John Lennon’s Political Anthem Returns To The Charts Decades After Is Release

John Lennon & Yoko Ono’s “Power to the People” reenters the U.K. Vinyl and Physical Singles charts, more than 50 years after its original release. John Lennon being interviewed by journalist Steve Turner of Beat Instrumental magazine, Apple Records, London, 19th July 1971. (Photo by Michael Putland/Getty Images)

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The Beatles have never completely vacated the charts in the United Kingdom — at least not for long. Whether as a band or via the solo work of its members, the impact of the biggest band of all time can always be felt. Reissues, vinyl exclusives, and one-off special surges in popularity keep the music of all four artists coming back. This frame, it’s John Lennon who returns to a pair of tallies with one of his most direct and politically-charged solo statements.

“Power to the People” Is Back

“Power to the People,” credited to John Lennon, Yoko Ono – as simply John & Yoko – and the Plastic Ono Band, is back on two U.K. singles rankings. The track returns at No. 29 on the Official Vinyl Singles chart and at No. 36 on the Official Physical Singles list. A top 40 comeback more than half a century after the tune’s drop is the kind of surge any artist hopes for.

A Late Arrival to the Charts

Though “Power to the People” was first issued in 1971, it didn’t become a charting hit in the U.K. until April 2025. It debuted that month on both the Official Vinyl Singles and Official Physical Singles charts, and even found room on the Official Singles Sales ranking as well, for two weeks.

John & Yoko’s Reappearances in 2025

This isn’t the cut’s first reentry since its April debut. In June, “Power to the People” climbed to No. 24 on the Official Vinyl Singles chart and No. 27 on the Official Physical Singles ranking, and then disappeared.

A No. 5 Peak for “Power to the People”

To date, “Power to the People” has spent seven weeks on the vinyl tally and eight on the physical singles list. Its best showing was in the cut’s first week on the rosters, when it opened at No. 5 on both charts — a peak it hasn’t matched since.

From Standalone Single to Catalog Staple

Released outside of a studio album in 1971, “Power to the People” arrived during one of Lennon’s most politically vocal periods after the dissolution of The Beatles. Lennon and Ono recorded the track with the Plastic Ono Band, whose rotating lineup helped shape a raw, experimental sound. Over the years, “Power to the People” has been featured on compilations like Shaved Fish.