Watch: John Lennon's Final Live Appearance That Wouldn't Have Happened if He Didn't lose a bet to Elton John
By 1974, three of the former Beatles had reached No. 1 on the charts in the U.S. as solo artists. George Harrison led the pack with “My Sweet Lord” in January of ’71. Months later, Paul McCartney followed with “Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey” from his album with his wife Linda, Ram. Ringo Starr also earned a No. 1 for “Photograph” in 1973. The following year would be John Lennon’s turn at the top.
In ’74, Lennon released his fifth album Walls and Bridges, featuring Elton John on background vocals and organ on “Surprise, Surprise (Sweet Bird of Paradox)” and piano and harmony on “Whatever Gets You Thru the Night.” The song was inspired by late-night TV channel surfing while living with mistress May Pang following his 18-month separation from Yoko Ono in 1973 known as the “Lost Weekend.”
It was also the track John suggested Lennon release as his first single because he believed it would go to No. 1. John even bet Lennon that if it did top the charts, he’d have to perform it live with him on stage.
Upon its release on September 23, 1974, “Whatever Gets You Thru the Night,” topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart. To make good on his bet, Lennon joined John on stage at Madison Square Garde in New York City on Thanksgiving night, November 28, 1974, for three songs.
Source: Tina Benitez-Eves/americansongwriter.com
