Imagine (1971 Demo / Wildcard Remaster)

The Zoo Crew is spinning the dreamy vibes of Imagine (1971 Demo / Wildcard Remaster) by John Lennon / Plastic Ono Band from the iconic Imagine album, and the Zoo Freaks are loving it! This demo, recorded on May 23, 1971, at Ascot Sound Studios, captures a raw, reverb-heavy version of the song, described as “beautifully raw” with a bluesy ending, as shared in a 2021 post by the official John Lennon X account. Unlike the polished final cut, this take is looser, showcasing Lennon on Yoko Ono’s white grand piano alongside Klaus Voormann on bass, Alan White on drums, John Barham on harmonium, and Nicky Hopkins on electric piano. The song’s concept was heavily inspired by Ono’s 1964 poetry book Grapefruit, particularly the poem “Cloud Piece,” which includes the line, “Imagine the clouds dripping, dig a hole in your garden to put them in.” Lennon himself admitted in interviews that Ono deserved co-writing credit for the lyrics, saying, “A lot of it—the lyric and the concept—came from Yoko, but in those days I was a bit more selfish, a bit more macho, and I sort of omitted her contribution.” In 2017, Ono officially received a co-writing credit, a nod to her profound influence.

Another fascinating tidbit comes from the recording process. Producer Phil Spector, known for his lush “Wall of Sound,” took a more restrained approach here, letting Lennon’s vision shine. Spector noted in interviews that they aimed for a “commercial political statement,” blending raw emotion with accessibility. The demo’s simplicity reflects Lennon’s initial idea of a “childlike street chant,” as he described it, before strings by The Flux Fiddlers were added to the final version. Footage from the sessions shows Lennon experimenting with different styles, from piano-driven minimalism to more elaborate arrangements. The Imagine John Yoko website details how the song’s iconic piano part was nearly recorded in Lennon and Ono’s all-white room but was moved to the studio for better acoustics. Fans can dive deeper into these sessions with the 2018 Imagine: The Ultimate Collection box set, which includes this demo and other outtakes, revealing the song’s evolution.

John Lennon, born John Winston Lennon on October 9, 1940, in Liverpool, England, kicked off his musical journey as a teenager caught up in the skiffle craze. In 1956, he formed The Quarrymen, a scrappy band that played skiffle and early rock ‘n’ roll. This group morphed into The Beatles by 1960, with Lennon as the de facto leader, co-writing hits with Paul McCartney in what became the most successful songwriting partnership in history. His innovative spirit shone through in Beatles tracks like “Strawberry Fields Forever,” which he later called his finest work with the band. After The Beatles disbanded in 1970, Lennon launched his solo career with the raw, confessional John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band, influenced by his primal scream therapy. His move to New York in 1971 with Ono marked a new chapter, blending peace activism with music, as seen in Imagine. Lennon’s collaboration with Ono, both romantically and creatively, shaped his solo output, from avant-garde experiments to chart-topping singles like “Give Peace a Chance.”

For more on Lennon’s legacy, check out his official website, which dives into his music, lyrics, and stories. Connect with fans on the official John Lennon Facebook page, follow John Lennon on Instagram for exclusive content, and join the conversation on X. Fan communities thrive online too—visit Imagine John Yoko for a deep dive into the Imagine era or join the John Lennon Fans Facebook group to share your love for his music. The Zoo Crew and Zoo Freaks can keep the vibes alive by exploring these spaces, celebrating the timeless message of “Imagine.”