Currently Showing: 'POWER TO THE PEOPLE: JOHN & YOKO LIVE IN NYC' — John Lennon's Only Full Concert After The Beatles' Breakup, The "One to One Concert", Revived With The Best Visuals and Sound!

From the April 29th commemorative event (Left: Kunihiko Fujimoto, Right: Peter Barakan)

'POWER TO THE PEOPLE: JOHN & YOKO LIVE IN NYC,' a film that revives John Lennon's only full concert after the Beatles' breakup, the 'One to One Concert,' with the best visuals and sound on screen, is now showing.

To commemorate the worldwide simultaneous release of this film on April 29, a screening with a talk event by Peter Barakan and Kunihiko Fujimoto was held at TOHO Cinemas Chante. After the main feature, the packed venue erupted in applause, and amidst rising anticipation, Barakan and Fujimoto appeared. The talk event felt as if the fervor of the "One to One Concert" was being shared throughout the venue. We bring you a breaking report of the event, which also included a surprise.

At the beginning, when asked for their impressions, Barakan said, "Watching it on screen, the coolness is overwhelmingly different. I was deeply moved." Fujimoto responded, "Watching it on film, John's presence, and even Yoko's presence, was truly amazing." Both unequivocally stated, "This is definitely a film that should be seen in a cinema."

Continuing, while touching upon John's self-deprecating remarks like "Welcome to the rehearsals," Barakan commented, "But it wasn't bad at all. On the contrary, it was really good." Fujimoto added, "Songs like 'New York City' and 'Hound Dog' convey John's coolness as a rock and roller." Barakan then mentioned Elephant's Memory, saying, "Looking back, Elephant's Memory is skillful and has momentum. The reason John liked this band so much was precisely because they were a rock and roll band," referring to Elephant's Memory, which followed the style of 50s rock and roll bands with prominent saxophones. He recalled it as a live performance that clearly showed "the rock and roll spirit of 'it's okay to be a little rough'." Fujimoto also drew a parallel regarding the similarities between John and Paul after the Beatles' breakup, saying, "John's approach of not seeking out technically proficient musicians but rather backing himself with bands like Plastic Ono Band or these street bands, while musically different, somehow connects with Paul's approach with Wings, touring local universities to start over again as if from before the Beatles' debut."

©Yoko Ono Lennon

Regarding Yoko, they discussed her pioneering spirit: "She was doing something quite groundbreaking. At the time (1972), it was unpredictable, but punk rock emerged in both England and America a few years later" (Barakan). "John recognized that from the beginning" (Fujimoto), thus acknowledging her innovation. Additionally, they discussed Yoko's significant influence on their move to New York and her impact on John's increasing awareness of women's rights, as he sang "A Brotherhood and Sisterhood of Man" with "Sisterhood" in the lyrics of "Imagine" (Barakan). Fujimoto also commented, "It's also great to see John happily watching Yoko's avant-garde performance on stage, and their relationship where they encourage each other."

Furthermore, against the backdrop of the political situation surrounding John, with increasing tension under the Nixon administration's FBI surveillance, Fujimoto stated, "John and Yoko's perspective was always about 'freedom.' They wanted a world where people could speak freely. They stood with the people, as represented by 'Power to the People,' not with those in power." Barakan added, "They were a mirror of civil disobedience. It's terrifying to say no to authority, but people like John give you the courage to say, 'It's okay to say no.' You feel the power when you see him shouting 'Stop the War!' during 'Come Together' at this concert," speaking about how their stance continues to influence across generations.

They also discussed how the concert event was borne out of their distress over Geraldo Rivera's report on the deplorable conditions at the Willowbrook State Facility, confirming that it was a concert event with "the will to change society" (Barakan).

Midway through, Fujimoto also revealed a precious treasure borrowed from a Beatles fan!

Real ticket stubs from the matinee and evening performances on that day in 1972, a white tambourine also seen in the live footage, and an original leaflet with acknowledgments were introduced, causing a stir in the venue.

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