George Harrison - 1943 - 2001: A Tribute

"So basically it's all good. Whatever happened is good as long as we've learnt something. It's only bad if we didn't learn: 'Who am I? Where am I going to? Where have I come from?'."

Like John Lennon, George recognized the need for peace. John focussed on world peace, George stressed the need for inner peace. He knew that one “peace” was not possible without the other .

For many people, Harrison’s initial influence within the Beatles was most obvious when he steered the group toward Indian music and a pilgrimage to India that had the group study Transcendental Meditation under the guidance of the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. By the time the Beatles broke up, Harrison’s song writing had blossomed to the point where he composed two of “Abbey Road”’s most heartfelt compositions, “Something” and  “Here Comes The Sun.” He went on to record the very impressive “All Things Must Pass" which many people regard as one of the best ever solo efforts. He spearheaded “The Concert For Bangla Desh” which was the template for “Live Aid” and other musician relief efforts. With these accomplishments, Harrison’s place in history as a solo artist was already secure. However, beyond this point, he continued to release albums of high quality material, was brave enough to continue his spiritual search through his music, had a wicked sense of humour, became a successful entrepreneur / film producer with Handmade Films, staged an impressive “comeback” with 1987's “Cloud Nine” and helped deflate rock music’s “Oh So Serious” attitude in the late 80's, with the formation of “The Traveling Wilburys.”

Unlike many other musicians, Harrison practiced good economics. He never emphasized flashy guitar solos or an egomaniacal temperament. He didn’t pander to the media or overexpose himself to the public. He didn’t bend to musical or market trends. Nor did he “machine gun” out a series of uninspired albums. He was an “individual” in the best sense, who worked on an inspirational basis. In the end, he inspired us in a whole different way with his determination and his fight to stay alive. With the cancer and 1999's knife attack, he exhibited great bravery and on November 29th, 2001, he died with dignity, with no media circus in sight. He simply wanted to reassure his family, friends and fans that he was going to another place. His final request was that we love one another. It’s these qualities that we - and the world - will miss, but we’ll never forget. His music, spirituality and the way he lived his life will ensure that.

I hope that wherever he is, he knows how significant his contribution is:

                     "I'd like to think that the old Beatle fans have grown up and
                     got married and they've all got kids and they're all more
                     responsible.

                     "But they still have a space in their hearts for us ..."

We certainly do, George.

* quotes from "The Beatles Anthology"  © 2000 Chronicle Books

RollingStone.com: News: George's Greatest Musical Moments ; CNN Programs - George Harrison ; BBC News | George Harrison ; TIME.com - George Harrison: 1943 - 2001 ; robshow.com: A Tribute To George Harrison .  Online Radio Broadcast: Music Sojourn - George Harrison: An Appreciation . Wallpaper: Beatles Wallpapers - includes George Harrison wallpaper and Winamp skins. 

"He died with one thought in mind -- love one another." longtime friend, Gavin De Becker.

"George was a true friend, intensely loyal, caring deeply for those he loved and he inspired much love in return. Now I believe, as he did, that he has entered a higher state. God give him peace." Sir George Martin

“We are deeply touched by the outpouring of love and compassion from people around the world. The profound beauty of the moment of George's passing - of his awakening from this dream - was no surprise to those of us who knew how he longed to be with God. In that pursuit, he was relentless.'' Statement by Olivia and Dhani Harrison, December 2, 2001.

Capitol Records Confirms Release of "My Sweet Lord'' as a Tribute to George Harrison

HOLLYWOOD--(ENTERTAINMENT WIRE)--Dec. 12, 2001--Capitol Records in the U.S. and Parlophone Records in the U.K. will re-release George Harrison's landmark single "My Sweet Lord'' on Jan. 14, 2002, as a tribute to the artist, who died two weeks ago.

Profits from the release of the single will go to charity, although specific details are still not confirmed. A Parlophone spokesman said, "As a tribute to George Harrison, it is vital that we make sure that the single is released when all elements are firmly in place. A release date of Jan. 14 will allow us to do this.''

"My Sweet Lord'' is the original version, which reached No. 1 in the U.S. and U.K. in January 1971. It is backed with "Let It Down'' and also the 2000 version of ``My Sweet Lord'' which appeared on the recent reissue of  "All Things Must Pass.''

Contact:

Capitol Records
Ambrosia Healy, 323/871-5373
ambrosia.healy@capitolrecords.com
Judi Kerr, 323/872-5375
judi.kerr@capitolrecords.com
or
Parlophone Press
Murray Chalmers, 0207 605 5306
murray.chalmers@emimusic.com

CD: The best representation of George Harrison on CD is the 2001 reissue of “All Things Must Pass.” This multi disc set captures such a wide scope and breadth, that George had difficulty duplicating its success. In Canada, all of Harrison’s Capitol solo albums are available (“Electronic Sound”; “Living in the Material World”; “Dark Horse”; “Extra Texture (Read All About It)” ; “The Best Of...”) although they have not been given the deluxe remastering treatment that was afforded “All Things Must Pass”.

To the chagrin of many new fans, all of George’s post 1975 CDs that were recorded for Warner Bros. (on the “Dark Horse” label) are now out of print - including the two Traveling Wilbury albums. Harrison’s estate now owns these recordings and will probably follow through on George’s intentions to reissue these discs with bonus tracks - although under the circumstances, fans will have to be patient. Update: George Harrison’s “The Dark Horse Years 1976-1992" box set was released on February 24th, 2004. This Capitol Records release included the 5 studio albums that George recorded for Warner Bros., plus “Live In Japan.” The box set also included a 90 minutes promotional DVD. The albums were also made available for separate purchase. At the time of this writing, the 2 Traveling Wilbury CDs are still out of circulation. 

On October 1st, 2001, George recorded what was to be his last effort - “A Horse To The Water” - which is found on the Rhino / Warner Bros. compilation album “Small World, Big Band” by Jools Holland (plus his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra and Friends.) It’s a reflective, bluesy song that’s well worth seeking out.

After George’s death, it was widely reported that he had approximately 25 tracks “in the can” that he was working on for an upcoming album. Some of these tracks were included in 2002's “Brainwashed” album. The rest may eventually be released in unfinished form, as has been the case with John Lennon’s posthumous releases. This may also include the release of an “anthology” style box set.

Home Video: “The Concert For Bangla Desh” - if you can find it. I was fortunate enough to locate the 1993 Paramount reissue but it’s currently out of print. In my opinion, the video (although not recorded in state of the art conditions) best represents the spirit of this important event. For my money, it plays out much better than the album ever did . (A side note: Capitol intended to reissue “The Concert For Bangla Desh” on CD in January, 2001. It has since been postponed. When it does get reissued, it would be great if there was the foresight to issue a companion DVD.)

Of course, fortunately for George Harrison and Beatles fans, George was able to participate in the filming of “The Beatles Anthology” and is well represented by this 8 video set.

In December of 2000, the 60's cult film "Wonderwall" was released on DVD.  George Harrison’s soundtrack for the film was re-mastered in 5.1 Surround Sound at Abbey Road Studios. A companion CD single by The Remo Four, featuring the previously unreleased track, "In The First Place" was also produced by George.

In addition to the regular digipak edition of "Brainwashed", a collector's edition with a DVD and poster was released on the same day. The DVD was essentially the 7 minute EPK, "The Making Of Brainwashed."

A tribute concert for George, appropriately titled "Concert For George" was held exactly 1 year after George's death. The film from this event was granted special theatrical screenings in the UK and the US. This 1st class event is currently available in a 2 DVD set.

The promotional DVD that was included in the "The Dark Horse Years" box set (see above) was released for separate purchase in the fall of 2004. 

In Print: Aside from the many magazines that were available in late 2001 - early 2002 - including the exceptional tribute by “Rolling Stone” magazine - there isn’t much available in print. As many fans know, George tended to avoid lengthy interviews (unlike John Lennon.) Again, “The Beatles Anthology” book is a saving grace here. Harrison is well represented from childhood throughout the Beatles years - his later day recollections are even more poignant since his death.

One of the few biographies that’s in print is “The Quiet One - A Life Of George Harrison” by Alan Clayson. Clayson is a good, thorough writer - but definitely an “acquired taste.” However, since there’s so little available on the solo Harrison, it may be well worth the effort.

In March of 2002, Elliot J. Huntley's e-book, "Behind That Locked Door - George Harrison: After the Break-Up of The Beatles" was released in an updated and expanded print version. The book was well received. A 2004 updated edition by "Guernica Editions" retitled "Mystical One" includes details on George's final album, "Brainwashed".

In May of 2002, two George Harrison related books were published: "Behind Sad Eyes" by Mark Shapiro and the "Harrison" 240 page hardcover book by the editors of Rolling Stone magazine. The latter is a particularly high quality publication featuring an introduction by Olivia Harrison and a biographical piece, "The Mystery Inside George" by Mikal Gilmore, which to date, stands as the most insightful article I've yet read about Harrison's life.

"The Music of George Harrison: While My Guitar Gently Weeps" by Simon Leng (2002) is one of the best "solo Beatle" books available. In fact, it is one of the best Beatles related books - period. This book is the first that I'm aware of that does justice to George Harrison as an artist in his own right. Leng avoids the usual music critic cliches about Harrison's work and takes a fresh look at his solo projects from "Wonderwall Music" to "Horse to the Water" on an album by album, track by track basis. As well as Harrison's solo catalog, rare recordings and guest appearances are also covered, with detailed musician credits and thoughtful analysis. Unfortunately, this book was completed just prior to the release of "Brainwashed" which means that Harrison's last major work is not given the complete analysis that it deserves.

In 1980, there was a commercial edition of George's autobiography “I Me Mine,” published by Simon and Schuster. Aside from the photographs and song lyric illustrations, this book is less of an autobiography and more of an insight into George’s musical and spiritual thought processes and philosophies. Some people may be disappointed by the lack of "hard" autobiographical content (as I was, at first) but this book does have merit once you realign your expectations of what it should be. Up until the fall of 2002, the commercial edition of  “I Me Mine” was out of print, available only through collector’s circles - at typically inflated prices. Thankfully that situation has been corrected. The revised 2002 edition features a new cover and an introduction by Olivia Harrison.

For the purpose of this article, I’ll avoid the collector’s edition of “I Me Mine” and the follow up publication, “Songs by George Harrison” by Genesis Publications, under the rational that if I can’t afford ‘em, I can’t review ‘em :>) 

Hari Scruffs ; Welcome to Friar Park ; George Harrison, an Annotated Discography ; George Harrison: Albums, Songs and Lyrics ; Crackerbox Palace ; HARI'S ON TOUR (EXPRESS) ; Cloud Nine: George Harrison ; Dirty World - The Traveling Wilburys . The official "georgeharrison.com"web site includes details on Dark Horse projects, book releases, other memorabilia as well as a latest news section & multimedia features.