A new box set titled "Power to the People" has been released, celebrating the social activism of John Lennon and Yoko Ono, specifically their 1972 "One to One" benefit concerts. Produced by Sean Ono Lennon, this collection offers an in-depth look at a pivotal moment in the artists' post-Beatles careers, highlighting their commitment to social change.
Key Takeaways
- "Power to the People" box set focuses on Lennon and Ono's 1972 "One to One" concerts.
- The concerts were the only full-length performances by Lennon after The Beatles.
- Sean Ono Lennon produced the collection, continuing a series of legacy releases.
- The box set includes re-engineered audio and a comprehensive companion book.
- A key song, "Woman Is the N***** of the World," was intentionally omitted.
Celebrating a Historic Concert Event
The "Power to the People" box set provides an extensive experience of the August 30, 1972, "One to One" benefit concerts. These concerts took place at New York City's Madison Square Garden. Their purpose was to raise funds for disabled students at Staten Island’s Willowbrook School. This event showcased John and Yoko Ono at the forefront of their social activism during the 1970s.
Historically, the "One to One" event holds significant importance. It marked the only full-length concerts John Lennon performed after The Beatles' final live show. That last Beatles concert occurred in August 1966 at Candlestick Park in San Francisco. This makes the newly released recordings particularly valuable for music historians and fans alike.
Concert Fact
The "One to One" concerts were John Lennon's only full-length public performances after The Beatles' last concert in 1966.
Enhanced Audio and Companion Book
Sean Ono Lennon produced the "Power to the People" box set. Paul Hicks and Sam Gannon mixed and re-engineered the audio from the original multitrack tapes. This process has resulted in a high-quality sound experience. Listeners can immerse themselves in the live atmosphere of Madison Square Garden.
The concerts featured Lennon and Ono, backed by the band Elephant’s Memory. They performed several classic songs. These included "Come Together," "Instant Karma! (We All Shine On)," "Imagine," and "Give Peace a Chance." The re-engineered audio aims to capture the energy of these performances with clarity.
"The resulting mix draws listeners into the maelstrom of Madison Square Garden, with Lennon and Ono, backed by Elephant’s Memory, performing such classics as 'Come Together,' 'Instant Karma! (We All Shine On),' 'Imagine' and 'Give Peace a Chance.'"
Beyond the audio, the box set also features a comprehensive companion book. Simon Hilton compiled this book. It is described as a magnificent addition, aligning with the high standards of previous legacy releases from the Lennon estate. These releases, overseen by Sean Ono Lennon, have consistently received praise for their quality and detail in celebrating the post-Beatles work.
The Omission of a Controversial Song
One notable aspect of the "Power to the People" collection is the absence of the song "Woman Is the N***** of the World." This song originated from Irish revolutionary James Connolly's statement that "the female worker is the slave of the slave." Lennon and Ono released it as a single in April 1972 from their "Some Time in New York City" LP.
Background on the Song
"Woman Is the N***** of the World" was a highly provocative song by Lennon and Ono. It aimed to challenge societal views on gender inequality. Despite its controversial title, it was part of their artistic message and was performed at the "One to One" concerts.
The song was considered provocative at the time of its release. Its inclusion in both setlists of the "One to One" benefit concerts showed its importance to Lennon and Ono's artistic and activist stance. Therefore, its omission from this new box set is a significant point of discussion for some.
However, the decision to leave the song out was likely made with consideration for its potential impact today. In the current sociopolitical climate, where certain words carry increased weight, the song could distract from the overall message of the box set. The core message of "Power to the People" is about unity and achieving social change for a better world. If the song's inclusion risked overshadowing this message, its removal could be seen as a strategic choice.
Lennon Estate's Legacy Releases
The "Power to the People" box set is part of an ongoing series of legacy releases from the Lennon estate. These collections aim to preserve and celebrate the work of John Lennon and Yoko Ono after The Beatles disbanded. Sean Ono Lennon's direction has been central to the success of these projects.
- Consistent Quality: Releases have been noted for their high production value.
- Historical Accuracy: Collections often provide new insights into the artists' lives and work.
- Comprehensive Packaging: They typically include detailed books and rare materials.
- Fan Engagement: These sets offer immersive experiences for dedicated fans and new listeners.
Each release under Sean Ono Lennon's guidance has aimed to present the post-Beatles legacy in a respectful and thorough manner. The "Power to the People" box set continues this tradition, offering a deep dive into an important period of John Lennon and Yoko Ono's collaborative efforts in music and activism.