Recording: Cold Turkey by Plastic Ono Band

Studio Three, EMI Studios, Abbey Road
Producers: John Lennon, Yoko Ono

The first version of ‘Cold Turkey’, the second single by the Plastic Ono Band, was recorded on this day.

The session took place from 7pm-1.30am, with John Lennon producing. Lennon also sang and played guitar, and was joined by Eric Clapton on guitar, Klaus Voormann on bass guitar, Ringo Starr on drums and Yoko Ono on vocals.

Twenty-six takes of the song were recorded, with Lennon singing a guide vocal as the group played the backing track. The final take, which lasted 5’10”, was considered the best, although Lennon chose to remake it three days later at Trident Studios.