John Lennon & George Harrison Interview on Frost Programme (October 4, 1967)

Following their successful appearance on The Frost Programme just days prior, John Lennon and George Harrison returned to Wembley Studios in London for another enlightening discussion on Transcendental Meditation. Hosted by the esteemed David Frost, the duo delved into the depths of meditation once more, fielding questions from viewers' letters and engaging with members of the studio audience.

During the 45-minute show, Lennon and Harrison shared their personal insights and experiences with Transcendental Meditation, shedding light on its benefits and addressing any skepticism. The conversation extended beyond mere advocacy, as they participated in a lively discussion with both proponents and opponents of meditation, offering a well-rounded perspective on the practice.

Recorded from 6-7pm, the edition of The Frost Programme provided a platform for thoughtful discourse on meditation and its implications. Broadcasted on the ITV network from 10:30-11:15pm on the same evening, the episode offered viewers a deeper understanding of Transcendental Meditation through the lens of two iconic musicians.

 

Pattie Boyd Pictures

John Lennon and Yoko Ono Demonstrate "Howling" (September 15, 1969)

On Monday, September 15, 1969, at the iconic Apple Corps headquarters in London, England, ITV News correspondent Keith Hatfield had the exclusive opportunity to sit down with Lennon and Ono, who discussed the genesis of "howling."With the dissolution of the Beatles looming and rumors swirling about potential solo projects, Lennon hinted at his willingness to explore new avenues of creativity.

This footage originally aired on Tuesday, September 16, 1969, and within four days Lennon would announce his departure from the Beatles at an Apple meeting with the group.

 

John Lennon and the Plastic Ono Band: Sweet Toronto (September 13, 1969)

On the night of Saturday, September 13, 1969, the Toronto Rock and Roll Revival Festival erupted in a whirlwind of music, mayhem, and unexpected moments. For John Lennon, it began with a sense of reluctance, a nagging regret at having agreed to take the stage at all. But as fate would have it, Lennon found himself swept up in a whirlwind of events, propelled forward by the irrepressible energy of his bandmates and the allure of rock 'n' roll.

As the hastily assembled Plastic Ono Band – featuring Lennon, Eric Clapton, Klaus Voormann, and Alan White – boarded a plane bound for Canada, the air crackled with anticipation. Amidst the hum of engines and the chatter of passengers, the group hastily rehearsed a medley of rock 'n' roll standards, their impromptu jam sessions setting the stage for what was to come.

Arriving at the Varsity Stadium of Toronto University, the band found themselves thrust into a festival atmosphere unlike any other. With 20,000 eager ticket holders unaware of their impending performance, the element of surprise hung thick in the air, adding to the electric atmosphere of the night.

As midnight approached, the Plastic Ono Band's black limousine swept into the backstage area, accompanied by a roaring procession of 80 motorcycles. Amidst a flurry of excitement and flashing cameras, Lennon and his bandmates retreated to the dressing room, nerves and anticipation mingling in equal measure.

But when the moment finally arrived, all doubts melted away in the blaze of lights and the roar of the crowd. Led by Lennon's raw vocals and Clapton's blistering guitar solos, the band tore through a setlist that spanned the spectrum of rock 'n' roll, from the infectious rhythm of 'Blue Suede Shoes' to the raw intensity of 'Cold Turkey'.

Yet, amidst the frenzy of performance, Lennon's candor shone through. Admitting his struggles with addiction and his inability to recall lyrics, he improvised words on stage, weaving a tapestry of spontaneity and emotion that captivated the audience.

The Beatles at the Savoy Hotel, London (September 10, 1963)

On September 10, 1963, during a rare break from their hectic schedule, John Lennon and Paul McCartney attended a luncheon at the Savoy Hotel in London hosted by the Variety Club of Great Britain. They were honored with the award for Top Vocal Group of the Year, solidifying The Beatles' growing status as establishment figures. The Variety Club, associated with Variety, the Children's Charity, has long-standing ties to the entertainment industry and aims to raise funds for disadvantaged children.

 

Pattie Boyd Pictures

The Beatles Attending a Bob Dylan Concert at the Isle of Wight Festival (August 31, 1969)

On the evening of Sunday, August 31, 1969, the Isle of Wight Festival pulsed with anticipation as music legends converged for a historic event. Among the throngs of eager spectators were none other than three-quarters of The Beatles – John Lennon, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr – accompanied by their wives, Yoko Ono, Pattie Harrison, and Maureen Starkey.

The festival's main attraction? None other than the enigmatic Bob Dylan, making his triumphant return to the stage after a three-year hiatus. As the sun dipped below the horizon, Dylan and his band took to the stage, their music igniting the night with a fiery energy that reverberated through the hearts of the 150,000-strong audience.

Amidst the sea of faces, familiar figures could be spotted – Keith Richards, Bill Wyman, Eric Clapton, and more, all drawn by the magnetic pull of Dylan's legendary performance. For Lennon, Harrison, and Starr, the evening held a special significance, a chance to witness one of their musical heroes in action.

Yet, as the night wore on, anticipation gave way to a sense of restless energy. The late hour weighed heavily on the crowd, and even the promise of a potential Beatles-Dylan jam seemed to hang in the balance. Despite their eagerness, the opportunity never materialized, leaving a sense of unfulfilled possibility lingering in the air.

After the final chord had faded into the night, the three Beatles found themselves at Dylan's rented farmhouse, where they shared in the camaraderie of music and friendship. Amidst laughter and revelry, they presented Dylan with a pre-release copy of Abbey Road, a gesture of respect and admiration between musical titans.

As the night stretched into the early hours, the farmhouse echoed with the strains of Abbey Road, a testament to the enduring bond shared between artists who had shaped the very fabric of rock 'n' roll. And in that moment, amidst the glow of friendship and music, the spirit of collaboration thrived, transcending the boundaries of fame and fortune.