*Live in New York City* is a significant posthumous live album by English rock musician John Lennon, released in 1986. This album captures Lennon's performances from two benefit concerts held on August
30, 1972, at Madison Square Garden. Prepared under the supervision of his widow, Yoko Ono, it stands as Lennon's third official live album and offers a unique window into his only rehearsed and full-length live performances during his solo career. The album's release more than a decade after the concerts themselves, and six years after Lennon's death, adds a layer of historical importance, presenting a rare live document to a new generation of listeners.
The concerts themselves were a benefit for the Willowbrook State School for Retarded Children in New York, organized at the request of Geraldo Rivera. Lennon performed with the Plastic Ono Elephant's Memory Band, a collaboration that also marked the last time he performed live with Yoko Ono or with Elephant's Memory. The album's production involved careful selection and mixing of the recorded material to present the most compelling aspects of these historic shows. The decision to release this material posthumously allowed fans to experience a side of Lennon that was largely unseen after The Beatles ceased touring in 1966, as he never embarked on a solo tour.
Production and Release Details
*Live in New York City* was released in 1986, making it a posthumous work that brought John Lennon's 1972 live energy to the public. The album's creation was overseen by Yoko Ono, who played a crucial role in shaping its final form. The recordings were primarily drawn from the afternoon concert, though the full scope of the two shows included both afternoon and evening performances. The album's track listing reflects a selection of songs from these concerts, showcasing Lennon's solo material alongside some Beatles-era classics.
The album's release was accompanied by a simultaneous video release, providing a visual component to these rare live performances. This dual release strategy allowed for a comprehensive presentation of the event, catering to both audio and visual audiences. The album achieved moderate commercial success, reaching No. 55 in the UK and No. 41 in the US, eventually earning a gold certification by the RIAA. This commercial performance underscores the enduring interest in Lennon's work, even years after his passing, and the significance of these particular live recordings.
The Band: Plastic Ono Elephant's Memory Band
For these Madison Square Garden concerts, John Lennon was backed by the Plastic Ono Elephant's Memory Band. This ensemble included a talented group of musicians who contributed to the distinctive sound of Lennon's live performances. The core personnel included John Lennon himself on vocals, rhythm guitar, piano, and Wurlitzer 200a electric piano, and Yoko Ono on vocals, piano, Wurlitzer 200a electric piano, and percussion. Jim Keltner provided the drums, anchoring the band's rhythm section.
The Elephant's Memory members included Wayne 'Tex' Gabriel on lead guitar, Gary Van Scyoc and John Ward on bass guitar, Stan Bronstein on saxophone, Adam Ippolito on piano, and Richard Frank Jr. on drums. This lineup provided a robust and dynamic backing for Lennon's songs, contributing to the raw and energetic feel of the live recordings. The collaboration with Elephant's Memory was a notable period in Lennon's solo career, and these concerts marked their final live performances together, making the *Live in New York City* album a historical document of this specific musical partnership.
Critical Reception and Historical Context
Upon its release, *Live in New York City* received various professional ratings. AllMusic and MusicHound both gave it a two-and-a-half star rating, while *Rolling Stone* offered a favorable review, and *The Rolling Stone Album Guide* awarded it three stars. These reviews indicate a generally positive, though not universally acclaimed, reception for the album. The historical context of the performances, being Lennon's only full-length solo concerts since The Beatles, undoubtedly contributed to its significance.
*Cash Box* magazine's review highlighted the album's prescience, noting that the performance, predating The Sex Pistols' debut by five years, "presaged, among other modern trends, the whole punk movement." This observation suggests that the raw energy and directness of Lennon's live act resonated with the burgeoning punk aesthetic. The album's release allowed a wider audience to appreciate this aspect of Lennon's artistry, solidifying its place as an important record in his discography and in the broader history of rock music.
