Video: 'John Lennon Interview Discusses Deportation, UFOs, Favorite Records (1974 WABX Detroit Radio)'

(Friday, September 27, 1974) — On the after he released his fifth solo studio album Walls and Bridges, former Beatle John Lennon called additional radio stations today in the U.S. and Canada to promote the new record.

Among the interviewers: Mark Parenteau of WABX-FM in Detroit, Michael Wale for BBC Radio 1’s “Rock Speak,” and Kenny Everett for Capital Radio London.

Lennon also telephoned John Platt of Chicago’s WXRT-FM.

Video: 'John Lennon - audio interview by Michael Wale (BBC Radio 1, "Rock Speak", 27 September 1974)'

Crafted during the former Beatle’s 18-month separation from Yoko Ono, often referred to as his “Lost Weekend,” the album reflects a tumultuous period in Lennon’s life.

Among the famous musicians who performed on the album were Elton John (piano and harmony vocals on “Whatever Gets You thru the Night,” Hammond organ and background vocals on “Surprise, Surprise (Sweet Bird of Paradox)” and Harry Nilsson (backing vocals on “Old Dirt Road”).

Video: '1974 09 27 John Lennon Interview with Kenny Everett promoting Walls and Bridges'

Walls and Bridges would soar to the top of the American charts, securing the number-one spot on both Billboard and Record World.

The album featured two notable singles, “Whatever Gets You thru the Night” and “#9 Dream.” The former marked a milestone in Lennon’s career, becoming his first and only solo number-one hit in the United States during his lifetime.

The album’s success was recognized with a gold certification in the U.S. and a silver certification in the UK.