Bill Elliot And The Elastic Oz Band - God Save Us
God Save Us / Do The Oz
Apple APPLE 36 (1971)
Written and recorded in support of the defence fund during Oz magazine’s obscenity trial, ‘God Save Us’ was recorded by John Lennon and the Elastic Oz Band, and released as a single in July 1971. Lennon first recorded the song at Ascot Sound Studios, his home recording facility at Tittenhurst Park near Ascot in Berkshire. A demo was recorded on 13 April 1971 in a single take, featuring Lennon on acoustic guitar and vocals, and Steve Brendell on congas.
Four days later, on 17 April 1971, a recording session for the song was held at Ascot. Twenty takes were recorded, the last of which was selected as the best. Lennon sang a guide vocal with each take.
The title track was re-recorded from scratch at Ascot on 22 May 1971, with Lennon using musicians that would record the Imagine album later that week. Four takes were recorded, the last of which was chosen as the master. Lennon sang guide vocals on each.
For contractual reasons Lennon needed another singer to replace his guide vocals. Bill Elliott overdubbed his part onto the master on 16 June 1971. Bill went on to become one half of the group Splinter that recorded on George Harrison's Dark Horse label.
Issued as a 45 in July 1971 the single failed to chart in the UK or USA.
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