John Lennon at March of Dimes walkathon, New York City (28 April 1974)

April 26, 2026

John Lennon at the March of Dimes Walkathon, New York City

Sunday 28 April 1974 | John Lennon | Public Appearance | New York City

Overview

On 28 April 1974, John Lennon attended the March of Dimes Walkathon in New York City alongside musician Harry Nilsson, making an informal public appearance at the annual 20-mile charity walk held in and around Central Park.

The event raised funds for maternal and infant health initiatives and featured live entertainment, including a finale performance by The Chambers Brothers.

Lennon's Appearance

Lennon's participation was unscripted and informal. He engaged with the crowd, improvised a short performance, danced, and signed autographs for fans who recognised him along the route.

The appearance was also connected to his ongoing efforts to strengthen his immigration position in the United States, where he had been fighting a deportation order since 1972. High-profile public appearances at charitable events helped demonstrate his positive contribution to American civic life.

Personal Context: The Lost Weekend

At the time of the walkathon, Lennon was in the middle of his so-called “Lost Weekend” — an 18-month separation from Yoko Ono during which he lived in Los Angeles and later New York with personal assistant May Pang. During this period, he was staying in a suite at the Pierre Hotel on Fifth Avenue, Manhattan.

Despite the personal turbulence of this period, Lennon remained creatively active, recording the Walls and Bridges album (released September 1974) and collaborating with Nilsson on the Pussy Cats album.

Beatlefest Connection

During the same New York stay, Lennon met with Mark Lapidos, who was organising an early Beatles fan convention. Lennon expressed support for the idea and agreed to donate a signed guitar for a charity raffle — helping to seed what would become the first Beatlefest convention later in 1974.

Location

FAQs

What was the March of Dimes Walkathon?

An annual 20-mile charity walk raising funds for maternal and infant health initiatives, held in New York City.

Who was Harry Nilsson?

A singer-songwriter and close friend of Lennon's during the early 1970s. The two collaborated on the Pussy Cats album (1974), recorded during Lennon's Los Angeles period.

What was the Lost Weekend?

An 18-month separation from Yoko Ono (October 1973 – February 1975) during which Lennon lived with May Pang in Los Angeles and later New York.

What was Beatlefest?

The first major Beatles fan convention, organised by Mark Lapidos. Lennon's donation of a signed guitar helped launch the event, which became an annual institution.

Editorial Note

The March of Dimes appearance captures Lennon at a characteristically contradictory moment — personally adrift during the Lost Weekend, yet publicly engaged, generous with fans, and still fighting to remain in the country he had made his home.