Video: 'John Lennon KHJ-AM Radio Appearance (Guest DJ) September 27th, 1974'

(Friday, September 20, 1974, 6:00-8:30 a.m. PDT) — Former Beatle John Lennon kicked off a personal promotional tour for his fifth solo studio album, Walls and Bridges, with a notable appearance today on KHJ-AM in Los Angeles.

The album is set for release in six days, first in the U.S. and then later in the UK.

While KHJ-AM’s morning drive host Charlie Van Dyke was on vacation, the Top 40 station hosted “Superstar Week,” featuring various celebrities taking over Van Dyke’s shift.
Throughout the week, stars like Cher, Alice Cooper, Elton John, and Cheech and Chong had filled in. At 6:00 a.m. today, Lennon took the helm.

Video: '1974 09 26 John Lennon Interview Bob Mercer from Capitol Records Promo for Walls and Bridges'

Despite the early hour, Lennon was energetic and engaging, promoting his new album, taking requests, interacting with listeners, and even serving as a spokesperson for Tobias Sportswear and Tower Records.

During this visit to Los Angeles, Lennon was interviewed by EMI’s managing director Bob Mercer Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills.

The nearly four-minute conversation was issued as the B-side to an exclusive promotional 45 of “Whatever Gets You Thru The Night,” issued to EMI’s sales staff in Britain on Sept. 26, 1974.