Live Peace In Toronto 1969 | Page 3 | Fab Forum | The Beatles Bible

Expert Textpert said

Wigwam said

Expert Textpert said

Not laughing at all. If you watch the  video of the performance, what  John and Eric doing during the Yoko pieces is fascinating. They are clearly creating the future. Some of us are only able to live in the past, I guess. 

  

We can’t live in the past, or the future we only have the present…..But…

….The present now was the future 50 years ago…..So let’s ask, what’s been the long term, or even short term influence of Yoko on Eric Clapton? How has Yoko’s influence shaped his musical career since then?

I can tell you, because on occasion I’m still buying Clapton’s records, that, that  wouldn’t be the case if one scintilla of Yoko’s influence had survived that night in Toronto, or from his Plastic Mac performance with John…….Another event ruined by her …..In my opinion.   

I recall a line, (the only line) that Eric contributed his voice to on the early 80’s  track, ‘The Pros and Cons of Hitchhiking’ by Rodger Waters. It contains an attack on Yoko that’s a little too vicious for my tastes……. But it’s indicative to me that knowing this, Eric willingly contributes the lines in bold and a killer solo. 

“I was standing on the leading edge

The Eastern seaboard spread before my eyes

“Jump” said Yoko Ono

“I’m too scared and too good looking” I cried

“Go on,” she says

“Why don’t you give it a try?

Why prolong the agony

All men must die”

……..

Did you understand the music, Yoko

Or was it all in vain?

The bitch said something mystical……So I stepped back on the curb again,”

 

We’ll never see eye-to-eye on Yoko. We don’t need too. I enjoyed those years and read with interest all the stories surrounding John and her at the time.

I can see her effect on John as a muse….And there are many songs he wrote for her. I take that as a positive.

Just wish she hadn’t clung so hard to John’s coat-tails seemingly insisting on an equal billing, something that she didn’t merit in my opinion. …….And in the process buggaring up otherwise wonderful events.

Each to his/her own. 

  

There are many artists who WERE influenced by Yoko Ono, such as the B-52s and Sonic Youth. And fans of those bands don’t give a crap about Eric Clapton and think he is a dinosaur who hasn’t made a good album in years.

  

I did a search on Yoko’s influence…..I’m sure there’s more to be found. And no doubt you’ll let us know soonest….. But in terms of her screeching, clearing throat style of singing her influence seems, (suitably perhaps)…… thin.  

https://ultimateclassicrock.co…..red-songs/

I think you must agree whole generations have largely missed out on her. Why is that? …Misunderstood by an undeserving world? Blinded by prejudice and misogyny? Both those excuses elevate you as someone who gets it when the evil smelling peasants can’t.

Or perhaps you could consider that even for people with a similar intellectual stature to your own, she’s actually not their ‘cup-of-tea’ 

I’m sure there are many people who think of Clapton as a dinosaur…..(interesting you can throw out an insult when it suits)…..But he did contribute to what is many people’s favourite Beatles track. He has striven to master different styles, playing with a vast catalog of distinguished artists….Most not connected to his passion for the blues. Those musical adventures have been repeated from time to time and from each one something learned and taken……With the exception of one. Guess who? Yet you claimed he was influenced by Yoko. Thankfully the evidence of over 50 years shows that he wasn’t

  But I came into this because we were talking about The Concert in Toronto. 

When I’d read about this at the time in Beatles Monthly which showed photos of the supergroup rehearsing in their seats on the plane I was so excited. 

Photos emerged  of a bushy John on stage…….A gaunt Eric with the black Les Paul that Paul Kossoff from Free gave him.

I wanted that album so much…….But not enough to waste a single penny on Yoko’s art . 

Each to his own.

The Hole Got Fixed said

Wigwam said 

Each to his own.

  Women aren’t allowed to do so?

  

I noted your earlier correction…….Everyone understands ‘each to his own’ (which I cravenly adapted, so as not offend the so easily offended as, ‘his/her own’)…as a common saying that’s not meant to exclude or offend anyone…..Did you study history? Or herstory? or theirstory? 

Too old to change I’m afraid. Don’t take offence…….