John Lennon’s life can be compared with the fast-paced energy of a circus – ROCK ’n’ ROLL CIRCUS! When he was on a project, he seemingly wanted to get it finished quickly and to move on to the next search to provide additional inspiration. Though he only lived for 40 years, he packed so many events into that restless spirit. He always seemed to be searching for the answers, looking for the NEXT BIG THING that could provide the proper responses to the timeless questions and uncertainties of life.
Though Paul McCartney was the true workaholic in the Beatles, constantly pushing them to continue recording new material, I personally believe it was John’s restless spirit in never accepting what he had done as having any consequence that helped the Beatles push the boundaries and why they are still relevant even today! That is why John and Paul’s chemistry was so important they complemented each other in a superb fashion.
In 1968, John began to get involved in projects not having a direct involvement with the other Beatles. One such project was the Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus in December of 1968 where John performed with a supergroup known as The Dirty Mac featuring John Lennon on rhythm guitar, Eric Clapton on lead guitar, Keith Richards on bass guitar and featuring Mitch Mitchell of the Jimi Hendrix Experience on drums. The group performed John’s song “Yer Blues” from the Beatles White Album. The groups 2nd song which was a jam number featured the Dirty Mac instrumentally backing Yoko Ono on vocals and also featured noted violinist Ivry Gitlis who recently passed away in November 2025 at the age of 98.
THE DIRTY MAC
The composition of the group the Dirty Mac has been open to some historical speculation. For example, I have read in an interview, that Stones bassist, Bill Wyman actually resented the fact that his bandmate Keith Richards ended up playing bass in the supergroup, insinuating that Keith pulled rank in order to secure the gig. After all bass was Bill’s natural and primary instrument! (Group politics, perhaps?)
Why this historical project languished unreleased and unseen for more than 20 years is unknown! Some people have speculated that the Stones were resentful of the Who’s dynamic performance on the show and that they feared they were being shown up. The Stones performance on the show would certainly serve to help dispute that theory, though the Stones did appear at the end of a very long night of performances! Perhaps it was legal entanglements that was the ultimate reason!
Thankfully, the owners of the film (ABKCO) eventually decided to issue this wonderful historical musical document!
Rolling Stones Rock n Roll Circus
One of my favorite books in my book collection is about the Rolling Stones Rock n Roll Circus that I purchased directly from one of the authors, Paul Skellett! The book featured the exquisite photos of renowned photographer, Michael Randolph.
This description from the Wellpoint website best describes the book:
Rolling Stones Rock n Roll Circus by Paul Skellett, Keith Badman Signed Deluxe | #2011585488
DESCRIPTION Paul Skellett, Keith Badman, Michael Randolph – The Rolling Stones Rock n’ Roll Circus – Signed DELUXE Edition of 300 copies-PUBLISHER-Archivum, UK, 2017.This edition of the book will not be released in stores, so it will be another true collectible. It also comes in a presentation slipcase. In keeping with our policy of producing uniquely collectable books, none of our fan editions feature an ISBN number. One of 300 limited edition copies numbered D1-300 and signed by the authors, number unknown as still in shrink wrap This edition features 5 completely restored and remastered 11×11 inch photographic prints, created using a revolutionary and state of the art high definition printing process.
SYNOPSIS Archivum: Rock ‘n’ Roll Circus The Rolling Stones’ Rock ‘n’ Roll Circus- December 11, 1968: As seen through the lens of Michael Randolph…- An Archivum Production-The legendary portrait photographer, Michael Randolph had known The Rolling Stones since the early 1960s and on 11 December 1968, following an invitation by the group’s founding member, Brian Jones, he was able to visit the set of their latest venture, a big-top-themed concert which went by the name of The Rolling Stones’ Rock ‘n’ Roll Circus. The black & white images he took that day, over 200 in total, would become totally iconic.
Known for his excellent images of leading ladies such as Sophia Loren, Vanessa Redgrave, Dame Edith Evans and for his superb, behind-the-scenes photographs taken during the making of James Bond’s You Only Live Twice, Michael Caine’s Deadfall, and Simon Ward’s Young Winston, Randolph was the only recognized photographer at the event which, unbeknown to everyone at the time, would become the last time that some of the decade’s most famous and celebrated musical stars would gather to play together under one UK roof.
Legendary performers of the day, including Beatle John Lennon, Cream guitarist, Eric Clapton, The Who, Marianne Faithfull, Jethro Tull (featuring Black Sabbath’s Tony Iommi on guitar) as well as The Rolling Stones themselves were all captured by Randolph in pin-sharp quality. He managed to eavesdrop on them relaxing, rehearsing, and philosophising and witnessed first-hand, and up-close the performances, highlights of which included the “super group”, Dirty Mac, which comprised of Lennon, Clapton, Jimi Hendrix Experience’s drummer, Mitch Mitchell and The Stones’ Keith Richards.
The Rock ‘n’ Roll Circus was also the last time that Brian Jones was seen strumming his guitar in public. The years had not treated him well and he could hardly play anymore… and it showed. The images Randolph captured that day, in jaw-dropping quality, show him weary and lethargic. Thought lost for many years, 1991 saw the last publication of a selection of some of Randolph’s snaps.
Disgruntled by the inferior effort, “Badly designed, poorly reproduced” he thought, Randolph elected to place his original, priceless, highly-treasured negatives of that historic day into safe-keeping, deeming they will never see the light-of-day again. However, that changed in the Fall of 2014 when music historian, archivist and author, Keith Badman approached him with an idea to dust-down his most prized snaps and allow, for the first-ever, interested publishers to digitally restore them for a definitive publication of the event. After much deliberating, Randolph assented. His only caveats in agreeing to participate in such a project was that it will be of the highest possible quality and forever serve as the final, most definitive visual account of The Stones’ legendary event… and these releases are just that. Randolph’s images have never looked so good.An informative, behind-the-scenes account of the Circus film will accompany the images. As with any great show, the main event is supported by a wealth of talent that were in attendance.
The limited edition and signed book. I purchased my copy through Archivum and I have the last numbered and signed copy in my collection.
A few other products that were eventually released from this project…
The deluxe edition!
DELUXE EDITION FATURING MANY EXTRAS 2 DVDS AND 2 CDS-In my personal opinion this is the one you should have n your collection: This link is to the Rolling Stones website!
The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus (Limited Deluxe Edition) 2CD/B – The Rolling Stones
The description of the deluxe box set from the Rolling Stones website:
The Limited Deluxe Edition of The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus includes a Blu-ray and DVD release with stunning 4K restoration and Dolby Atmos Sound. This edition features a 2CD expanded soundtrack with bonus tracks, including newly discovered audio. The bonus material includes recordings by the late concert pianist Julius Katchen, three additional songs by Taj Mahal, and never-before-heard recordings of The Dirty Mac performing “Revolution” and “Warmup Jam.” The book accompanying the release contains David Dalton’s original 1969 Rolling Stone essay and on-set photographs by Mike Randolph. This edition is a must-have for fans and collectors of classic rock box sets
The DVD and the CD
AMAZON US DVD:
AMAZON UK DVD:
AMAZON US CD:
AMAZON UK: CD
The Rolling Stones Rock And Roll Circus: Amazon.co.uk: CDs & Vinyl
This print collection was from the UK company named TRACKS:
I purchased this smaller collection of photos from the UK company that specializes in Beatles-related memorabilia called Tracks! It featured many of the photographs of Michael Randolph this title!
One sample photo of Michael Randolph’s photography from my copy of the TRACKS photo book:
The Dirty Mac Drummer: Mitch Mitchell!!! Are You Experienced?
An item that I displayed before on another post. This is a drumhead signed by the Dirty Mac drummer, Mitch Mitchell who is now unfortunately deceased.
Noticed a few samples on YouTube featuring performances from the show and a rehearsal of Revolution
The Dirty Mac – Yer Blues (Official Video) [4K]
Whole Lotta Yoko (Remastered 2018)
The rehearsal:
Revolution (Rehearsal) (Bonus)
John’s introduction of the Stones on the Circus recorded during the Beatles Let It Be project:
John Lennon Introducing The Rolling Stones!
The certificate that accompanied my copy of the TRACKS Rock n Roll Circus collection of photos:
Que Pasa, New York?
The circus analogy that I attempted to draw at the beginning of this post involving the lives of John and Yoko did not disappear or wane upon their arrival in NYC in 1971. they had left England due in part to the constant attacks by the British press on Yoko Ono. John in his endless search for new inspiration, left his homeland, unfortunately never to return. John’s life to take many dramatic circus-like turns as he got heavily into the politics of the time and also faced the prospect of deportation due to his marijuana conviction in the UK. He also had marital problems with Yoko during the 18 month Lost Weekend!
AMAZON US:
AMAZON UK:
Brian Hamill is one of my favorite people. I corresponded with him several times in 2022 when I learned he had a forthcoming book of photographs of John Lennon and Yoko Ono from the early to mid 70s coming out. I thank Brian for chronicling a segment of the Lennon’s experiences during that time.
Some background information about Brian Hamill
Bio – Brian Hamill Photography
A YouTube interview:
Photographer to the Stars – Brian Hamill
A sample Brian Hamill photograph from my copy of his wonderful book: Taken at the Dakota
A bit of info on the inner flap of the dustjacket on the book:
Brian’s kind inscription to me on my copy of the book:
The back cover of the book:
A photo of the author on the book’s dustjacket flap:
The song that was Brian’s obvious inspiration for the title of the book:
And John’s sense of humor exhibited on his version of the song which seems to have its origins during the Double Fantasy sessions from YouTube:
John Lennon – Dream Lover / Stay
Just prior to coming to New York City:
Just prior to coming to America John recorded his classic album entitled Imagine. He was to do the string arrangements when he arrived in NY! This project began his professional involvement with Jack Douglas who he was later to have as a co-producer on Double fantasy in 1980!
The Very Sad Day…
A beautiful track that appeared on YouTube featuring Julian Lennon singing in a track written by Tomi Swick. The feeling of the song captures the essence of that fateful evening in NYC in December of 1980.
Tomi Swick – December Sky Recording Session with Julian Lennon – December 8 2010 (Full Clip)
There have been many disputed discussions of John’s last 5 years of life when he withdrew from the music business and whether they were actually as peaceful as they have been portrayed. We will have to leave that up to the historians, it appears!
And in the End…
A play written by author James McLure that helps to capture the essence of that very complicated man who helped to change so many lives!
To close the circus-like analogy in describing John Lennon’s life, this song would be most appropriate:
Being For The Benefit Of Mr Kite!
Miss you, Mr. Lennon!!!
Be Healthy and Be Happy!
Best Wishes!
Buzz
