys, Jim Price, and others.

The stage was set for an unforgettable night as Lennon, Harrison, Clapton, and the rest of the band took to the stage amidst a backdrop declaring "War Is Over." The atmosphere crackled with anticipation as the audience eagerly awaited what would unfold.

The performance itself was a revelation, with the band launching into a set that included the current single "Cold Turkey" and its B-side, "Don't Worry Kyoko (Mummy's Only Looking For Her Hand In The Snow)." "Cold Turkey" kicked off the set with raw intensity, showcasing Lennon's powerful vocals and the band's tight instrumentation.

However, it was the performance of "Don't Worry Kyoko" that truly captivated the audience. Clocking in at around 40 minutes, the song stretched the boundaries of conventional rock music, with Ono's primal wails soaring over the band's hypnotic grooves. The performance was described as "the most fantastic music" by Lennon himself, pushing the boundaries of what was expected from a live concert.

While some audience members may have been taken aback by the unconventional nature of the performance, those who stayed were treated to an immersive and transformative experience. As drummer Alan White recalled, the performance reached a frenetic climax as the band played faster and faster until they could go on no more.

In hindsight, the concert at the Lyceum Ballroom remains a landmark moment in music history, showcasing the innovative spirit and boundary-pushing ethos of the Plastic Ono Band. It was a night that defied expectations, challenged conventions, and left a lasting impression on all who were lucky enough to witness it.

 

John Lennon on the Death Penalty in Britain (December 15, 1969)

In 1969, John Lennon and Yoko Ono became deeply involved in the case of James Hanratty, a convicted murderer who had been executed seven years prior for a notorious crime in Britain. The case involved the rape of Valerie Storie and the murder of Michael John Gregsten on the A6 highway in Bedfordshire in 1961. Despite Hanratty's execution, doubts persisted about his guilt, with many suspecting another individual, Peter Alphon, as the likely perpetrator.

The trial, marked by extensive media coverage and public interest, resulted in Hanratty's conviction, although the evidence against him was somewhat circumstantial. His family continued to advocate for his innocence, and in late 1969, they met with John Lennon and Yoko Ono through a mutual acquaintance, John Cunningham. Lennon and Ono, in their characteristic style of activism, announced plans to make a film supporting Hanratty's case, aligning it with their broader protest against capital punishment.

The film, titled Did Britain Murder Hanratty?, was released by Apple Films, although Lennon's exact involvement remains unclear. Despite this, the film became associated with Lennon, and its only public screening occurred in 1972. The case sparked discussions about capital punishment and the fairness of the legal system, especially considering Hanratty's criminal record and the later DNA tests that seemingly confirmed his guilt.