Timeline
Previous article Jan 30, 1972 • Bloody Sunday
Session Feb 03, 1972 • Mixing "Give Ireland Back To The Irish"
Session Feb 04, 1972 • Mixing "Give Ireland Back To The Irish"
Article Feb 07, 1972 • John and Yoko send a telegraph to Paul and Linda to play a benefit concert
Article Feb 08, 1972 • Wings departs for their University Tour
In February 1972, John Lennon extended an olive branch to Paul McCartney by sending a telegram proposing that they “forget the past.” John suggested Wings join his Plastic Ono Band and the Rolling Stones for a charity concert at Madison Square Garden. The proposal marked a rare moment of outreach during a time when relations between the former Beatles were still strained following the band’s 1970 breakup.
Tensions had been heightened by public jabs at each other through their music. John’s “Imagine” (1971) included the biting “How Do You Sleep?,” a pointed critique of Paul, while Paul’s albums “Ram” and “Wild Life” contained tracks that John interpreted as veiled criticisms of him.
John’s proposal may have been motivated, at least partially, by his admiration for Paul’s new protest song, “Give Ireland Back to the Irish.” The debut single from Wings was inspired by the Bloody Sunday massacre on January 30, 1972, when British soldiers killed 26 unarmed civil rights protesters in Northern Ireland. Though the single was not officially released until February 25, Wings had performed the song during their February tour of U.K. colleges.
The subject was deeply important to John, who had already written his own Irish protest song, “The Luck of the Irish,” and later included commentary on the massacre in the tracks “Sunday, Bloody Sunday” and “The Luck of the Irish” on his Sometime in New York City album (June 1972). John had also participated in an anti-British occupation protest in London on August 11, 1971, shortly before relocating to New York. At this time, John was heavily involved in activism, which put him under scrutiny from the Nixon administration.
John’s peace overture to Paul may also have been influenced by Paul’s efforts to mend their relationship. In January 1972, McCartney visited John in New York to discuss personal and business matters. During a meeting on January 29, the two reportedly agreed to end their public feuding. Paul wrote “Give Ireland Back to the Irish” the following day, further suggesting a thaw in their relationship.
Notably, John’s telegram included a postscript reading, “No A.K. at M.S.G. if it’s uncool,” likely a reference to Allen Klein, the controversial manager whose involvement had caused friction among the Beatles. John’s willingness to exclude Klein from the proposed concert underscores the extent of his effort to rebuild goodwill with Paul.
It remains unclear whether McCartney ever received the telegram or, if he did, whether he responded.
Right on brother and sister!’ Now what do we do with “The Luck of the Irish” and “Sunday Bloody Sunday””!? Would you do a Madison Square Garden with Wings, Plastic Ono, and Stones?! We’ve already talked to Mick!(blacked out). Also, in three weeks actually go to Ireland (again Possibly with Stones!) let’s forget our past and save some people! Good luck anyway, xxxxx we’re proud of you.
Love,
Sonny and Cher O’LennonP.S. No A.K. at M.S.G. if it’s uncool.
