Power to the People and the Concern of Censorship

[seanmurd]

There's a very intelligent post by Sean Murdock on the Steve Hoffman Forums, that I strongly encourage you to read, share and discuss.

Hi GDN and all Nutopians -- thank you for copying my Hoffman post here and thanks to everyone who read it carefully. I think Sean (Lennon) was in a tough spot and has made a tremendous effort to rehabilitate what is, let's face it, widely considered to be John's lowest point artistically. I think it would be more problematic if this was a Some Time in NYC Ultimate box (as was planned a few years ago) and they had decided to remove a track. But by reframing it as a "1972" box, Sean can emphasize the live material and downplay the incomplete album sessions, clearing the way for fans to get a *lot* of new material. "That song" is 100% widely available elsewhere.

Sean Murdock

 

[seanmurd]

Ok, I read Mr. Murdoch's post and will discuss it.

Hi @nutopia999 -- I appreciate you reading my post, but it's a shame that you picked out two words you felt you could rebut ("enduring pain") and not the hundreds of words about white privilege, which is what the post was about. If you dispute that Black people have experienced enduring pain because of that word (notwithstanding Black celebrities and friends of John and Yoko), I'm afraid we don't have much to discuss here. I also think QT's over-use of the word is equally problematic, and he has the same privileged blind spot that John did. Worse, actually.

 

[nutopia999]

Hi @nutopia999 -- I appreciate you reading my post, but it's a shame that you picked out two words you felt you could rebut ("enduring pain") and not the hundreds of words about white privilege, which is what the post was about. If you dispute that Black people have experienced enduring pain because of that word (notwithstanding Black celebrities and friends of John and Yoko), I'm afraid we don't have much to discuss here. I also think QT's over-use of the word is equally problematic, and he has the same privileged blind spot that John did. Worse, actually.

Hi @seanmurd

I disagree with the premise this is a “John Lennon had white privilege” problem.

The lyric strikes me as both anti-racist and pro-feminist. The song is agitprop, and it confronts and challenges the listener in the spirt of Bertolt Brecht or The Living Theater.

You state that Quentin Tarantino’s use of the word is “problematic.” What if that word is used in a confrontational way to encourage people to reflect on and reject racism? I think “policing” art is a slippery slope.

Remember, this song is still being sold and commercially exploited by the Lennon estate via sale of the original STINYC album. People can still purchase this song.

As far as I can tell, the song is only being deleted on the upcoming archival multi-disc box set focusing on this 1972 period -- and the upgraded/remixed One to One concerts. It just means people can only purchase lower quality, inferior earlier mixes of this song, get no alternate takes or evolution mixes and will have incomplete One to One concerts.

That’s a mixed message, and it suggests the move may be driven more by fears that the song’s inclusion could jeopardize sales of the upcoming box set and/or distribution of the upgraded One to One concerts on home video and/or streaming platforms.

Anyway, the decision is made. It is what it is.

 

[nutopia999]

...but it's a shame that you picked out two words you felt you could rebut ("enduring pain") and not the hundreds of words about white privilege, which is what the post was about...

Privileged White Guy’s Agitprop Remains In Print

NEW YORK, Aug. 18, 2025 (Associated Press) -- In an act of moral clarity, it was decided to keep a privileged white guy’s agitprop in print on vinyl, CD and streaming platforms. The song, responsible for “enduring pain” throughout the world, is priced at only $1.29 for download from the Apple Music Store. In a concession, it will no longer be available on DVD.

 

[Skylar Moody]

Sean and the team remixed all the Mike Douglas Show performances for the 'Daytime Revolution' film, and they sound fantastic, but unfortunately Yoko doesn't own the Master Rights of the recordings - the tapes are owned by the guys who produced the The Mike Douglas Show. We weren't able to get them into this box set in time, but we are hoping that we might be able to work out a deal at some point in the future to put them out together as an EP or something cool like that. And yes, Walls and Bridges will be the next Box Set Ultimate Collection, and is currently scheduled for 2027.

I’M READY

 

[CharlesHawtrey]

And yes, Walls and Bridges will be the next Box Set Ultimate Collection, and is currently scheduled for 2027.

You just made my day... week... year! It's my favorite Lennon album, and there's so many fun ideas for the artwork.

 

[Skylar Moody]

There's a very intelligent post by Sean Murdock on the Steve Hoffman Forums, that I strongly encourage you to read, share and discuss.

He says:

Thank you for sharing GDN!! The amount of people that attempt to speak on Johns behalf to what he would, or wouldn’t want with this release is baffling. We trust that you’ve all made the right choice, and for these reasons mentioned it all becomes so much clearer! Times are changing and we are adapting. I’m glad we’re able recognize the flaws & the privilege that fuels it while still appreciating the message he was trying to convey.

 

[PlasticUFO]

Sean and the team remixed all the Mike Douglas Show performances for the 'Daytime Revolution' film, and they sound fantastic, but unfortunately Yoko doesn't own the Master Rights of the recordings - the tapes are owned by the guys who produced the The Mike Douglas Show. We weren't able to get them into this box set in time, but we are hoping that we might be able to work out a deal at some point in the future to put them out together as an EP or something cool like that. And yes, Walls and Bridges will be the next Box Set Ultimate Collection, and is currently scheduled for 2027.

I’m loving the openness surrounding this release and the future of box sets/books/releases, etc. It really makes the fans feel part of the process, and keeps us exited knowing there’s things in the timeline.

 

[G.D. Wilde]

See whether you can find the live version of Woman Is The N****r Of The World on streaming platforms ... This is the ultimate edition of this concert and the song is deleted from that + not remastered (badly needed) in the same way as the other songs have. This is censorship. Well-intended censorship - but every sensorship is well-intended ... The results, as history shows, are appalling. THis is just a box of course, so it doesn't really matter. But the principle is there. Apparently, and as a direct result of this, it was decided to remove the Sisters O Sisters track from the live concert as well (to restore balance). This means that the two pro-feminist anthems are axed from the concert. Well, now THAT is offensive I find - especially in times when different forms of male chauvinism are proliferating again. Finally, by burrying the Some Time In New York City album as an extra to the live concert release, the album is done a huge disservice - presenting it as inferior to the other albums and not worthy o fits own release. In the end, by trying to solve a possible sensitivity issue (be it self-perceived or externally imposed), the estate has made matter much worse.

 

[mccaboose13]

See whether you can find the live version of Woman Is The N****r Of The World on streaming platforms ... This is the ultimate edition of this concert and the song is deleted from that + not remastered (badly needed) in the same way as the other songs have. This is censorship. Well-intended censorship - but every sensorship is well-intended ... The results, as history shows, are appalling. THis is just a box of course, so it doesn't really matter. But the principle is there. Apparently, and as a direct result of this, it was decided to remove the Sisters O Sisters track from the live concert as well (to restore balance). This means that the two pro-feminist anthems are axed from the concert. Well, now THAT is offensive I find - especially in times when different forms of male chauvinism are proliferating again. Finally, by burrying the Some Time In New York City album as an extra to the live concert release, the album is done a huge disservice - presenting it as inferior to the other albums and not worthy o fits own release. In the end, by trying to solve a possible sensitivity issue (be it self-perceived or externally imposed), the estate has made matter much worse.

The estate is trying to do right by John and Yoko’s work. I find it hard to believe that their son would do something to tarnish their legacy. We need to accept this whether we agree with it or not.

 

[Genoman]

As I posted on another forum, I think that we are missing the forest for the trees here. This set documents John and Yoko at the cusp of a very active period in their lives stretching from Plastic Ono Band to Walls And Bridges. But this set in and of itself documents a period when they were OUT and PLAYING live!! Most of that was for charity or a cause.

So let's not let the exclusion of a few songs that are still easily available mar the fact that we are getting a LOT of live stuff in a very active period from John after which he would go into 'homemaker' mode to raise a family. Sadly, it would be the last period in which he would be that active. So enjoy THIS for what it is...an era from John and Yoko that we wouldn't see again.

 

[mccaboose13]

See whether you can find the live version of Woman Is The N****r Of The World on streaming platforms ... This is the ultimate edition of this concert and the song is deleted from that + not remastered (badly needed) in the same way as the other songs have. This is censorship. Well-intended censorship - but every sensorship is well-intended ... The results, as history shows, are appalling. THis is just a box of course, so it doesn't really matter. But the principle is there. Apparently, and as a direct result of this, it was decided to remove the Sisters O Sisters track from the live concert as well (to restore balance). This means that the two pro-feminist anthems are axed from the concert. Well, now THAT is offensive I find - especially in times when different forms of male chauvinism are proliferating again. Finally, by burrying the Some Time In New York City album as an extra to the live concert release, the album is done a huge disservice - presenting it as inferior to the other albums and not worthy o fits own release. In the end, by trying to solve a possible sensitivity issue (be it self-perceived or externally imposed), the estate has made matter much worse.

So I’m also gonna say that even though we’re talking about the song, we do not have to say the actual word. We know what we’re talking about and I do not believe the word needs saying. Let’s try to keep it PG

 

[JoBeatles]

WALLS AND BRIDGES IN 2027????? I HAVE A REASON TO LIVE.

My thought exactly!

 

[Skylar Moody]

See whether you can find the live version of Woman Is The N****r Of The World on streaming platforms ... This is the ultimate edition of this concert and the song is deleted from that + not remastered (badly needed) in the same way as the other songs have. This is censorship. Well-intended censorship - but every sensorship is well-intended ... The results, as history shows, are appalling. THis is just a box of course, so it doesn't really matter. But the principle is there. Apparently, and as a direct result of this, it was decided to remove the Sisters O Sisters track from the live concert as well (to restore balance). This means that the two pro-feminist anthems are axed from the concert. Well, now THAT is offensive I find - especially in times when different forms of male chauvinism are proliferating again. Finally, by burrying the Some Time In New York City album as an extra to the live concert release, the album is done a huge disservice - presenting it as inferior to the other albums and not worthy o fits own release. In the end, by trying to solve a possible sensitivity issue (be it self-perceived or externally imposed), the estate has made matter much worse.

Just to echo what many have said here…if it were true censorship, we wouldn’t have the space here to talk about it. We can recognize the political statement the song was trying to make at the time while simultaneously recognizing that there is a MUCH different reaction to it today - hence that being one of many factors that went into deciding whether or not to include it.

 

[mccaboose13]

Just to echo what many have said here…if it were true censorship, we wouldn’t have the space here to talk about it. We can recognize the political statement the song was trying to make at the time while simultaneously recognizing that there is a MUCH different reaction to it today - hence that being one of many factors that went into deciding whether or not to include it.

Well said!

 

[ecclesofficial]

I’m sure even the people angriest at the lack of the two songs will ultimately still be listening (and later watching) and, of course, enjoying the remixes and remasters and all of the contents of the set, books, posters, and other paraphernalia.

I’d much rather have a team that creates these sets at this extraordinary pace (and, let’s not forget, the Escape to Nutopia game and this very forum) that occasionally misses a song out if the alternative is having little to no sets with just remasters or half-speed vinyl editions, and no communication.

I cannot think of any other archive/estate that even comes close to this level of work put in. I’m happy to have a bit of controversy when at the end of the day we end up with such wonderful releases.

 

[mccaboose13]

I’m sure even the people angriest at the lack of the two songs will ultimately still be listening (and later watching) and, of course, enjoying the remixes and remasters and all of the contents of the set, books, posters, and other paraphernalia.

I’d much rather have a team that creates these sets at this extraordinary pace (and, let’s not forget, the Escape to Nutopia game and this very forum) that occasionally misses a song out if the alternative is having little to no sets with just remasters or half-speed vinyl editions, and no communication.

I cannot think of any other archive/estate that even comes close to this level of work put in. I’m happy to have a bit of controversy when at the end of the day we end up with such wonderful releases.

The Beatles came pretty close with the 2009 remasters and the Super Deluxe editions but I think you’re right, John’s estate and Sean have done a really good job.

 

[javilu]

Javi from Argentina here, hello everybody.
Here are my five cents.

I own a large collection of John Lennon box sets -including all super deluxes -POB, Imagine, Mind Games- which are my favourite and I think they put the other solo Beatles box sets to shame in both content and presentation-.

Regarding this box set, I will boycott it and pass on buying it.
The fact that the Power to The People set depicts a time when John and Yoko were not at their best and their music was not up to their high standard adding to the fact that the lead single to the album and probably best song in it was removed, make it a "money stays in my pocket" scenario.

All the people saying "but the song is still there for you to hear" please stop. I own the 2010 CD remaster, the 2005 CD remix, the "Live in New York City" 1986 CD, a 3 CD bootleg set with STINYC sessions and a 7 CD bootleg collection with everything related to the One to One concerts.
What I want is the ultimate mix, the Dolby Atmos Mix, the DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio mix, the Evolution mix and both remixed live versions of the song. Those are not available for me to hear.

And to those saying "The song was removed to avoid offending people"... Anyone spending 250 USD in a 12 disc big box set about John Lennon in 1972 knows exactly what the song is about and knows the lyrics inside and out. This is a niche box, not for Joe Public or casual fans. So people buying the big box already have the song in their collection which makes removing it from the studio and concerts sillier.
If you want to remove it from streaming services go ahead, I listen to my music in physical form. I am a collector just like 99% of the people buying the set.

Now regarding on who took the decision, it is my understanding that Sean was pretty much forced by Universal music to remove the track. It is unfortunate he didn't just put the set on hold, move forward with Walls and Bridges, Rock and Roll and Double Fantasy deluxe editions and then take the New York City set to another record company.
Another possible solution would have been to censor the US version and then release the full thing in Japan for example, as they usually release CDs with bonus tracks or extra stuff.
Anyway I am really sad about this debacle and look forward to Walls and Bridges in 2027.

 

[mccaboose13]

Javi from Argentina here, hello everybody.
Here are my five cents.

I own a large collection of John Lennon box sets -including all super deluxes -POB, Imagine, Mind Games- which are my favourite and I think they put the other solo Beatles box sets to shame in both content and presentation-.

Regarding this box set, I will boycott it and pass on buying it.
The fact that the Power to The People set depicts a time when John and Yoko were not at their best and their music was not up to their high standard adding to the fact that the lead single to the album and probably best song in it was removed, make it a "money stays in my pocket" scenario.

All the people saying "but the song is still there for you to hear" please stop. I own the 2010 CD remaster, the 2005 CD remix, the "Live in New York City" 1986 CD, a 3 CD bootleg set with STINYC sessions and a 7 CD bootleg collection with everything related to the One to One concerts.
What I want is the ultimate mix, the Dolby Atmos Mix, the DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio mix, the Evolution mix and both remixed live versions of the song. Those are not available for me to hear.

And to those saying "The song was removed to avoid offending people"... Anyone spending 250 USD in a 12 disc big box set about John Lennon in 1972 knows exactly what the song is about and knows the lyrics inside and out. This is a niche box, not for Joe Public or casual fans. So people buying the big box already has the song in their collection which makes removing it from the studio and concerts sillier.
If you want to remove it from streaming services go ahead, I listen to my music in physical form. I am a collector just like 99% of the people buying the set.

Now regarding on who took the decision, it is my understanding that Sean was pretty much forced by Universal music to remove the track. It is unfortunate he didn't just put the set on hold, move forward with Walls and Bridges, Rock and Roll and Double Fantasy deluxe editions and then take the New York City set to another record company.
Another possible solution would have been to censor the US version and then release the full thing in Japan for example, as they usually release CDs with bonus tracks or extra stuff.
Anyway I am really sad about this debacle and look forward to Walls and Bridges in 2027.

That’s your prerogative, of course.

 

[bagofsoup]

I'm holding out hope for remixed/remastered versions of the omitted songs in other places. (Hidden tracks, downloads, proper STINYC reissues). If it happens, it happens. I'm still stunned at the work that has been done with the MSG shows. I never imagined it sounding so good!

What were the quality issues with "Sisters O Sisters?"