On this day in 1974, John Lennon and Elton John rehearse together

 Lennon had begun his so-called “Lost Weekend” that lasted from late 1973 through to early 1975. The period was defined by his temporary separation from Yoko Ono and frequent nightclub appearances. His partying and  drinking had reached new levels, but he also released three acclaimed albums during this time, showing his musical ability had certainly not been affected. 

Earlier in the summer, Elton John had bet Lennon that the song “Whatever Gets You Through The Night”, on which he had supplied piano and harmony vocals, would reach number one in the US. Lennon found this hard to believe as he had yet to have a solo US number one and it was agreed that if it did he would join John on stage to perform the song.

Lennon reportedly almost backed out of the agreement but ultimately came to New York and began rehearsing with John on the 24th of November. The sessions were ultimately successful and Lennon appeared at John’s 28th November Thanksgiving show, held at Madison Square Gardens. What no-one could foresee was that this would be Lennon’s last public performance as he focused on family life before his eventual murder in 1980.