With tentative plans for The Beatles’ return to live performance put on indefinite hold, fans of the group lived in hope that they’d one day see their idols perform once again. On this day John Lennon gave the first concert performance any of The Beatles had given away from the group, with an appearance at Cambridge University.
Five hundred people watched the show, which took place at Lady Mitchell Hall. Named ‘Natural Music’, it was promoted by poet and percussionist Anthony Barnett.
Barnett had invited Yoko Ono to attend, and must have been delighted when she brought Lennon as her backing musician. However, unlike the carefully crafted pop of The Beatles, what audiences heard was a half-hour freeform duet featuring vocals and guitar.
Lennon remained towards the back of the stage, coaxing feedback and atonal noises from his Epiphone Casino guitar while Ono howled and shrieked into a microphone. Two other musicians also joined in halfway through the piece: John Stevens on percussion and piano, and saxophonist John Tchicai.
The piece was recorded in stereo and was released later in the year as ‘Cambridge 1969’, one side of Unfinished Music No 2: Life With The Lions. Mal Evans was credited with playing the “watch” on the recording, although he made no audible contribution.
Also on this day...
- 2010: Paul McCartney announces UK and Ireland summer tour
- 1999: Recording: Shake A Hand, Movie Magg by Paul McCartney
- 1969: Paul McCartney produces Mary Hopkin’s Goodbye
- 1967: Recording, mixing: Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds
- 1965: Filming: Help!, the Bahamas
- 1964: US single release: Twist And Shout
- 1964: The Beatles begin filming A Hard Day’s Night
- 1963: Television: ABC At Large
- 1963: Live: City Hall, Sheffield
- 1962: Live: Tower Ballroom, New Brighton, Wallasey
- 1962: Live: St John’s Hall, Bootle
- 1961: Live: Litherland Town Hall, Liverpool
Want more? Visit the Beatles history section.
I wonder how long the audience were able to withstand 26 minutes of Yoko screaming and John providing feedback from his guitar?
I find it very hard to sit through “Cambridge 1969”, not only because it’s 26 minutes long, but also because of Yoko screaming and wailing hurting my ears. No wonder the avant-garde albums didn’t sell as well as The Beatles’ records, being so uncommercial.
I really love Cambridge 1969. It’s remarkably similar in many ways to La Monte Young’s Theatre of Eternal Music performances.
Ono bagged a Beatle, her greatest accomplishment.
Too bad joni Mitchell, Nina Simone or Stevie nicks didn’t land Lennon… What no Sometimes in NYC..
Ono is relentless in shielding criticism on her “art,”and her confidence never waivers. She has tonal deaf syndrome. The wailing isn’t art and she offers the music or performance world nothing memorable. Without Lennon, we don’t know her.
She should be remembered as a good mom and partner.