Following their encounter with Marshall McLuhan at the University of Toronto, John Lennon and Yoko Ono gave an interview to CBC-TV’s news and current affairs show CBC Weekend.
Lennon introduced the show, hosted by Lloyd Robertson, as “Peace Weekend”. The other guest was Rabbi Abhraham Feinberg, who had previously sang in the chorus on ‘Give Peace A Chance’.
CBC Weekend went out live from 10.15-11.15pm. The interview took place at the CBC Studio in Toronto.
The segment featuring Lennon began with legislator Russell Doern, via a linkup from Winnipeg, reading a letter from Manitoba’s premier asking whether Lennon and Ono would visit in the new year to promote peace. Lennon described the offer as “beautiful” and said he would definitely visit for the province’s 100th anniversary year, although he never did.
Lennon went on to explain why he chose Canada for this peace campaign. “I don’t want to be Mr and Mrs Dead Saint of 1970,” he said.
Rabbi Feinberg was asked if the campaign was a waste of effort, but said it was worthwhile as “it’s intended to leap over the politicians and reach the people.”
Also on this day...
- 2011: Paul McCartney live: Echo Arena, Liverpool
- 2010: Paul McCartney live: O2 Academy, Liverpool
- 2009: Paul McCartney live: The O2, Dublin
- 1974: George Harrison live: Madison Square Garden, New York City
- 1974: UK album release: Dark Horse by George Harrison
- 1971: US album release: The Concert For Bangladesh by George Harrison & Friends
- 1969: Television: John Lennon in conversation with Marshall McLuhan
- 1966: Recording: When I’m Sixty-Four
- 1966: Television: Reporting ’66
- 1962: The Beatles live: Star-Club, Hamburg
- 1961: The Beatles live: Cavern Club, Liverpool (evening)
- 1958: The Quarrymen live: wedding reception, Speke, Liverpool
Want more? Visit the Beatles history section.