1975
John records two songs with David Bowie at Lady Land Studios in NY Biwie’s version of
Across the Universe and Fame.”David rang and told me he was going to do a version of Across
the Universe and I thought great, because I’d never done a good version of that song myself.”
John also receives an invite from Paul to participate in his Venus and Mars sessions.
January 2nd: A NY district judge rules that John and his lawyer can see US immigration Service
files on his deportation case, and is allowed to ask INS personnel pertinent questions. A true
reason for citizenship denial-a pot bust in the Uk or his recent anti-establishment political
activities.
Jan 9th: London High court dissolves Beatles and Company partnership is finally dissolved, and
legal ties between the four end.
Juniors Farm is #3 in the US and Dark Horse reaches #15.
January 16-24; Paul and Wings are in New Orleans recording for their next LP, Venus and Mars.
Drummer Geoff Britton quits two tracks into sessions and Joe English flies in from Ny to record.
“From a musicians point of view it’s a privilege to do it.” “From a career point of view, it’s
madness.” No matter how good you are, you’re always in the shadow of paul.
Jan 27th: Ringos No No Song/Snickeroo is released in US. Novelty of songs, anti-song. Ringo
sings lead and plays drums Jesse Ed Davis is on guitar, Nicky Hopkins on piano, Klaus V on
bass, Harry N on background vocals and a horn section.
Ringo sings the song with panache, as it renounces one of his favorite recreational
pleasures of pot smoking.
The song goes to #3 and was the B-side of “oh My My” in the UK.
“ooh ooo”, vocal ad-libs and bass open the song as background harmonies join the Island
feel in the bass and drums. The chorus is an inviting sing-aloing as the title line is sung in broad
harmony. The second verse features castanets to reflect the Spanish lyrical references as well as
vocal interjections and horns. Lyrical ideas. Album Goodnight Vienna. Vocal harmonies like the
intro return along side sustained soprano sax and horns. Hopkins el piano makes the transition to
the next verse, and Nashville is referenced by pedal steel guitar and vocal interjections. The
chorus continues the tale from pot to cocaine to whiskey. Repeats castanets prominent. Ends with
“hey” and final piano quivering note.
July 31st: John visits Yoko at the Dakota after almost a year of separation. He said “I realized that
this is where I belonged. I think we both new we’d get back together again sooner or later.” “I
wanted to be with her and literally could not survive without her.” John moves back in to their
apartment in the next seven days.
Early Feb: Ringo is involved in the film Lisztomania where he plays the role of the pope.
