Marking the first anniversary of Beatles’ guitarist George Harrison’s death, an impressive array of musicians came together at London’s Royal Albert Hall on November 29, 2002, to commemorate the prolific career of their close friend. 

 

Organized by wife Olivia Harrison and led by designated musical director Eric Clapton, the event was split into two parts.  First, Harrison’s well-known spiritual side received recognition from Anoushka Shankar, daughter of famed Indian sitar player Ravi Shankar.  In 1966, Harrison traveled to India in order to study under Ravi Shankar, at which time he was also embraced Hinduism.  Complete with a sixteen-piece orchestra of Indian musicians and Clapton on acoustic guitar, Anoushka Shankar performed her father’s composition entitled “Arpan.” 

 

The remainder of the show saw the likes of Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Eric Clapton, Joe Brown, Jools Holland, Jeff Lynne, Billy Preston, and Sam Brown all on stage performing Harrison’s compositions.  In addition, the backing band featured such musicians as Traffic’s Jim Capaldi on drums, Plastic Ono Band’s Klaus Voorman on bass and George’s son, Dhani Harrison, on guitar. 

 

McCartney and Clapton took the reins on Harrison’s famous “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” while Billy Preston, a member of Harrison’s band during his first US tour in 1974, added his touch to “My Sweet Lord.”  Additional highlights included the Heartbreakers’ rendition of “Taxman,” Ringo’s cover of “Photograph,” and Joe Brown on “Here Comes the Sun.” 

 

The night was also given a touch of humor when the famed British comedy troupe Monty Python performed a series of skits in honor of George, including their own musical contribution, “The Lumberjack Song.”  The event was also captured on film by director David Leland (Wish You Were Here, Band of Brothers) and produced by Olivia Harrison, Ray Cooper, and Jon Kamen.  The earnings from both the event and the film went to the foundation George created in 1973, the Material World Charitable Foundation.

 

 

 

“Concert for George” Soundtrack:

 

1)      Sarve Sham (Traditional Prayer)

2)      Anoushka Shankar – Your Eyes (Sitar Solo)

3)      Jeff Lynne and Anoushka Shankar – The Inner Light

4)      Anoushka Shankar – Arpan

5)      Jeff Lynne – I Want to Tell You

6)      Eric Clapton – If I Needed Someone

7)      Gary Brooker – Old Brown Shoe

8)      Jeff Lynne - Give Me Love (Give Me Peace on Earth)

9)      Eric Clapton – Beware of Darkness

10)  Joe Brown – Here Comes the Sun

11)  Joe Brown – That’s the Way It Goes

12)  Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers – Taxman

13)  Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers – I Need You

14)  Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers with Jeff Lynne and Dhani Harrison – Handle With Care

15)  Billy Preston – Isn’t It a Pity

16)  Ringo Starr – Photograph

17)  Ringo Starr – Honey Don’t

18)  Paul McCartney – For You Blue

19)  Paul McCartney and Eric Clapton – Something

20)  Paul McCartney – All Things Must Pass

21)  Paul McCartney and Eric Clapton – While My Guitar Gently Weeps

22)  Billy Preston – My Sweet Lord

23)  Eric Clapton – Wah Wah

      24) Joe Brown – I’ll See You In My Dreams