35 years ago today, one of the greatest talents in the history of music was tragically struck down outside his apartment in New York City. Lennon is best known as a key members of The Beatles, perhaps the greatest band in the history of rock. Paul McCartney publicly announced his departure from the back way back in 1970, but the papers weren’t officially completed until John Lennon became the last to sign on December 19, 1974. And where did he sign those papers? That’s where Disney comes in to play…
From UltimateClassicRock.com:
After years of red tape and millions of dollars spent, the official dissolution papers were drawn up and ready to be signed off on at the Plaza Hotel in New York in 1974. George and Paul had arranged to fly in and be present, while Ringo signed the necessary documents at an earlier time, while still in England.
So as George, Paul, Apple lawyers and business managers grouped around a large table to dissolve the partnership, Ringo was on the phone to confirm that he was alive. Meanwhile, everyone in the room was curious about John’s whereabouts. This seemed especially ironic, given Lennon lived within walking distance of the Plaza Hotel.
Harrison’s lawyer telephoned Lennon for an explanation. “The stars aren’t right,” Lennon relayed to his then secretary/lover May Pang, who then responded to the lawyer’s query. When John’s response broke across the room, everyone present was furious. John chose to follow his astrological and didn’t come to the arranged meeting.
John and May planned to spend Christmas in Florida, leaving New York for West Palm Beach. After the holiday, an Apple lawyer brought the mammoth contract for Lennon to sign at Disney World, where he was staying at the Polynesian Village Hotel. Thus, with the Magic Kingdom as his backdrop, he picked up his pen and officially finished off the Beatles right then and there. The date was Dec. 29, 1974.
So there you have the strange connection between Disney and the most iconic rock bank of all time. It officially came to an end at the most magical place on earth.