2002 Year End Review
January
2002 started with Beatles fans feeling the repercussions of George Harrison's death on November 29th, 2001 and the sobering realization that half the group were no long on this mortal coil. This was reinforced by the inclusion of George's death in magazine, radio and television year end reviews.
January 14th saw the release of George's "My Sweet Lord" tribute CD single. The three track single was backed with "Let It Down" (the demo version from the 2001 reissue of ATMP) and "My Sweet Lord 2000". The single made the #1 spot on both the UK and Canadian charts in the week following its release.
In the weeks following George's death, sales of his solo work had a mini boom. In Canada, "All Things Must Pass" sold a mere 66 copies in the week before George's death. One week later, during the week ending Dec. 2, sales had jumped to 768 copies. In the same period, EMI / Parlophone's "Best Of George Harrison" CD had a sales increase from 29 copies to 470.
On January 8th, Jools Holland's “Small World, Big Band” with George's “A Horse To The Water” was released in the US. In a unique move, the Jools Holland album was rush released in Canada and was in stores on Friday, December 21st, barely in time for Christmas. In the UK, the disc was released with much less fanfare on November 19th, just 10 days prior to George's death.
Many magazines featured cover stories on George during December and January. Rolling Stone magazine which in recent years appeared to lose touch with it's rock culture origin put forth the most impressive response. The January 17th issue of Rolling Stone featured George on its cover, in addition to a special 98 page tribute issue.
Some tributes fell short of their intended mark. The American Music Awards which aired live on Wednesday, January 9th on ABC included a salute to some of the music legends who died during the previous year, with Luther Vandross performing George Harrison's "My Sweet Lord." It was well intended, but was one of the more cringe worthy tribute examples.
In mid January, Olivia Harrison enduring the aggravation of having to sue a former brother-in-law for selling Harrison memorabilia that he acquired during his stay as a guest at George's home. An LA judge quickly bars the man from selling further items.
During early 2002, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr were predictable low key, however, in the case of Paul McCartney, this was about to change.
On January 7th, Paul appeared at the Monday Night Football half time show which featured his Freedom video and a brief prerecorded statement. This was followed up by a live performance of Freedom at Super Bowl XXXVI in New Orleans on Sunday, February 3rd.
On January 11th, the Broadcast Film Critics Association Award best song honor was awarded to Paul McCartney for the title track for Vanilla Sky.
On January 29th, Paul announced his plans to tour the US. During his announcement to Fox News, he also detailed his plans for poetry readings and art exhibits while in the states.
February
Bob Wooler, Cavern DJ dies.
In a February interview with Jody Denberg, Yoko discusses her recent projects and upcoming plans for the reissue of John Lennon's "Mind Games" and "Walls and Bridges" albums.
In mid February, it was reported that George Harrison died at a
Hollywood
Hills mansion leased to Paul McCartney. This followed a public
investigation
that was launched after it was revealed that
false information was provided on Harrison's death certificate.
Paul McCartney names John Lennon as his ultimate hero in a survey to mark the 100th edition of music magazine Mojo.
On what would have been George Harrison's 59th birthday, a tribute concert was held in Liverpool, during which Paul McCartney performs "Yesterday". A tribute CD "Dark Horse" was released by a theatre company. The Beatles Story exhibit in Liverpool dedicated a tribute wall. The first biography "All Things Must Pass" by Mark Shapiro is release in the UK.
At the end of February, tickets go on sale for the upcoming Queen's Jubilee in which Paul McCartney is scheduled to perform.
March
Paul firms up the dates for his upcoming US tour which is to begin on April 1st. Advance sales are brisk, selling out by mid March, in spite of high ticket prices.
On March 14th, Yoko unveils a statue in Liverpool at the renamed John Lennon Airport. Yoko also buys John's childhood home.
Paul McCartney announces that he and Heather Mills are planning a June wedding.
Elliot J. Huntley's e-book, "Behind That Locked Door - George Harrison: After the Break-Up of The Beatles" is released in an updated and expanded print version. The book is well received.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ended with an all-star jam, including a tribute to George Harrison with a cover of "Here Comes the Sun".
Paul performs his Oscar nominated "Vanilla Sky" but loses to Randy Newman....
....however, better days are soon to follow....
April
Paul McCartney begins his "Driving U.S.A." tour in Oakland on April 1st. The tour which continues throughout May and June, draw rave reviews. His tributes to George and John are emotional highlights.
May
Two George Harrison related books are 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.
On May 9th, Paul McCartney conducts a web chat to discuss Driving Rain and the 1st leg of his US tour.
On May 18th, Ringo announces a new label deal with Koch Records who had released his All Starr Band Anthology in the US. He also provides details on an upcoming solo album
While on tour, McCartney holds an exhibit of his art in Liverpool.
June
The Queen's Jubilee on June 3rd is highlighted by a performance by Paul, plus an emotional introduction by George Martin of "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" performed by Paul with Eric Clapton (on lead vocal).
Paul McCartney marries Heather Mills on June 11th and turns 60 while on honeymoon (June 18th).
July
On July 18th, Paul McCartney announces the 2nd leg of his US tour, retitled "Back In The US". The first run through, "Driving USA," grossed $53.2 million from 27 shows, and drew 407,183 people. A live CD and DVD of the tour is announced for a fall release.
On July 25th, Queen Elizabeth attends the grand opening of Liverpool's John Lennon Airport and attends an exhibit of Paul McCartney's artwork at the Walker Art Gallery, later that same day.
August
Ringo Starr's most recent All-Starr lineup's August 23, 2001 show at the Rosemont Theatre in Chicago is released on CD on August 6th and Pay Per View TV on August 11th.
The 2002 Mathew Street Festival (August 24-26) is dedicated to the memory of George Harrison. The event is attended by George's sister Louise, with a performance by Pete Best.
September
On September 9th, George Harrison's "Brainwashed" album is announced for release on November 19th. Around the same time, news of a tribute concert circulates throughout the media. The concert is reported to include Paul, Ringo, Eric Clapton and the surviving Traveling Wilburys. George Harrison's "I Me Mine" book is also set for reissue. The revised version features a new cover and an introduction by Olivia Harrison.
Yoko Ono is featured in a short film promoting world peace, which was aired on MTV and VH1 on Wednesday, September 11. Yoko also recorded an updated version of "Give Peace a Chance."
Fall product announcements begin to trickle out along with the usual rumors. In mid September, it was widely reported that a 2 disc Beatles compilation would be released in October to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Beatles 1st single "Love Me Do." A week later, McCartney publicist Geoff Baker dismisses the reports as "bullshit." "Carnival of Light" one of the 'lost' Beatles tracks was also speculated for release - but this was yet another rumor.
The "Wingspan" project concludes with the release of a companion book featuring excerpts of the interview transcript and many photos.
Paul McCartney performs with Brian Wilson at the Adopt-A-Minefield Benefit - Along with performing God Only Knows and Let It Be with Brian Wilson, Paul McCartney and his band performed the following songs: Coming Up; Band On The Run ; I Saw Her Standing There ; Blackbird ; We Can Work It Out ; Michelle ; Your Loving Flame ; Hey Jude.
In mid September, Paul promotes the 2nd leg of his US tour with a press release. The upcoming tour CD, DVD - and 2 hour TV special - is also renamed "Back in the US." The second phase of the tour kicks off in Milwaukee on September 21st. On opening night, Mother Nature's Son, C'Moon and Vanilla Sky were dropped from the setlist and Let 'Em In, Michelle and She's Leaving Home was added.
As Paul tours the US, Yoko Ono is in court in a lawsuit against ex-Lennon assistant Fred Seaman over stolen items from the Lennon estate, including photos and documents. The case is decided in Yoko's favor.
While on tour, the US arm of the United Nations honored Paul McCartney and Heather Mills with the association's first Global Humanitarian Action Award for their leadership in promoting land mine clearance. Meanwhile, Paul's tour continues to gather rave reviews and break sales records. Following the end of his American tour, Paul McCartney announced plans to perform in Mexico City, Tokyo, Osaka and Melbourne. The Melbourne show is subsequently canceled.
On September 24th, the 2 DVD edition of "A Hard Day's Night" is released. Critical response is harsh in many fan circles, particularly in reference to the audio mix. That aspect is explored in depth in the December issue of Sound and Vision magazine ("A Hard Day's Mix" by David Ranada).
October
Ringo Starr's August 23, 2001 All Starr concert is released on DVD on October 1st.
In early October, the George Harrison tribute concert is officially announced. The proceeds from the concert will benefit Harrison's Material World Charitable Foundation. Tickets go on sale on Wednesday, October 11th and the concert sells out in just an hour and a half.
Details on George's "Brainwashed" album begin to emerge, including a press release with full tracklist.
John Lennon's "Mind Games" remastered edition is released on October 7th in the UK and October 8th in Canada. John Lennon's killer has another parole hearing on the day before what would have been John's 62nd birthday. Parole is denied.
On the anniversary of John Lennon's birthday, Yoko initiates a $100,000 arts peace grant which was announced at an interview at the UN.
On October 11th, Genesis Publications releases George Martin's autobiography, Playback, in a limited-edition run of 2,000 copies.
In mid October, listening parties begin for 'Brainwashed". The security for the CD is tight. At a Capitol event, the CD was brought in by Harrison's sister-in-law, then removed once the event ended. Not even label execs were trusted with a copy.
On October 18th, a 7 minute EPK "The Making Of Brainwashed" was linked to the VH1 website. The clip had interview bites with George and Dhani Harrison and Jeff Lynne along with a few song samples from the upcoming album. George's official web site was also updated to promote "Brainwashed." A prominent feature was a detailed article by Anthony DeCurtis, also titled "The Making Of Brainwashed."
On October 22nd, Capitol Records announces a limited edition 6 CD box set to commemorate it's 60th anniversary. The CD set includes Beatles and solo tracks by John, Paul, George and Ringo.
On October 25th, Heather Mills McCartney is interviewed on ABC's 20/20 to promote her book "A Single Step." She's also interviewed by CNN's Larry King.
Ringo announces plans to tour in 2003. John Waite (The Babys, Bad English) is asked to be part of the new All-Starr line up.
George single, "Stuck Inside A Cloud" debuts on the web on AOL's First Listen on Monday, October 28 at 12:01 a.m. On Tuesday, October 29, "Stuck Inside A Cloud" was also available on the web at Netscape Music.
On October 29, the 2nd leg of Paul McCartney's US tour ends in Phoenix, AZ at America West Arena, having grossed about $100 million, and leaving a trail of house records in it's wake. The tour is the top-grossing of 2002, averaging about $2 million per night. European dates are set for 2003.
Olivia & Dhani Harrison attend the British Independent Film Awards on October 30th in London as George is honored for his contribution to the British film industry. Early reviews of "Brainwashed" begin to emerge. Jeff Lynne and Dhani Harrison conduct a series of promotional interviews.
November
John Lennon's "Mind Games" reissue comes out on November 5th in the US.
McCartney's tour goes to Mexico City for concerts at Palacio de los Deportes Saturday (Nov. 2), Sunday, and Tuesday and then Japan for shows at the Tokyo Dome Nov. 11, 13, 14 and the Osaka Dome Nov. 17 and 18. On November 11th, Paul McCartney's "Back In The US" double live CD was released - in Japan only.
Reviews for "Brainwashed" continue in a positive vein. The album is
released on November 19th.
In addition to the regular digipak edition, a collector's edition with
DVD and poster was released on the same day. The DVD was essentially
the
7 minute EPK, "The Making Of Brainwashed."
Dhani Harrison participates in a web chat on MSNBC on November 19th.
With very few exceptions, "Brainwashed" is reviewed positively. In spite of the response, the album debuts at #52 on the UK album chart, where it remains for one week. On Billboard, "Brainwashed" debuts at No. 18, based on sales of 74,000 copies. In Canada, "Brainwashed" debuts at No. 24.
On November 26th, Paul McCartney's "Back in the US" 2 CD set is released. The companion DVD is released in the US on the same day. In Canada, The DVD is held back until December 3rd.
On November 26th, Olivia Harrison is interviewed by Katie Couric on her NBC primetime special, “Katie At Night.”
On November 27th, the 2 hour "Back in the US" television special is broadcast by ABC and the CBC in Canada.
The day before the George Harrison Tribute Concert, Fox News reports that Ringo Starr has recorded a tribute song to George which will appear on his upcoming album in March 2003. The song is written and performed with Eric Clapton. Roger Waters, of Pink Floyd, also takes part in the recording.
In a twist of irony for a man of privacy, Harrison's will was made public on the anniversary of his death.
On November 29th, on the 1st anniversary of George Harrison's death, his closest musical friends, members of Monty Python, his wife and son gathered on stage at London's Royal Albert Hall to pay their respects. It is the first time that the surviving Beatles - Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr - performed on stage in what is now the closest we'll ever get to a Beatles reunion. However, it is the spirit of George and his wonderful music that transcended elements of residual Beatlemania. The mood of the event drew comparisons to the Concert For Bangla Desh.
Unfortunately for fans not in attendance, the Concert For George wasn't televised or web cast. The concert was filmed but, at the time of writing, the release plans for CD, home video or television are not known to the general public. However, a few days after the event, photographs and MP3s of the concert begin to appear online.
December
According to Soundscan, Paul McCartney's "Back In The US" DVD was the biggest-selling debut for a stand-alone music DVD in Soundscan history. With sales of 61,267 copies, the DVD entered the chart at No. 1. The companion CD, "Back In The US: Live 2002" debuted at No. 8 on the Billboard album chart with sales of 224,245 - McCartney's highest debut since the inception of Soundscan. "Back In the US" was also No. 1 on the Internet Sales chart.
In the 2002 Surround Music Awards, "The Best of Ringo Starr and his All Starr Band - So Far" (Image Entertainment) was nominated for Best Concert Video and Top Surround Artist of the Year. "The Concert For New York" was nominated for Most Adventurous Mix.
On December 8th, fans reflected on the 22nd anniversary of John Lennon's death. Tributes were held in Central Park, New York and Mathew Street, Liverpool.
A Paul McCartney sound check performance from New Orleans was accessed through the "Secret Site" web link on the "Back In The US " DVD. A highlight was a previously unheard "Driving Rain" outtake called "India". Other songs include "Honey Hush" ; "Blackbird"; "Calico Skies" ; "Honey Don't" and an instrumental version of "Celebration" (from Standing Stone). Due to Paul's initiative, the DVD web link was also fully accessible to Mac users. The "Secret Webshow" was launched on December 16th and remained online throughout the holidays.
On December 18th, Paul's USA tour was confirmed by Billboard magazine as the highest grossing tour of 2002. Around the same time, George's "Brainwashed" was certified gold.
Unfortunately, the year's end was somewhat tainted by the "Lennon/McCartney" credit dispute which is something we could have all lived without.
In an interview broadcast on Christmas eve, Yoko Ono mentioned that
a new box set of Lennon rarities would be released in the new year.