John Lennon, interviewed by Richie Yorke

Like Abbie Hoffman and Jerry Rubin, John Lennon, singer and songwriter for the Beatles, recognized the power of the media to further the cause of peace. In 1969 the Beatles were the most popular band in the world and the press followed their every move from the release of a new album to the marriage of John Lennon to Japanese avant-garde artist Yoko Ono. Lennon and Ono used their popularity to stage a "BedIn for Peace," on their honeymoon in Amsterdam.

In early 1969, the couple decided to put together the world's biggest rock festival in Canada featuring the Beatles, Bob Dylan, and even Elvis Presley. The proceeds for this concert were to be donated to groups working for peace. The logistical nightmare of arranging such a concert plus the lack of support from the Canadian government put...