The 1969 Gig Starring John Lennon, George Harrison, Eric Clapton, Keith Moon And More
A historic concert that, surprisingly, sometimes goes under the radar in the history of some British rock royalty took place at London’s Lyceum Theatre on 15 December 1969.
As you can see from the rare poster above, it was a charity event for UNICEF, the United Nations’ international fund, called Peace and Love for Christmas. It marked the live debut of the extended Plastic Ono Band, on this occasion featuring the incredible line-up of John Lennon, Yoko Ono, George Harrison, Eric Clapton, Delaney & Bonnie, Billy Preston and various other Beatles and Clapton alumni, with a brief appearance by Keith Moon.
The concert turned out to be Lennon’s last live appearance in his home country, and it’s also the answer to what could be a memorable trivia question, about the night Lennon and Harrison were on a bill that also featured Jimmy Cliff, Desmond Dekker, the Young Rascals and UK hitmakers Blue Mink. Tickets cost £1 each, and others joining the stellar cast included Klaus Voorman, Bobby Keys, Jim Price and Alan White, all regular collaborators to this extended family. BBC Radio1 DJ Emperor Rosko MCd the evening.
Source: Paul Sexton/udiscovermusic.com
