John Lennon’s ‘Instant Karma (We All Shine On)’ Live debut precedes release of new box set

John Lennon’s iconic song Instant Karma (We All Shine On) has been unveiled in a new live performance video ahead of the release of his Power To The People deluxe box set scheduled for October 10. The track was recorded during Lennon’s One to One concerts at Madison Square Garden in 1972, marking the only complete solo concerts he ever performed after The Beatles disbanded.

The newly released video showcases Lennon in his most authentic form, leading the Plastic Ono Band with Elephant’s Memory, with Yoko Ono standing by his side. The performance highlights the song’s compelling message, which Lennon himself described as a sudden burst of inspiration.

Lennon explained the concept behind the song, stating, “‘Instant Karma!’ was a case of the idea of instant karma coming to me. Everybody was talking about karma all of a sudden, always going on about it, especially in the 60’s, but it’s still around now. It occurred to me that karma is instant as well as one life, this life… the actual instant karma, the action reaction, is what that is, what it’s about.”

He drew parallels between instant karma and the immediacy of advertising, describing it as a quick, impactful concept similar to instant coffee. On the other hand, Yoko Ono reflected on the message of instant karma in the context of personal reflection and holding political leaders accountable for their actions.

The release of the live clip of Instant Karma serves as a teaser for Lennon’s upcoming box set, Power To The People, curated by Sean Ono Lennon. The collection portrays Lennon and Ono’s influential New York era, marked by activism and unwavering political statements.

A significant feature of the box set is the remixed and re-imagined version of the 1972 album Sometime In New York City, centering on Lennon and Ono’s attempt to merge music and news commentary. The reimagined mix includes extended versions of songs like John Sinclair and Sunday Bloody Sunday, shedding light on the recording process in unprecedented detail.

The box set also includes the complete One to One concerts from 1972 at Madison Square Garden, representing a pivotal time in Lennon’s life following his move to New York in 1971. The concerts, organized for children with disabilities, featured Lennon performing hits like Instant Karma, Imagine, and Give Peace A Chance, with Elephant’s Memory backing him.

Sometime In New York City, released in 1972, was Lennon and Ono’s bold political statement, addressing various societal issues through their music. Critics initially dismissed it as overtly political, but the Power To The People set recontextualizes the album, showcasing its depth and relevance.

The box set, comprising 123 tracks, including unreleased material, live cuts, studio jams, and intimate acoustic demos, offers a comprehensive look at Lennon’s post-Beatles career. The meticulous restoration of the music aims to preserve its original energy and message for a modern audience.

For both dedicated fans and newcomers, the Power To The People box set presents a unique opportunity to explore Lennon’s work in a turbulent yet captivating period of his life. Witnessing Lennon’s live performances in the One to One concerts provides a rare glimpse of his passion and activism, underscoring his commitment to using music as a tool for change.