Recording: God Save Us by John Lennon / Elastic Oz Band

Tuesday 13 April 1971 | John Lennon, Studio

On 13 April 1971, John Lennon recorded a raw demo of God Save Us at Ascot Sound Studios, his private home recording facility at Tittenhurst Park, Berkshire. The track was conceived as a protest song in support of the defence fund for Oz magazine during its high-profile obscenity trial, reflecting Lennon’s increasing engagement with political activism in the early 1970s.

The Ascot Sound Studios Session

This recording session was among the earliest to take place at Ascot Sound Studios. The demo was captured in a minimal, spontaneous format, featuring:

• John Lennon – acoustic guitar, vocals
• Steve Brendell – congas

The performance was largely improvised. Lennon had only partially written the lyrics, adding lines extemporaneously as the tape rolled.

Steve Brendell’s Account

“He didn’t play the song until the tape was running, so I had no idea what rhythm to play… I scrambled along on the congas as best I could… John strummed an acoustic guitar with vigour and sang out his lyrics very loudly.”

— Steve Brendell

The session required two takes, with the second forming the complete demo.

Political and Cultural Context

God Save Us was written in direct response to the prosecution of the “Oz Three” – Richard Neville, Jim Anderson and Felix Dennis – whose underground publication had been charged with obscenity. Lennon and Yoko Ono actively supported the defence, even providing accommodation at Tittenhurst Park for members of the Oz community. The convictions were ultimately overturned.

Release and Later Recordings

• 17 April 1971 – full band recording session
• 22 May 1971 – complete re-recording with B-side Do The Oz
• 16 June 1971 – lead vocal overdubs by Bill Elliott
• July 1971 – released under the name Elastic Oz Band

Location

FAQ

What is ‘God Save Us’ about?

It was written in support of the Oz magazine obscenity trial defence fund and reflects John Lennon’s political activism.

Who performed on the demo?

John Lennon on vocals and acoustic guitar, with Steve Brendell on congas.

Where was the song recorded?

At Ascot Sound Studios in Tittenhurst Park, Lennon’s home studio in Berkshire.

Was this the final version?

No. The song was later recorded with a full band and reworked before its July 1971 release.

Explore John Lennon’s full story: John Lennon: Beatles History, Solo Career, Songs & Legacy

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