Power to the People: John & Yoko's Iconic 1972 Madison Square Garden Concert Film Set for Theatrical Release
A concert film featuring John Lennon and Yoko Ono's iconic 1972 Madison Square Garden performance is set to be released in theaters this spring. Titled "Power to the People: John & Yoko/Plastic Ono Band With Elephant’s Memory and Special Guests – Live at the One to One Concert, New York City, 1972," the film will be shown on April 29 and May 3, with tickets available for purchase starting March 20 through a dedicated website.
John Lennon, following the breakup of The Beatles, performed only two full concerts, both of which were benefit shows to raise funds for developmentally disabled children. The concerts took place on August 30, featuring a lineup of notable artists like Stevie Wonder, Roberta Flack, Melanie, and Sha Na Na. The setlist included popular songs such as "Give Peace a Chance," "Imagine," "Come Together," and "Instant Karma!"
Director Steve Gebhardt captured the concerts on film, initially released as a 40-minute TV special and later re-edited into a 55-minute version titled "John Lennon Live in New York City." The new film, "Power to the People," has been meticulously restored, re-edited, and remixed by Sean Ono Lennon, the son of John Lennon and Yoko Ono. The film will be presented as a multiscreen concert experience, with some theaters offering Dolby Atmos or 5.1 Surround Sound for the audio.
Sean Ono Lennon expressed his gratitude for working on the film, highlighting the significance of his father's last concert and the raw, spontaneous nature of the performance. He emphasized the personal connection to the concert and the opportunity to experience unseen footage and audio of his father, providing a deeper understanding of his legacy.
In addition to the film, Sean Ono Lennon curated a box set titled "Power to the People," featuring audio recordings from the concerts. The box set received praise for capturing John Lennon's raw and emotional performance, showcasing his vulnerability and the energy of the backing band, Elephant's Memory. Notably, the track "Woman is the N***** of the World" was omitted from the box set, a decision that sparked discussion about the song's controversial title and message.
As the concert film prepares for its theatrical release, fans can anticipate a unique and immersive experience that celebrates the music and legacy of John Lennon and Yoko Ono. The film promises to offer a rare glimpse into the iconic 1972 concert, providing a new perspective on the legendary performance and its impact on music history.