John Sebastian Live has not been reissued by any record label since it was withdrawn by MGM in late 1970.

He recorded his debut album John B. Sebastian under the auspices of the Lovin' Spoonful's label Kama Sutra Records (whose releases were distributed by MGM), and Kama Sutra released the first single taken from the album, "She's a Lady" b/w "The Room Nobody Lives In," in December 1968.

Before John B. Sebastian could be released, however, Kama Sutra terminated its distribution agreement with MGM, and temporarily suspended operations.

[6] At about this same time in early 1969, the Lovin' Spoonful, whose records were not successful following Sebastian's leaving the band, also disbanded.

Warner/Reprise quickly sued MGM for copyright infringement over their issuing a recording they no longer had contractual rights to;[5] MGM claimed in response that the Lovin' Spoonful’s owing them an album, plus the marketing support they gave to the Kama Sutra single release of "She's a Lady," gave them the right to release John B. Sebastian despite the artist’s no longer being associated with them.

MGM's precise rationale for releasing John Sebastian Live while Warner/Reprise's lawsuit was still in progress was not publicized.

While MGM's packaging of John B. Sebastian featured a gatefold cover including multiple photos and detailed liner notes, John Sebastian Live's packaging was limited; in particular, no producer credit was listed for the album, no venue information or recording dates were provided, and its songwriter credits were incorrect.

The recording is of professional quality, apparently taken on a direct feed from the show's soundboard, but is marred on some selections by feedback, which Sebastian attributes to "a cheapo-cheapo [...] Fender Champ ... the worst amplifier in life!

"[11] Audience members ignite firecrackers during some selections; during one such instance, Sebastian quips "Happy Fourth!