The Plastic Ono Band-Live Peace In Toronto 1969

[nocturnalquadruped]

This show very nearly never happened, Lennon received a call from the promoter who wanted the Lennon's to maybe do some promotional stuff and possibly introduce some of the acts. You can imagine his surprise when John stated that he would only appear if he could play. The only thing stopping him now was the fact that he didn't have a band. Calling up old pals Eric Clapton and Klaus Voormann with Alan White on Drums they headed out to Canada, rehearsing and organising the set list on the plane with unplugged guitars. John introduced the band by saying "we are only going to do numbers we know because we have never played together before." So does it sound like it? Well the record company were reluctant to release it but it still went platinum (I think) and sales were very healthy. The first side consists of John and the band doing three rock 'n' roll standards and three Lennon originals. The band cruise through these numbers and despite the lack of rehearsal in one instance (Money) I think they bettered the version put out by the Beatles. This album is difficult to listen to for two reasons and they are both on what would have been the second side of the release. Yoko's "Don't Worry Kyoko" and "John, John, Let's hope for Peace." I have no problem with listening to art rock (or avant garde of avn't garde a clue in the words of George Harrison), although I understand those that do, but I need to be in the mood and this album does not allow the transition from rock 'n' roll to avant garde. For those of you that can't stand yoko there was a release in the late eighties called Lennon, it was a four CD box set collective and on disc one are the first six tracks with Yoko edited out. Over all the band rock and it would have been a great experience to witness. But due to the the change in mood at the half way mark I only give it *** (three stars)
1. Blue Suede Shoes - (7)
2. Money - (9)
3. Dizzy Miss Lizzy - (7)
4. Yer Blues - (8)
5. Cold Turkey - (7)
6. Give Peace A Chance - (7)
7. Don't Worry Kyoko - (4)
8. John, John, Let's Hope For Peace - (3)
My favorite track on this release is Money, John's voice is awesome on this track and the heavy guitars lend a raw edge that the Beatles never had when they recorded it. My least favorite track is track 8, a lot of patience is required to listen and it doesn't have the redeeming riff of track 7.
This show allegedly gave John the idea that he would be able to live without the Beatles, and was probably partly responsible for his final decision to quit the band.

[monkey99]

I was at this show and already posted about it elsewhere.

lennonfans.proboards81.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=beatles&thread=1181814353&page=1

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at a music fest at Varsity Stadium, rumour was going around all day that John and Yoko might be there.Sure enough late in the afternoon, a loud roar could be heard .Looking over the wall was many many motorcycles leading a limo into the stadium.
Out came John and Yoke.Eric Clapton and others.John said they had never played together and had rehearsed over the Atlantic.
Played just basic songs with Yoko in a bag most of the show.Then she came out and they did an incredible Dont Worry Kyoko.The next song Yoko just screamed, The crowd booed her,John was pissed off, put his arm around her, put his guitar down in feedback mode, and they left, with Johns feedback still vibrating the stadium.

Remember, the Beatles were still the Beatles at this time, so this was a very important event, a Beatle playing without the other Beatles.A sign of things to come

BTW, the band who was on before John?
The Doors

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I remember it clearly.
And you are wrong, Dont Worry Kyoko is a very rocking song.As John said in Lennon Remembers, "Dont worry Kyoko is one of the greatest Rock N Roll songs ever.

I haqve no idea what this is supposed to mean..

"and this album does not allow the transition from rock 'n' roll to avant garde. "

Says who? Please explain

[nocturnalquadruped]

I noted the value of the riff in Don't worry Kyoko, you get no arguments from me there, Lennon was well undervalued when it came to his guitar ability, as for the transition from rock to avant garde, it is of course my opinion as it's my review. It's all subjective and comes to personal taste, wish i had been at the show as well. Love and peace

[jean]

Well, the world would be a boring place if we all had the same opinions... I think Don't Worry Kyoko is one of Yoko's better songs and I like it, but I can certainly understand why a lot of people wouldn't.