About The Song
John Lennon's performance of "Blue Suede Shoes" during the "Sweet Toronto" concert in 1969 marked a significant moment in his post-Beatles career. The festival, officially known as the Toronto Rock and Roll Revival, took place on September 13, 1969, at Varsity Stadium in Toronto, Canada. This event was one of Lennon's first live performances after the dissolution of The Beatles and showcased his collaboration with the Plastic Ono Band, a group that included his wife Yoko Ono, Eric Clapton, Klaus Voormann, and Alan White.
Lennon's choice to include "Blue Suede Shoes" in the setlist was a nod to the roots of rock and roll, as the song was originally written and popularized by Carl Perkins in the 1950s. Perkins' version had a profound influence on Lennon and his fellow Beatles during their formative years, making it a fitting choice for this revivalist concert. Lennon's rendition of the classic tune was characterized by his raw and energetic vocals, capturing the rebellious spirit of early rock and roll.
The "Sweet Toronto" performance of "Blue Suede Shoes" was not merely a nostalgic tribute but also a demonstration of Lennon's evolution as an artist. The Plastic Ono Band's interpretation infused the song with a contemporary edge, incorporating elements of blues and rock that resonated with the musical landscape of the late 1960s. Lennon's charismatic stage presence, coupled with Eric Clapton's guitar prowess, elevated the performance and showcased a renewed passion for live music in the wake of The Beatles' breakup.
The Toronto Rock and Roll Revival was a unique event that attracted a diverse audience, and Lennon's participation served as a cultural touchstone. The concert marked a symbolic departure from the polished studio sound of The Beatles, emphasizing a return to the raw, live energy that characterized the roots of rock and roll. Lennon's choice to perform "Blue Suede Shoes" exemplified his commitment to the authenticity and simplicity of the genre while signaling his readiness to explore new musical directions.
In conclusion, John Lennon's rendition of "Blue Suede Shoes" during the "Sweet Toronto" concert in 1969 stands as a testament to his enduring connection to the roots of rock and roll and his willingness to embrace change as an artist. The performance not only paid homage to the early influencers of The Beatles but also signaled a new chapter in Lennon's musical journey. His collaboration with the Plastic Ono Band, the inclusion of a classic rock and roll staple, and the overall spirit of the concert contributed to the shaping of Lennon's post-Beatles identity and demonstrated the timeless power of rock and roll.
Video
Lyrics
Let’s sing along with the lyrics!
Well, it's one for the money,
Two for the show,
Three to get ready,
Now go, cat, go.
But don't you step on my blue suede shoes.
You can do anything but lay off of my Blue suede shoes.
Well, you can knock me down,
Step in my face,
Slander my name
All over the place.
Do anything that you want to do, but uh-uh,
Honey, lay off of my shoes
Don't you step on my Blue suede shoes.
You can do anything but lay off of my blue suede shoes.
You can burn my house,
Steal my car,
Drink my liquor
From an old fruitjar.
Do anything that you want to do, but uh-uh,
Honey, lay off of my shoes
Don't you step on my blue suede shoes.
You can do anything but lay off of my blue suede shoes.