Fabulous Photos of John Lenon and Yoko Ono from the Famous ‘Bed In’ in Montreal, 1969

In 1969, the world watched as John Lennon and Yoko Ono, two of the most famous people on the planet, held a “Bed-In for Peace” in Montreal. It was a time of great unrest and change, with the Vietnam War raging and protests happening around the world. Lennon and Ono wanted to use their fame to spread a message of peace and love.

One young photographer, Stephen Sammons, had the chance of a lifetime to document this historic event. At just 20 years old, he found himself in a hotel suite with Lennon and Ono, surrounded by a whirlwind of activity.

Imagine the scene: a hotel room filled with people, all buzzing with excitement. Lennon and Ono sat in their bed, the center of attention, holding court with journalists and friends. Among the visitors were Timothy Leary, the controversial psychedelic guru, and Tommy Smothers, the comedian known for his political satire. It was an eclectic mix of people, all drawn together by the powerful message of peace.

Sammons, armed with his camera, captured the intimate moments of the Bed-In. He snapped photos of Lennon and Ono talking to reporters, joking with friends, and simply being themselves. There they were, two global icons, choosing to spend their honeymoon in bed, surrounded by cameras and microphones, all in the name of peace.

Sammons remembers a relaxed and even playful atmosphere. He recalls Lennon strumming a guitar and singing songs, while Ono looked on with a smile. They were just two people, deeply in love, using their platform to make a difference.

One afternoon, something truly magical happened. Right there in the hotel room, Lennon started writing a song. The words flowed from him, and within minutes, he had composed “Give Peace a Chance.” It was a simple song, but its message was powerful. Lennon wanted to record it immediately, and he enlisted the help of his manager to find some recording equipment.

We see Lennon scribbling down the lyrics on posters, then holding them up for everyone to see. We see the makeshift recording studio, with microphones and cables hastily set up in the hotel room. And we see Lennon and Ono, surrounded by a group of friends and supporters, singing “Give Peace a Chance” for the first time.

#1 The following photographs are previously unseen images of John Lennon and Yoko Ono during their “Bed In” for peace at Montreal’s Queen Elizabeth Hotel in June 1969. Here, Tommy Smothers, an unknown friend, John Lennon, Yoko Ono, Rosemary Leary and Timothy Leary.

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#2 The couple sits among friends Tommy Smothers, far left, and Derek Taylor, standing far right, singing “Give Peace a Chance.”

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#3 Timothy Leary and his wife Rosemary in room 1742 at the hotel.

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#4 Tommy Smothers, with Rosemary and Timothy Leary, gives the peace sign.

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#5 Kyoko Ono listens to John Lennon strum his guitar next to her mother, Yoko.

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#6 John Lennon and Yoko Ono.

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#7 John Lennon, Yoko Ono, Tommy Smothers and Timothy Leary.

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#8 Rosemary and Timothy Leary, with Yoko Ono and John Lennon reading the local paper about their “Bed-In.”

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