15 December 1969 The Plastic Ono Band took the stage for their European concert at the UNICEF benefit at the Lyceum Ballroom in London.
After the Fab Four went their separate ways, each member went on to pursue their own musical projects. Paul McCartney formed Wings, George Harrison released extraordinary solo albums, and Ringo Starr went his own way with a variety of creative endeavours.
But let’s not forget John Lennon! After saying goodbye to the Beatles, he ventured into the music world with his talented wife Yoko Ono, forming the iconic Plastic Ono Band.
The Plastic Ono Band was originally conceived as a “Fluxus” band, emphasising the process of creating art rather than the final product. As a result, their unique approach broke away from the typical music scene trends cultivated by the Beatles.
One of the band’s first major acts was their ‘Bed-in for Peace’ events, during which they not only raised awareness but also recorded some groundbreaking music. Give Peace a Chance’ and ‘Remember Love’ were among the first singles released by the band, marking a new chapter for Lennon outside of the Beatles.
The Plastic Ono Band was known for its ever-changing line-up. In fact, their first festival performance at the Toronto Rock and Roll Revival Festival featured an eclectic mix of musicians including Eric Clapton, Klaus Voormann and Alan White.
Their European concert was a rare gem. With an ensemble that included Harrison, Billy Preston and the touring group Delaney & Bonnie and Friends, the Plastic Ono Band gave an unforgettable performance at the Peace for Christmas gig.
While the original line-up eventually disbanded in the mid-70s, the spirit of the Plastic Ono Band lives on. In 2009, Yoko Ono revived the band with her and Lennon’s son Sean, bringing their incredible music to audiences around the world.
