Plastic Ono Band

Plastic Ono Band
Company type	Artist collective, rock band
Industry	Music
Founded	1968
Founder	John Lennon, Yoko Ono
Headquarters	United Kingdom
Area served	Worldwide
Key people	John Lennon, Yoko Ono, Sean Lennon
Products	Music albums, singles, sound art, films, conceptual artworks

The Plastic Ono Band was a British rock band and Fluxus-inspired artist collective established by John Lennon and Yoko Ono between 1968 and 1969. This ensemble served as a platform for their joint musical ventures, sound art, films, conceptual artworks, and individual LP projects. The concept originated from Ono's 1967 Berlin art exhibition idea, providing Lennon a means to separate his creative output from that of the Beatles.

Lennon and Ono began their artistic partnership in 1968, and following their marriage in 1969, subsequent works were attributed to the Plastic Ono Band. The group’s lineup was fluid, featuring musicians such as Eric Clapton, Klaus Voormann, Alan White, Billy Preston, Jim Keltner, Keith Moon, the duo Delaney & Bonnie and Friends, along with former Beatles members George Harrison and Ringo Starr. After relocating to New York in 1971, they collaborated with Elephant's Memory under the name "Plastic Ono Band with Elephant's Memory." Lennon continued to release music under related monikers until 1974.

Between 2009 and 2015, a revived incarnation led by Ono and her son Sean Lennon was known as the Yoko Ono Plastic Ono Band.

Origins and formation (1968–1969)

John Lennon first encountered Yoko Ono in 1966; at the time, Lennon was part of the Beatles, while Ono was recognized as an avant-garde artist. Their musical collaboration commenced in 1968.

The name Plastic Ono Band, embodying the Fluxus philosophy of an ever-evolving group, was conceived by Ono in 1967 for an art exhibition held in Berlin. In 1968, Lennon and Ono began attributing their joint projects to The Plastic Ono Band. Their collaborative efforts encompassed art exhibitions, live performances, happening events, experimental noise music, and eventually more traditional rock albums associated with the Plastic Ono Band identity.

Their May 1968 sessions resulted in the avant-garde album Unfinished Music No.1: Two Virgins. They also contributed to "Revolution 9" on the Beatles' self-titled double LP commonly known as the "White Album." In December of that year, Lennon and Ono performed alongside the supergroup "The Dirty Mac", which included Eric Clapton and Keith Richards. Subsequently, they released Unfinished Music No. 2: Life with the Lions in May 1969.

On March 20, 1969, Lennon and Ono were wed and initiated their inaugural "Bed-in for Peace" event, utilizing media attention to promote peace advocacy. Material from this timeframe was compiled into their third experimental release titled Wedding Album. The Plastic Ono Band name made its first appearance on May 12 during George Harrison’s mixing session for "Jam Peace," later renamed "I Remember Jeep".

During their second bed-in held in Montreal between May and June 1969, they recorded Lennon's anthem "Give Peace a Chance" alongside Ono's "Remember Love." These tracks were issued on July 4 as a Plastic Ono Band single—marking Lennon's first release outside of the Beatles. Due to contractual obligations, Paul McCartney retained co-writing credit. Historical records suggest that the initial incarnation of the Plastic Ono Band functioned as a sound-light installation displayed at Apple’s press office. Beatles press officer Derek Taylor described it as consisting of four perspex stands equipped with tape recorders and amplifiers symbolizing each Beatle.

The single’s launch followed a press event on July 3. According to Ono, Lennon derived the band’s name from her use of plastic stands during recording sessions. Promotional materials portrayed the band as an open-ended conceptual collective under the motto "YOU are the Plastic Ono Band".

Toronto Rock Revival Festival and initial singles (1969–1970)

Throughout most of the summer of 1969, the Plastic Ono Band remained inactive as the Beatles focused on completing Abbey Road. On 12 September, Lennon received an invitation to participate in the Toronto Rock and Roll Revival festival scheduled for the following day, aiming to enhance its visibility. He agreed to perform and quickly assembled a group featuring Eric Clapton—who joined upon George Harrison's suggestion—alongside bassist Klaus Voormann and drummer Alan White. Harrison opted not to participate. The ensemble rehearsed during their journey and delivered a set comprising rock and avant-garde compositions by Lennon and Ono. This concert was subsequently issued in December as Live Peace in Toronto 1969, marking the first album officially attributed to the Plastic Ono Band.

Later that month, the band recorded the single "Cold Turkey", which had originally been intended as a Beatles release but was vetoed by McCartney. The lineup resembled that of the Toronto performance, with Ringo Starr replacing White on drums. The single credited only Lennon, symbolizing his separation from McCartney and the Beatles.

On 26 November, Lennon prepared a follow-up single by mixing "You Know My Name (Look Up the Number)" and "What's the New Mary Jane", tracks originating from earlier Beatles sessions. However, EMI canceled its release, likely due to objections from the Beatles.

On 15 December, the Plastic Ono Band appeared at a UNICEF charity event titled "Peace for Christmas" held at London's Lyceum Ballroom. With just two days' notice, Lennon and Ono reassembled the Toronto lineup including Clapton, Voormann, and White, supplemented by Harrison, Billy Preston, and members of Delaney & Bonnie's touring ensemble such as saxophonist Bobby Keys and drummer Jim Gordon. Keith Moon also participated, creating what Lennon referred to as "the Plastic Ono Supergroup." Following this event, Lennon and Ono initiated a peace campaign featuring billboards proclaiming "WAR IS OVER! If You Want It – Happy Christmas from John & Yoko."

In January 1970, the Plastic Ono Band recorded "Instant Karma!" with contributions from Lennon, Ono, Harrison, Voormann, White, Preston, and local backing vocalists. Producer Phil Spector, brought in on Harrison's recommendation, began a collaboration with Lennon that would last several years. Issued just over a week later under "Lennon/Ono with the Plastic Ono Band," it represented a departure from earlier releases solely credited to the band.

Plastic Ono Band albums through "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)" (1970–1971)

During summer 1970, Lennon and Ono underwent primal therapy with Arthur Janov in Los Angeles, an experience that influenced Lennon's songwriting direction. After the Beatles disbanded, they returned to London in September to record two studio albums: John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band and Yoko Ono/Plastic Ono Band. The sessions featured Klaus Voormann on bass and Ringo Starr on drums. Phil Spector co-produced Lennon's album, which also included contributions from Billy Preston and George Harrison (who played sitar on Ono's record). Lennon's album showcased minimalistic rock arrangements while Ono's work leaned towards experimental sounds. Both albums were released simultaneously on 11 December. A single pairing "Mother" / "Why" was issued, each side featuring tracks from their respective albums.

In early 1971, Lennon recorded the single "Power to the People" accompanied by Billy Preston, Bobby Keys, Klaus Voormann, and Alan White. The B-side "Open Your Box" by Ono featured Voormann and Jim Gordon. Released in March, these tracks were credited respectively to "John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band" and "Yoko Ono/Plastic Ono Band."

Throughout spring and summer 1971, Lennon and Ono worked on Imagine and Fly, continuing with similar artist credits. These projects included performances by George Harrison, Nicky Hopkins, Klaus Voormann, Alan White, Jim Keltner, and Jim Gordon; Phil Spector co-produced Imagine. On 6 June, they appeared alongside Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention in New York City under the billing "John & Yoko/Plastic Ono Band with The Mothers of Invention."

The Plastic Ono Band name resurfaced on the 1971 holiday single "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)", credited as "John & Yoko/The Plastic Ono Band." The recording featured drummer Jim Keltner; pianist Nicky Hopkins; guitarists Hugh McCracken, Chris Osbourne (also appearing on Fly), Teddy Irwin; and Stuart Scharf. The B-side "Listen, the Snow Is Falling" included Klaus Voormann on bass. Co-produced by Phil Spector, this single was released on 1 December.

Relocation to New York: Plastic Ono Band Collaborates with Elephant's Memory (1971–1973)

In late 1971, Lennon and Ono made New York City their new home, immersing themselves in the political scene of Greenwich Village and crafting protest-themed tracks for their album Some Time in New York City. Their collaboration extended to the local group Elephant's Memory, which included guitarist Wayne 'Tex' Gabriel, bassist Gary Van Scyoc, saxophonist Stan Bronstein, keyboardists Adam Ippolito and John La Boosca, along with drummer Richard Frank Jr. The production was co-handled by Phil Spector, with additional contributions from Jim Keltner. Released on 12 June 1972, this album was credited as "John & Yoko/Plastic Ono Band with Elephant's Memory plus Invisible Strings" and featured a supplementary disc titled Live Jam, containing live recordings from the 1969 Peace for Christmas event and a 1971 concert alongside Frank Zappa.

Throughout 1972, Ono and Lennon maintained their partnership with Elephant's Memory. On 30 August, performing as the Plastic Ono Elephant's Memory Band—and including Jim Keltner—they held two "One to One" benefit concerts at Madison Square Garden. These events, organized by Geraldo Rivera, aimed to assist children facing mental challenges. By this time, John La Boosca had departed and was succeeded by John Ward on bass. The concerts were filmed and later released in February 1986 under the title Live in New York City. Additionally, the group appeared on the Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon.

Their final joint project during this period was Ono’s double album Approximately Infinite Universe, recorded in autumn 1972 and issued in January 1973.

Lennon and Ono’s Separation and the Lost Weekend Era (1973–1974)

Recording sessions for Ono’s album Feeling the Space commenced in early 1973, featuring a fresh ensemble that included guitarist David Spinozza, keyboardist Ken Ascher, bassist Gordon Edwards, percussionists Arthur Jenkins and David Friedman, saxophonist Michael Brecker, pedal steel guitarist Sneaky Pete Kleinow, along with regular contributor Jim Keltner. This album was released in November of that year.

During 1973, Lennon and Ono’s relationship worsened, culminating in their separation in August—a phase Lennon referred to as "the Lost Weekend". He recorded Mind Games employing many of the same musicians from Feeling the Space, collectively known as the "Plastic U.F.Ono Band". Around its November release, Lennon relocated to Los Angeles with his new companion May Pang. In October, he initiated sessions for a rock 'n' roll oldies record to meet contractual commitments. These recordings included frequent Plastic Ono Band collaborators, Klaus Voormann, and producer Phil Spector. Released in 1975 as Rock 'n' Roll, this album was credited solely to Lennon.

The Rock 'n' Roll sessions encountered difficulties and were temporarily halted. By July 1974, Lennon returned to New York to work on Walls and Bridges. The ensemble known as the "Plastic Ono Nuclear Band" featured Jim Keltner, Kenneth Ascher, Arthur Jenkins, Klaus Voormann, Nicky Hopkins, Bobby Keys, along with guitarists Jesse Ed Davis and Eddie Mottau. Recording was completed by August, with the album released the following month.

Walls and Bridges represented the last original Plastic Ono Band release during the 1970s. Following a reconciliation with Ono and the birth of their son Sean in October 1975, Lennon stepped back from his musical career. That same month saw the release of the compilation Shaved Fish, marking his final credit under the Plastic Ono Band name.

Revival (2009–2015)

Yoko Ono brought the Plastic Ono Band back in 2009 with the EP Don't Stop Me!, which served as a preview for the subsequent album Between My Head and the Sky. Both of these projects, along with later works, were released under the name "Yoko Ono Plastic Ono Band". The primary members included Sean Lennon (the son of Ono and Lennon), Cornelius (Keigo Oyamada), and Yuka Honda. Beginning in 2009, the band embarked on live tours, incorporating additional musicians such as bassist Shimmy Hirotaka Shimizu, horn player Michael Leonhart, cellist Erik Friedlander, and drummer Yuko Araki. The ensemble also featured guest appearances by artists like Kim Gordon, Thurston Moore, Bette Midler, Lady Gaga, Mark Ronson, Scissor Sisters, Harper Simon, Paul Simon, and Gene Ween.

During the 2010 "We Are the Plastic Ono Band" concert, Ono and Sean Lennon reunited with Eric Clapton, Klaus Voormann, and Jim Keltner. In 2011, they collaborated with the Flaming Lips on an EP titled The Flaming Lips with Yoko Ono/Plastic Ono Band. Their most recent album release was Take Me to the Land of Hell in 2013. The Yoko Ono Plastic Ono Band maintained an active live performance schedule until 2015.