John Lennon Live Peace in Toronto on Numbered-Edition 180g 33RPM LP from Mobile Fidelity: Audiophile Edition Is Out of Print

On September 13, 1969, John Lennon stepped up onto the stage in front of 20,000 fans. This was his first large-scale performance in over four years. And the occasion marked the world’s first look at John and Yoko’s Plastic Ono Band. To make this show even more spectacular, John brought along Eric Clapton and his blistering guitar. What a memorable concert.

The band starts off the show with three incredible rock and roll covers: “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Money,” and “Dizzy Miss Lizzy.” Lennon is in great voice throughout, and hearing him trade licks and solos with Clapton is priceless. Next up is a killer performance of the Lennon/McCartney song “Yer Blues” from The White Album. You can really feel Lennon's pain when he’s singing “Yea…I’m lonely, want to die.” Then he introduces a magnificent new song, “Cold Turkey,” the world premier. Next up, Lennon speaks, announcing, “This is what we came for…really,” and launches into “Give Peace a Chance.” But the party is only starting. 

“Now Yoko is gonna do her thing…ALL OVER YOU!” This is when things get a little interesting. Two cuts of Yoko’s improvisational “singing” filled with screams, chants, and cries for peace. Precious insight into the world’s perspective on John and Yoko’s relationship, all caught on tape. It’s also been said that this concert helped to solidify John’s decision to definitely leave the Beatles behind him.

Mobile Fidelity's reissue of Live Peace in Toronto comes with a 30-page booklet with tons of great photos and a replica of the original calendar.