John Lennon would have turned 70 today (Saturday, 9 October 2010). To mark the occasion we've compiled a video playlist mapping the decade that saw him transform from sardonic Beatle into visionary activist and beyond, remaining all the while simply an extraordinary songwriter.

Here's to you, John.

MOJO Magazine online

Give Peace A Chance
(Single, 1969)
Apple

We begin in bed. Flanked by the likes of Timothy Leary, Petula Clark, Tommy Smothers and Allen Ginsberg, John delivers his protest rant from behind the beard, long hair and granny glasses that would define his appearance during The Beatles' final months.

Cold Turkey
(Single, 1969)
Apple

John & Yoko's dalliance with heroin gave birth to this narcoleptic blues howler performed here at Madison Square Garden on August 30, 1972.

Instant Karma!
(Single, 1970)
Apple

Lennon's only solo appearance on Top Of The Pops was made off the back of this song. In this clip, check out Beatles' minder/confidante Mal Evans on tambourine and John's delight at the drum fill in the third verse.

Mother
(John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band, 1970)
Apple/EMI

The opening track on his undisputed masterpiece John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band, Mother emerged during his Primal Scream therapy treatments. Lennon: "The piano does it all for you... your mind can do the rest."

Imagine
(Imagine, 1971)
Apple/EMI

Enter John Lennon the dreaming idealist, this time via a live version from the Mike Douglas show. Hands up who expected a saxophone solo...