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Unreleased Restored Video of John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s ‘Instant Karma! (We All Shine On)’ Premieres

Unreleased Restored Video of John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s ‘Instant Karma! (We All Shine On)’ Premieres

Valeriy Bagrintsev Valeriy Bagrintsev
6 minute read

Unreleased Restored Video of John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s ‘Instant Karma! (We All Shine On)’ Premieres

Celebrate the newly restored video of John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s iconic ‘Instant Karma! (We All Shine On)’ from their historic Madison Square Garden concert.

A Timeless Classic Comes Back to Life

Few moments in music history capture the electrifying spirit of the early ’70s quite like John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s performance of ‘Instant Karma! (We All Shine On)’. And now, an unreleased, newly restored video of this legendary track has finally surfaced, offering fans an intimate glimpse into a milestone era.

John Lennon and Yoko Ono. Credit - Michael Negrin

John Lennon and Yoko Ono captured in an evocative moment, credit Michael Negrin.

This fresh remix is part of the eagerly anticipated box set titled ‘Power To The People’, set to drop on October 10. The collection dives deep into John and Yoko’s New York City era, highlighting their political activism through a treasure trove of unreleased demos, home recordings, spirited jam sessions, live performances, and unique mixes.

The Historic Madison Square Garden Concert

Here’s where it gets truly special: the restored footage is taken from the afternoon show of their ‘One To One’ concerts at New York City’s Madison Square Garden—John Lennon’s only full-length concerts after The Beatles disbanded. These gigs were more than just concerts; they were the last live performances John and Yoko shared before his untimely passing.

Marking an incredible 53 years since that day—August 30, 1972—the video’s release perfectly honors the anniversary of this historic event. The premiere went live on YouTube exactly at 2 PM New York time, the same hour the original performance electrified the crowd.

John himself once reflected on the MSG shows, saying,

“That Madison Square Garden gig was the best music I enjoyed playing since The Cavern or even Hamburg. It was just the same kind of feeling when The Beatles used to really get into it.”

Isn’t it incredible to think that the passion and energy of those early Beatle days were alive and well during this iconic concert?

Experience the Magic: Watch the Live Performance

Ready to be transported back to that charged afternoon? Watch the restored performance of ‘Instant Karma! (We All Shine On)’ right here:

Yoko Ono’s Reflection on ‘One To One’ and the Spirit of Peace

In the box set’s preface, Yoko Ono Lennon eloquently captures the event’s essence:

“The ‘One To One’ concert was our effort in Grassroots Politics. It embodied what John and I strongly believed in – Rock for Peace and Enlightenment. And this one in Madison Square Garden turned out to be the last concert John and I did together. Imagine Peace. Peace is Power. Power To The People!”

This truly was more than music. It was a movement—a call for change and unity echoing with every note.

Inside the ‘Power To The People’ Box Set

The ‘Power To The People’ box set is a labor of love produced by John and Yoko’s son, Sean Ono Lennon, alongside his Grammy-winning production team. It’s an expansive 123-track collection, featuring 90 previously unreleased gems that chronicle the couple's most fervently political era.

Here’s what fans can expect inside this exceptional package:

  • Nine CDs brimming with studio cuts, jams, and live recordings
  • Three HD audio Blu-ray discs for crystal-clear sound
  • A 204-page book filled with rare photos, stories, and insights
  • A newsprint poster, two postcards, and two sticker sheets
  • Replica ticket stubs, VIP backstage passes, and aftershow invitations

This is truly a collector’s dream that peels back layers of history to reveal the heart and soul behind Lennon and Ono’s passionate artistry.

Pre-order and Explore the Tracklists

Fans eager to dive in can pre-order the box set today and explore the detailed tracklists for:

  • One To One: Best Of CD
  • New York City: The Ultimate Mixes CD
  • Studio Jam CD

These curated selections promise to reinvigorate the spirit of the original concerts and studio sessions with fresh clarity and emotion.

Looking Ahead: The Beatles Anthology Returns

If this wave of Lennon nostalgia isn’t enough, there’s more in store for Beatles fans worldwide. The iconic The Beatles Anthology project is set to make a grand comeback in 2025. This new edition will include a book, album, and unseen behind-the-scenes footage of Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr during the original Anthology sessions from the mid-1990s.

Streaming exclusively on Disney+ starting November 26, this new chapter promises intimate insights into the band’s legendary legacy.

The Lasting Impact of John Lennon and Yoko Ono

There’s a special kind of magic in seeing a moment frozen in time come back to life in vivid detail. This restored ‘Instant Karma! (We All Shine On)’ video isn’t just a gift for long-time fans but a beacon for new listeners to experience the raw power and heartfelt message Lennon and Ono championed.

Whether you were lucky enough to be there in ’72 or discovering their legacy anew, this release is a stirring reminder that peace, power, and music remain intertwined forces capable of inspiring generations.

FAQ

  • What makes the restored ‘Instant Karma!’ video special?
    It’s an unreleased, freshly remixed version from the iconic ‘One To One’ Madison Square Garden concert—the last full-length show John and Yoko performed together.
  • When was the original ‘One To One’ concert held?
    The concert took place on August 30, 1972, exactly 53 years ago from the video’s release.
  • What does the ‘Power To The People’ box set include?
    The set features 123 songs (90 unreleased), nine CDs, three Blu-ray discs, a 204-page book, posters, postcards, and collectible memorabilia.
  • Who produced the ‘Power To The People’ box set?
    Sean Ono Lennon, John and Yoko’s son, alongside his multi-Grammy-winning production team.
  • Is there any new Beatles content coming?
    Yes, the Beatles Anthology project is returning in 2025 with a new book, album, and exclusive Disney+ streaming content starting November 26.

Celebrate this timeless music and the spirit behind it by shopping your favorite album cover poster at our store—perfect to bring a slice of rock history right into your home! Explore posters here.

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