Witness History

John Lennon's final headline concerts

Aug 29, 2025
Join journalist Geraldo Rivera, known for exposing the shocking conditions at Willowbrook State School, as he recalls John Lennon and Yoko Ono's iconic benefit concerts in 1972. Rivera shares insider stories about organizing these groundbreaking events and the profound impact of his exposé, which highlighted the injustices faced by individuals with disabilities. Listeners will feel the electric atmosphere of Lennon's triumphant return to the stage and learn how music became a powerful tool for activism and change.
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
ANECDOTE

How The Benefit Concert Began

  • Geraldo Rivera describes how his Willowbrook exposé led Yoko Ono to call and propose a benefit concert.
  • That phone call started the chain that brought John Lennon into the One to One events.
INSIGHT

Television Sparked Public Outcry

  • Geraldo's undercover footage exposed appalling conditions at Willowbrook and provoked a massive public reaction.
  • The broadcast created sustained pressure that helped spark reforms and wider awareness.
ANECDOTE

Lennon Paid For Unsold Matinee Seats

  • On concert day Geraldo realised the matinee wouldn't sell out and told John Lennon it would be half full.
  • John immediately offered to pay for the unsold seats so volunteers and children could attend.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app