The ‘One To One’ Concerts: A Legacy of Peace and Protest

The film documents the ‘One To One’ concerts held at New York’s Madison Square Garden on August 30, 1972. These two performances – a matinee and an evening show – represent Lennon’s sole full-length concerts following his departure from The Beatles, and tragically, the last time he and Ono shared a stage together. The event wasn’t simply a musical showcase; it was a fundraising effort, generating over $1.5 million (equivalent to approximately $11.5 million in 2026) for children with disabilities. The concerts were a direct expression of Lennon and Ono’s commitment to social justice and their belief in the power of music as a force for change.

This new iteration of Power To The People: John & Yoko/Plastic Ono Band with Elephant’s Memory and Special Guests – Live at the One To One Concert, New York City, 1972, has undergone an extensive restoration process. Director Steve Gebhardt’s original footage has been painstakingly “physically and digitally cleaned by hand” by Lennon’s Grammy-winning team, spearheaded by his son, Sean Ono Lennon. This dedication to preservation ensures that the film’s raw energy and emotional resonance are vividly captured for a new generation.

The ‘One To One’ concerts featured a diverse setlist, including iconic tracks like ‘Imagine,’ ‘Come Together,’ ‘Instant Karma!’ and ‘Hound Dog.’ The evening culminated in a stirring rendition of ‘Give Peace A Chance’ alongside the legendary Stevie Wonder. But beyond the individual songs, it was the atmosphere of unity and hope that defined the event. What do you think it would have been like to be in the audience that night, witnessing this historic convergence of music and activism?

Sean Ono Lennon’s involvement in the restoration is particularly poignant. He shared that the concert held a “legendary status” in his mind, recalling his childhood desire for a Les Paul guitar after seeing his father play one during the performance. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work on the project, acknowledging that his father had envisioned a tour that never materialized, making this concert film the sole surviving record of that ambition.

“Everybody was getting into slicker and slicker stuff in the early ‘70s, and I think my dad was already kind of pre-empting the arrival of punk,” Sean Ono Lennon explained. “He just wanted to go back to basics and be raw and spontaneous and rock ‘n’ roll.” This sentiment underscores Lennon’s artistic vision and his willingness to challenge prevailing trends, solidifying his status as a true innovator.

The release of this film follows the critically acclaimed 2023 box set exploring Lennon and Ono’s New York City era, further illuminating their prolific creative period and their unwavering commitment to political activism. This comprehensive collection, and now this restored film, offer a deeper understanding of the couple’s artistic evolution and their enduring legacy.

Yoko Ono’s preface to the NYC-era box set encapsulates the spirit of the ‘One To One’ concert: “It embodied what John and I strongly believed in – Rock for Peace and Enlightenment.” She powerfully concludes, “Imagine Peace. Peace is Power. Power To The People!”

Tickets for Power To The People go on sale March 20th, coinciding with John and Yoko’s 57th wedding anniversary. Fans can find screening information and purchase tickets at https://powertothepeoplefilm.com/. Given the historical significance of this event, and the limited theatrical run, how will you ensure you don’t miss this opportunity to experience a piece of music history?

Frequently Asked Questions About ‘Power To The People’

• What is the significance of the ‘Power To The People’ concert film? This film captures John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s final joint concert performance, a pivotal moment in music history and a testament to their commitment to peace and social justice.
• When and where will ‘Power To The People’ be shown in cinemas? The film will be shown in cinemas “worldwide” on April 29th and May 3rd. Check https://powertothepeoplefilm.com/ for specific screening locations.
• Who led the restoration of the ‘Power To The People’ film? The restoration was led by John Lennon’s Grammy-winning team, with Sean Ono Lennon playing a key role in the process.
• What was the purpose of the ‘One To One’ concerts? The concerts were held to raise funds for children with disabilities, generating over $1.5 million for the cause.
• What other projects have recently highlighted John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s work? A comprehensive 123-song box set of rarities and unreleased tracks from their New York City era was released in October.