John Lennon Estate Unveils New Music Video “Sunday Bloody Sunday” Before Power …

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In a significant move, the John Lennon estate recently unveiled a new music video for the powerful protest anthem “Sunday Bloody Sunday (Ultimate Mix),” bringing attention back to a significant track from Lennon’s New York period. This release coincides with the upcoming debut of the expansive Power To The People (The Ultimate Collection) box set, scheduled for release on 10 October and shines a light on Lennon’s unwavering political stance.

Penned by John Lennon and Yoko Ono on 31 January 1972 following the troubling events of Bloody Sunday in Derry, Northern Ireland, the song served as an immediate response to the tragedy. Recorded just two weeks later on 13 February 1972 at the Record Plant in New York with the Plastic Ono Band and Elephant’s Memory, it appeared on the 1972 album “Some Time in New York City.” Known for its raw, unfiltered anger, the track’s lyrics sharply criticized the British establishment for its colonial arrogance and advocated for Irish freedom. The combination of bold lyrics and Ono’s haunting vocal interludes created a sense of urgency that mirrored the social unrest of the era.

Despite ongoing debates about the song’s political complexity, it remains a testament to Lennon’s dedication to using his platform for social causes, even in the face of backlash. The relentless passion of the track captured audiences worldwide, sparking both outrage and admiration for its bold stance. Lennon even committed to donating royalties to the civil rights movement in Northern Ireland, underscoring his commitment to effecting change through his music.

For the 2025 reissue, “Sunday Bloody Sunday” has undergone an Ultimate Mix supervised by Sean Ono Lennon and mixed by Paul Hicks and Sam Gannon. With transfer engineering at Abbey Road Studios by Matthew Cocker and mastering by Alex Wharton, the remix aims to enhance the original’s fervor while preserving its textured production, initially overseen by Phil Spector.

Featuring in the forthcoming Power To The People (The Ultimate Collection) box set, the reissue celebrates Lennon and Ono’s politically charged years in New York. Scheduled for release in October, the collection spans nine CDs and three Blu-rays, offering remixed albums, live recordings, outtakes, and home demos that provide an in-depth look at Lennon’s post-Beatles activism.

The recently released music video for “Sunday Bloody Sunday,” directed by Simon Hilton and David Frearson, captures the song’s enduring relevance through its use of archival footage and animated storytelling. Produced by Sean Ono Lennon and a team of talented individuals, the video boldly brings Lennon’s searing lyrics to life, emphasizing the song’s continued resonance in today’s sociopolitical climate.

Through this innovative pairing of a timeless protest song with modern visuals, the John Lennon estate highlights the enduring importance of confronting injustice and amplifying voices of dissent. Despite being penned over five decades ago, “Sunday Bloody Sunday” continues to serve as a poignant reminder of Lennon’s unwavering commitment to social change through his music.

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