On This Day in 1970, John Lennon Performed ‘Instant Karma!’ on BBC’s Top of the Pops
via One Sunny Day / YouTube
On February 12, 1970, John Lennon performed “Instant Karma!” on Top of the Pops, becoming the first Beatle to appear on the show since 1966. He was joined by Yoko Ono and the Plastic Ono Band. The performance was filmed for BBC 1, with Lennon singing live over a pre-recorded instrumental track. The event marked an important moment in his early solo career as he stepped further away from The Beatles’ image.
A Song Created in a Day
“Instant Karma!” was one of the fastest-released songs in pop music history. Lennon wrote, recorded, and mixed the song in a single day on January 27, 1970. The urgency of its production reflected his growing desire for creative independence. The track, produced by Phil Spector, featured a raw sound with a strong piano-driven melody. Alan White played drums, while Klaus Voormann handled the bass, adding to its energetic feel.
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The song quickly climbed the charts, reaching number three on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States. It also performed well in the UK, where it became a top-five hit. Over the years, “Instant Karma!” has been covered by several artists, including U2, Paul Weller, Phish, John Hiatt, and Regina Spektor. The song’s enduring appeal lies in its message of immediate consequences and its anthemic chorus.
The Top of the Pops Performance
Lennon’s Top of the Pops performance was recorded in four takes, with different camera angles and setups used for variety. Yoko Ono, known for her avant-garde style, sat on a stool beside Lennon, blindfolded with a sign reading “Peace” over her eyes. The band included Alan White on drums, Klaus Voormann on bass, Mal Evans on tambourine, and BP Fallon providing additional support. Their presence added to the informal yet compelling atmosphere of the show.
Watch the performance below:
Promoting the Single
In addition to the televised performance, Lennon and Ono made an appearance on BBC Radio 1’s Midday Spin to promote “Instant Karma!” Their media presence helped drive interest in the single, solidifying its success. The song’s lyrics reflected Lennon’s belief in personal responsibility and change, themes that would become central to his solo work.
Lennon’s Top of the Pops performance remains a significant moment in rock history, capturing an artist in transition while delivering one of his most urgent and spontaneous songs.
