John Lennon and Yoko Ono had made a film titled Apotheosis in September 1969. Three months later they made a sequel.
As with its predecessor, Apotheosis 2 featured a helium balloon ascending in the sky. Their assistant Nic Knowland agreed to go up in the balloon with a camera and soundman, filming Lennon and Ono huddled together, covered in a large black cape, as the balloon went further skyward.
Filming took place at dusk, as opposed to the early morning setting of Apotheosis. The balloon was launched from snow-covered countryside in Lavenham in Suffolk. The resulting film also contained some unused helicopter footage from Apotheosis.
Knowland shot footage of Lennon and Ono sitting by a bonfire as the balloon rose from the ground. The scene was also filmed by a crew from the BBC 1 documentary 24 Hours: The World Of John And Yoko, who had been following the Lennons for the previous three days.
Also on this day...
- 2015: Ringo Starr’s Beatles drum kit sells for $2.1 million
- 2011: Paul McCartney live: O2 Arena, London
- 1969: Television: 24 Hours: The World Of John And Yoko – day four
- 1969: Mixing: Hey Jude, Revolution
- 1967: Launch party at the Apple Boutique
- 1965: Live: Empire Theatre, Liverpool – The Beatles’ final Liverpool concerts
- 1962: Live: Cavern Club, Liverpool (evening)
- 1962: Live: Cavern Club, Liverpool (lunchtime)
- 1961: Live: Cavern Club, Liverpool (lunchtime)
Want more? Visit the Beatles history section.