Power to the People: Unveiling John Lennon's Iconic One to One Concerts and Political Era
A newly discovered live video of John Lennon, Yoko Ono, and the Plastic Ono Band performing "Instant Karma! (We All Shine On)" in 1972 has been released. This footage was revealed on the 53rd anniversary of the iconic One to One Concerts at Madison Square Garden. The video premiered on the same date and time as the original afternoon performance on August 30 at 2 p.m. EDT. You can view the video, which will be part of a new concert film set to be released in 2026, below.
The performance is part of the upcoming box set titled "Power to the People," which focuses on Lennon's politically charged era. The box set is scheduled for release on October 10, one day after what would have been Lennon's 85th birthday. This 12-disc collection showcases Lennon's early period in New York City with Ono and the Plastic Ono Band, including the One to One Concerts, which were Lennon's only full live performances after leaving the Beatles.
The "Power to the People" box set documents Lennon and Ono's journey from December 1969 to August 1972. It includes a remixed version of the 1972 album "Some Time in New York City" and features both the afternoon and evening performances from the One to One Concerts. The set also contains numerous previously unreleased demos, home recordings, jam sessions, live tracks, and new mixes, including collaborations with Elephant's Memory and Frank Zappa and the Mothers from the Fillmore East in 1971.
The box set comprises a total of 123 tracks, with 90 of them being previously unreleased. The track listing includes a mix of live performances, studio jams, and home recordings from various events and locations where Lennon and the Plastic Ono Band performed. The collection offers a comprehensive look at this significant period in Lennon's career and his collaborations with other musicians.
In conclusion, the release of the live video of John Lennon, Yoko Ono, and the Plastic Ono Band performing "Instant Karma! (We All Shine On)" in 1972, along with the upcoming box set "Power to the People," provides fans with a unique opportunity to experience Lennon's politically charged era in New York City. The collection of previously unreleased tracks and recordings offers a deeper insight into Lennon's musical journey during this period, making it a must-have for fans and music enthusiasts alike.