Songs for Peace | John Anstie

This is a tribute to one of many musical influences of the 1960’s, but perhaps one of, if not the most significant band of that era, The Beatles. It was principally John Lennon and Paul McCartney, who had the most influence on the stories told of their growing from Liverpool lads to becoming the most significant cultural influence on twentieth century pop culture and its youth.

“A Day in The Life”, the final track on their hugely influential 1967 Sgt Peppers’ album, a commentary (mainly John’s) on the mainstream news, even absurd and pointless news, uneventful days and the occasional insertion of innuendo and that massive multi-piano chord and glissando at its end, orchestrated by their influential record producer, composer and arranger, George Martin.

The most obviously anthemic song for peace, “Give Peace a Chance”, was famously a recording of John’s singing with an audience, helping to bring pressure along with the rising swell of demonstrations against the Vietnam war during the 60’s and onwards into the 70’s.

Finally, another classic anthem, “Let It Be”. This was, according to Paul, a lyrical tribute to his Mum, but a lyric and a song that had a far wider meaning and impact on the cultural conscience of the youth of the day, in fact to almost everyone today. Each song in different ways, lyrically and musically huge.

Here they are performed as a trilogy by Paul McCartney…