NME News

Unreleased John Lennon material surfaces

John Lennon

John Lennon

Two tracks to feature in new documentary

Previously unreleased John Lennon material is to feature on the soundtrack of a forthcoming documentary.

A live version of 'Attica State', recorded at the John Sinclair Freedom Rally in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in 1971, and the film's instrumental version of 'How Do You Sleep' will appear in 'The US vs John Lennon'.

Classics including likes of 'Imagine', 'Instant Karma (We All Shine On)' and 'Happy Xmas (War is Over)' are also set to feature, reports Billboard.

The soundtrack will also include liner notes written by Lennon's widow Yoko Ono.

The documentary explores the US governments's attempts to gag the late singer's humanitarian and anti-war causes through archival film footage and Lennon's music.

David Leaf, who co-wrote, directed and produced the film along with John Scheinfeld, said: "We were allowed to 'strip' lead vocals from Lennon's original recordings, so that we could use his own instrumental work as the score for the movie. I think it's the first time that John's solo catalogue can be heard in this way."

'The US vs John Lennon' soundtrack is slated for a US release on September 26. The documentary will follow at the end of the month.

A UK date for both releases is still to be set.

Add your comment

NME Alerts

Get NME news delivered direct to your desktop. Find out more

Please sign in

Forgot your password?

Register with MyNME

Every Tuesday

  • Breaking News stories
  • All you need to know about the week's NME magazine
  • Live, Album and Track reviews
  • Tip offs about the most important Gigs
  • All the latest NME.COM video exclusives

Every Friday

  • NME.COM's free mini-magazine
  • Gig listings for the weekend
  • All the most important Album and Track reviews
  • The week's biggest News stories
  • Competitions - with exclusive music prizes
  • plus loads more!

In The Magazine

This Week's Issue
  • The ultimate guide to the week in music
  • Agenda-setting news and fiery comment
  • Must-read interviews with the planet's hottest bands
  • Hundreds of UK gigs listed every week
  • Unrivalled access to the artists that matter
  • Subscribe today and get 1/3rd off NME