Mixing: Cold Turkey by Plastic Ono Band

Room Four, EMI Studios, Abbey Road
Producer: John Lennon

Stereo mixes of ‘Cold Turkey’, the second single by the Plastic Ono Band, were made on this day at EMI Studios.

The Plastic Ono Band had first recorded the song on 25, and again on 28 September. The latter was considered the best, so Lennon produced this mixing session to prepare the song for release.

The session took place from 8pm-midnight. The final mix was similar to the single version, although missing some vocal and guitar overdubs added on 5 October. Some electric piano, possibly played by Yoko Ono, is also audible near the end.

At the close of the session Lennon had an acetate made of the best mix. It was eventually broadcast in 1988 on The Lost Lennon Tapes radio series, although the ending was marred by a narration by the presenter. Bootleg copies later fixed this by editing in the ending of the released stereo mix.

Last updated: 13 October 2021
Recording: Cold Turkey by Plastic Ono Band
US album release: Abbey Road
Also on this day...

Want more? Visit the Beatles history section.

Leave a Reply