On This Day in Beatles History: Give Peace A Chance Released in the UK – 4 July 1969
On 4 July 1969, 'Give Peace A Chance' by the Plastic Ono Band was released in the United Kingdom. It was John Lennon's first non-Beatles single, recorded during his and Yoko Ono's second bed-in for peace in Montreal, Canada, and released on the Apple label. The song became an instant anthem of the anti-war movement and remains one of the most recognisable protest songs in history.
What Happened on 4 July 1969?
'Give Peace A Chance' was released in the United Kingdom on 4 July 1969 as Apple 13. It was the debut release by the Plastic Ono Band and marked the first time Lennon had released a solo single outside of his work with The Beatles.
The single peaked at number two on the UK singles chart, being held off the top position by The Rolling Stones' 'Honky Tonk Women', which was released on the same day. In the United States, it was released on 7 July 1969, reaching number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The Recording: Montreal Bed-In, Room 1742
'Give Peace A Chance' was recorded on 1 June 1969, the penultimate day of John Lennon and Yoko Ono's second bed-in for peace, held in room 1742 of the Queen Elizabeth Hotel in Montreal, Canada. The recording was informal: a group of journalists, activists, musicians, and friends gathered in the hotel room, and the song was recorded live with a portable tape machine. Among those present were comedian Tommy Smothers, poet Allen Ginsberg, activist Timothy Leary, and members of the Canadian chapter of the Radha Krishna Temple.
The Lennon–McCartney Credit
'Give Peace A Chance' was co-credited to Paul McCartney on its original release, despite McCartney having played no part in writing or recording the song. Lennon later explained the credit as a gesture of goodwill rooted in the longstanding agreement between the two songwriters to share credits. He later described it as 'a silly thing to do, actually.'
On This Day in Beatles History
- Date: 4 July 1969
- Event: 'Give Peace A Chance' by the Plastic Ono Band released in the UK (Apple 13)
- Recorded: 1 June 1969, Queen Elizabeth Hotel, Montreal, Canada
- Chart position: UK number 2; US number 14
- Significance: John Lennon's first solo single; became a defining anthem of the anti-war movement
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Give Peace A Chance released?
'Give Peace A Chance' was released in the UK on 4 July 1969 and in the US on 7 July 1969.
Where was Give Peace A Chance recorded?
In room 1742 of the Queen Elizabeth Hotel, Montreal, Canada, on 1 June 1969, during John Lennon and Yoko Ono's second bed-in for peace.
Why did Give Peace A Chance only reach number two in the UK?
It was held off the top spot by The Rolling Stones' 'Honky Tonk Women', released on the same day.
Why is Paul McCartney credited on Give Peace A Chance?
Lennon credited McCartney out of goodwill, honouring their longstanding agreement to share songwriting credits. He later described it as unnecessary.
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