John Lennon, Yoko Ono, The Plastic Ono Band, Elephants Memory

Biography

John Lennon, born in Liverpool, England, rose to global fame as a founding member of The Beatles, one of the most influential bands in music history. After meeting avant-garde artist Yoko Ono in 1966, Lennon's artistic direction shifted dramatically. The two began a personal and creative partnership, marrying in 1969 and soon after forming the Plastic Ono Band—a conceptual, Fluxus-inspired project that blurred the lines between art and music, and between performer and audience. The Plastic Ono Band was conceived by Ono as an 'imaginary band' of plastic objects and machines, but evolved into a rotating collective of musicians for Lennon and Ono's collaborative and solo works, allowing Lennon to step out from the shadow of The Beatles. Their early releases were experimental, but by 1970, Lennon released 'John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band,' a raw, deeply personal album reflecting his psychological struggles and marking a stark departure from his Beatles work. In 1971, after moving to New York, Lennon and Ono collaborated with the local band Elephant's Memory, recording under the name 'Plastic Ono Band with Elephant's Memory' and further expanding their fusion of art rock and political activism.

Lennon and Ono's work together was characterized by a commitment to peace, avant-garde experimentation, and the breaking down of musical and social conventions. Their 'Bed-Ins' for peace, the release of anthems like 'Give Peace a Chance,' and the integration of audience participation into the Plastic Ono Band concept were hallmarks of their collaborative ethos. Lennon's murder in 1980 cut short their partnership, but Ono has continued to champion their shared vision, including reviving the Plastic Ono Band with their son Sean in the 2000s. Their legacy endures not only in music but in their unwavering advocacy for peace and artistic freedom.

Fun Facts

• The name 'Plastic Ono Band' was coined by John Lennon after Yoko Ono described her idea for an art exhibition where the 'band' would be made of plastic stands with tape recorders instead of human musicians.
• The recording of 'Give Peace a Chance' during their Montreal Bed-In was intentionally credited to the Plastic Ono Band to emphasize that everyone present—and by extension, everyone in the world—was part of the band.
• The original Plastic Ono Band was a multimedia art installation featuring perspex columns with tape recorders, TVs, and light shows, set up in the Apple press office in 1969.
• After Lennon's death, Yoko Ono revived the Plastic Ono Band with their son Sean, releasing new music and touring internationally in the 2000s and 2010s.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Yoko Ono - Artistic and life partner, introduced Lennon to avant-garde and conceptual art (Unfinished Music No. 1: Two Virgins, Wedding Album, Fly) [1968–1980]
• Phil Spector - Co-producer on Lennon's solo albums, influenced the Wall of Sound production style (John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band, Imagine) [1970–1971]

Key Collaborators

• Klaus Voormann - Bassist, frequent collaborator in Plastic Ono Band (John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band, Live Peace in Toronto 1969) [1969–1970s]
• Ringo Starr - Drummer, former Beatles bandmate, played on Lennon's solo albums (John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band)
• Eric Clapton - Guitarist, played on Plastic Ono Band recordings and live performances (Live Peace in Toronto 1969)
• Elephant's Memory - New York band, backed Lennon and Ono on recordings and tours (Some Time in New York City) [1971–1972]
• Billy Preston - Keyboardist, collaborator on Plastic Ono Band projects (Live Peace in Toronto 1969)
• Jim Keltner - Drummer, frequent session player for Lennon and Ono (Mind Games, Walls and Bridges) [1970s]

Artists Influenced

• Sean Lennon - Son, musician, and collaborator in later Plastic Ono Band incarnations (Yoko Ono Plastic Ono Band (2009–2015)) [2000s–2010s]
• Alternative and Art Rock Artists - Inspired by Lennon and Ono's fusion of rock with avant-garde and conceptual art (Various) [1970s–present]
• Peace Activist Musicians - Influenced by their anthems and public campaigns for peace (Various) [1969–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Happy Xmas (War Is Over)
2. Instant Karma! (We All Shine On) - Live At The One To One Concert, Afternoon Show
3. THE SUN IS DOWN! (BETWEEN MY HEAD AND THE SKY)
4. Come Together - Live At The One To One Concert, Evening Show
5. Listen, The Snow Is Falling
6. Who Has Seen The Wind?
7. BAD DANCER (TAKE ME TO THE LAND OF HELL)
8. CHESHIRE CAT CRY (TAKE ME TO THE LAND OF HELL)
9. WAITING FOR THE D TRAIN (BETWEEN MY HEAD AND THE SKY)
10. 7TH FLOOR (TAKE ME TO THE LAND OF HELL)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia