Steve,

I watched the PBS broadcast of The Concert for George tonight on WNET out of NY. Brian Roylance flew over to appear on the program, with some copies of the new C 4 G book, which they offered for a pledge of $1500. by credit card only. The book looks beautiful... he said it's full of unpublished photos, and anecdotes about George by the friends and family who knew and loved him the most. They showed some lovely photos of Olivia and Dhani from the end of the concert. The book also smells of the incense that was burned the night of the show!

When asked how the concert came about, Brian said that he and Eric were out to lunch together shortly after George passed away. Eric asked him if anyone was going to do anything, plan a concert, or anything. Brian said to him, "Not unless you do it!" Eric asked did he think Oliva would like it, and Brian said he was sure she would, especially if he put it together.

Brian also talked about how he first met George 30 years ago, shortly after George had seen and was impressed by a program on bookbinding. He liked what Brian was doing. They talked for about 20 minutes and hit it off instantly. George invited him to his recording studio to hear some unreleased recordings he'd done.

As of this evening, Brian hadn't heard about the Grammy nominations for the film...he heard about it right there on channel 13!

Of George, he said, "He was enormous fun. One minute he'd be talking about spiritual things, then playing a George Formby record." His favorite song from the concert is "While My Guitar..."

He also shared a little story he'd heard from George's brother about when George was 17 and trying to decide about going to Hamburg with the band. He asked his brother if he thought he should go, or should say and do the electrical apprenticeship. His brother told him to go to Hamburg, and HE'd take the electrical apprenticeship! (Whew, the rest is history!)

Hey There all George fans:

There will be screenings of the Concert for George in Los Angeles, NY, Austin, Chicago and SF next week. Proceeds from all events will go to benefit the American Cancer Society. The Los Angeles, Austin and Chicago screenings will take place on the 29th of November, the 3rd anniversary of George's passing and the 2nd anniversary of the Concert for George.

The Los Angeles show will be at the Knitting Factory Hollywood (7021 Hollywood Blvd) and will feature special live performances after the screening. Performers will include Rusty Anderson (guitarist for Paul McCartney) and JACKIE LOMAX (The first artist signed to APPLE!) Doors at 6:30. Movie at 7pm. Performances to follow. DVD giveaways night of show. Tickets are only $8.

Austin - the screening is at the Alamo Drafthouse Village location. 2700 W. Anderson. The event will be hosted by KGSR radio personality Jody Denberg who was at the Concert for George. The doors are at 9:15pm for the 9:45pm screening. Admission is only a $5 minimum donation.

Chicago - The screening is at the Loews Pipers Alley. 1608 N. Wells St. The event is presented by WXRT. The screening is at 8pm sharp. Admission is a suggested $9 donation.

The San Francisco show is on December 1st, and like the Los Angeles show, will feature amazing live performances following the movie. The show is at The Independent (628 Divisidero Street). Doors are at 7pm. The movie will run at 8pm. Following the movie we'll have performances by Firecracker and Chris Von Sniedern, followed by a set from Cheb i Sabbah, a phenomenal DJ who incorporates Indian rhythms, live drums, visuals and dancers into one mind-bending show. Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 at the door.

The New York show will be at the New York Knitting Factory (74 Leonard St.) The doors will be at 6:30, with the screening at 7pm. After the movie there will be performances by Josh Fix, The Paparazzi, 20 Miles (featuring Judah Bauer of Blues Explosion) and special guest Karnamrita Das! She used to chant with George in India, and she is coming into New York for this show. Her voice is amazing. Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 at the door.

Please, please, please pass this information around to anyone you might know in any of these cities. This should be a rare opportunity to see the Concert for George in a social setting, have a few drinks, see some brilliant live music, and help to raise money to be donated to the American Cancer Society.

http://www.theindependentsf.com/dec2004.htm
http://www.knittingfactory.com/
http://www.originalalamo.com/online_tix/show_details.asp?show_id=2309

Update (7/14/04)

Update (4/5/04)

The Concert For George is on Australian free-to-air television on Friday evening (April 9 at 8:30 Eastern) on the ABC, Australia's version of the BBC. See link from the ABC http://www.abc.net.au/tv/guide/netw/200404/highlights/220226.htm.

Update (3/30/04) Here's the BBC online listing for the Concert for George broadcast. The film will follow Jonathan Ross's show on Friday night. (Thanks to Carol-Anne Lennie.)

Update (3/28/04)

The airing of the Concert For George on BBC 1, April 2... 23.35 will be after the Jonathan Rich show and I would advise to look at the show because it would not surprise me if Jonathan links something to the airing in some way.

Update (3/13/04)

Update (3/9/04)

I don't know if they're airing throughout the rest of the U.S., but for several days here in the D.C. area we've been seeing television commercials for the Concert for George CDs and DVDs. The prices aren't very good ($24.98 for the CDs and $29.99 for the DVDs), but they dangle the offer of a bonus CFG poster for those who order by phone. The number is 800-452-8555. The discs are also available online at http://www.onlyhitmusic.com but the poster offer is only available by telephone.

Update (3/5/04)

Update (3/3/04)

Update (3/1/04)

Hi Steve,

Just wanted to let you know, that some PBS stations won't be showing the Concert for George on the national schedule which has it listed for March 3 during prime time at 9:00 pm.

In Connecticut the program won't be shown until later in the month; ditto for the Springfield, Massachusetts station I also get...HOWEVER...

If you're in the same boat with your PBS station, check the listings for PBS Overnight. In Connecticut the first showing will be at 4:00 A.M. on Wednesday night/Thursday morning (so set your VCR on WEDNESDAY night) on CPTV according to the TV Guide. In some ways this is better--no spouse or kids to compete with for the TV that night.

All the best,
Patti

Update (2/29/04)

Update (2/27/04)

Hi, Steve-- A source close to the "Concert for George" film told me that the PBS version of the film is slightly different from the version featured on the DVD. To fit into the time slot allotted for the movie, a little more material has been added. Also, according to the source, the Pythons' "Sit On My Face" routine has been removed, in reaction to the Janet Jackson Super Bowl showing. Amazing, eh?

Like many others, I had a heck of a time finding the Harrison box set. I had been stockpiling Best Buy reward zone gift certificates (I ended up saving $30 with them), but had to drive around Central Jersey to find one. I finally went to the web site and selected in-store pickup as an option to figure out where a local store had one. The store in Holmdel, N.J., indeed had one copy.

As you previously mentioned, PBS stations will be airing (yeehaw!!) the Concert for George in March. For anyone in the Boston area, the times it will be aired on PBS stations WGBH 2 and WGBH 44 are Wed 3/3 9pm on WGBH 2, Thurs 3/4 1am WGBH 2 Thurs 3/4 1:30pm WGBH 44, Mon 3/8 4am WGBH 44

Update (2/5/04)

David Leland's acclaimed rock concert film, Concert for George, premieres on American television in an expanded 120-minute version Wednesday, March 3, 2004 on PBS at 9 p.m. Check local listings.

Update (1/10/04)

The Concert for George will be available to PBS affiliates beginning in March 2004. The earliest it will air will probably be Wednesday, March 3 at 9 PM Eastern. (PBS stations will not be using it as a pledge program.)

Hi Steve,

We flew home from London on Sunday on United Airlines, and found Concert For George as one of the "featured films" on the flight. CFG will be featured for the month of January on all United flights from the UK to North America. A nice surprise on a long trip.

Happy New Year.

Update (12/16/03)

Hi Steve,

I had email from a couple of London contacts that there seems to be a rather vigorous ad campaign going on in the London Underground stations in the west end to promote Concert for George. They are in a variety of sizes, ranging from the big platform posters to the ones that hang on the wall along the escalators.

Cheers!

Patti Murawski, editor
The Harrison Alliance

Update (12/8/03)

Update (12/7/03)

Update (12/4/03)

Hi folks,

We had two screenings of the Concert for George in Melbourne on the 28th and 29th November. I was at the second screening which was the 2nd anniversary of Georges passing. Can I just say it was the best concert film I have seen in many years. I felt right in the middle of the concert and had to stop myself clapping along at the end of each number. I particularly enjoyed the fact that the camera work and editing was unobtrusive - no annoying crane zooms or fast cutting. Just plenty of good steady shots on the performers.

As for the performances, enough comments have already been posted, but can I just say it was a joy to see Paul in such great form singing lead on Georges songs including a majestic "All Things Must Pass" And to see him replicate his "Beatle " harmonies on Something and While My Guitar Gently Weeps was equally joyful. I am also glad they played the songs straight, just as the records, and no one tried to take over with their own style. It was a wonderful film with wonderful sound. I feel very lucky to have seen it on the big screen as there were only four screenings in Australia.

Hi!

I ran across something of interest on Sam Brown's website at www.onecandle.co.uk. Scroll down to the heading "Sam's Multi-Media Appearances" It says: "Sam was live on BBC Radio 2 on Saturday 8th February for about an hour with Mark Lamarr (sitting in for Jonathan Ross) They chatted about her music, her family and her upbringing, although it was mostly irreverent cockney banter. She also sang a beautiful little new song "I'll Be Here" with the ukulele. You can listen to a short clip including the new song using RealPlayer by clicking on the little ukulele (600Kb, 2½ minutes)."

Before Sam plays "I'll Be Here", she reveals that she's playing a ukulele that George Harrison gave to her dad Joe Brown. She also tells a wonderful story of Joe Brown teaching George how to play "I'll See You In My Dreams."

It's not really a news item, but it would be of interest to Concert for George fans. I too was disappointed that "Horse to the Water" was cut from the CD version of the concert. Anyway, love your website!

I don't know if this is a local problem in Sweden, Europe or everywhere, but the distributors here have packaged the DVD with a 32 pages thick Warner DVD video/audio leaflet added (where the Concert booklet is), put a not-too-precisely-aligned permanent untidy sticker on the front and then sealed it in plastic wrap.

The problem now is that it can't be opened - without damaging the content that is stucked. I've been talking to other fans/collectors here who are just as pissed (sorry) as I am.

There shouldn't be anything irrelevant included in this package! And definitely nothing that makes it impossible to open without damage.

Be on the lookout...

There is a Concert for George direct marketing TV ad currently running in some markets where one can order the DVD or CD or both; the bonus for ordering through the ad is a poster.

Update (11/30/03)

Hi Steve,

I have heard from the webmaster of Sam Brown's site (thank you Daryl) that the reason Sam's performance was left off the CD because there was not enough room to fit the track into the running time and cuts had to be made.

What a pity!

Patti Murawski, editor
The Harrison Alliance

The slide guitar has been redone on "That's The Way It Goes".....

Also, just a comment on Alan Fleming's comment..... The "Hey Jude" refrain at the end of "Isn't It A Pity" was on the original as well(it's a little saturated in "The Wall Of Sound Though!).....in fact the original is just as long as "Hey Jude" save for a second or two!!

Hello Steve and congratulations for your site!!, I read the Beatle News there every day.

Well the last Monday, I received the Concert for George DVD and CD in my country Bolivia in South America, I must say that it is the best concert I watched!!, so emotional and so strong at the same time, I think that the big highlights of the concert are Tom Petty, Billy Preston, and the complete work of Jeff Lynne and Eric Clapton that lets to Ringo and Paul a bit behind in the performances, About the CD the only thing that made me feel dissapointed was that the Sam Brown's 'Horse to the water' is not available there. The Concert for George shows in deep all the love that friends and fans have for George.

I'm in hurry for the Dark Horse Catalogue next year :)!!!!

Just to let you know, that the UK edition of the CFG CD doesn't include the Python tracks or the Sam Brown track either.

To respond to Alan Fleming and many others who have never noticed: the "na na" Hey Jude-like vocals in the coda of "Isn't It a Pity" are on the original record. It has always been part of the song. I have seen many people question why the "Hey Jude chorus" was added to George's song for the concert. The answer is that it wasn't. It's always been there.

After watching the Concert for George, I noticed that it looks like Jeff Lynn is wearing the hat George wears in the Brainwashed dvd when he is talking in his garden.

Update (11/26/03)

Concert for George is finally available in Canada — I picked it up yesterday, and I must say, it's tremendously moving. The entire event is so reverent of the spirit of George. Paul and Ringo are clearly moved...so much so that I can say with authority that I've never heard Macca try so hard as he does on "All Things Must Pass". Same can be said for Clapton on "Wah Wah". Though it sounds so cliche'd, you really can feel the love in the room.

Two highlights...Billy Preston's "Isn't It a Pity" (though the "Hey Jude" backing vocals puzzle me a great deal - what's with that??? The other shining moment is, of course, Joe Brown's "I'll see you in my dreams"...which is very much reminiscent of all of "Brainwashed". Moments like this come once in a generation, if you're lucky. Musically, things haven't sounded this good since "Concert for Bangladesh."

There could be no better epitaph for George. Now all I have to do is wait for the George box set Dhani has mentioned. Hearing "Concert for George" only serves to remind us all of what a vast talent we lost when George left us.

I bought the Concert For George DVD yesterday and I thought it was marvellous! But I was surprised to see that they have redone Eric Clapton`s introduction speech. I attended the Concert For George and I remember Eric calling Dhani “George`s wife Dhani”. And later in the show Paul commented Eric`s previous mistake. I remember Eric shouting to Paul: “Thank you for reminding me”. Since they have redone that part, I wonder if they have changed anything else...?

Hi Steve,

Amazon UK has this morning shipped out their orders for the 'Concert for George' so UK readers should start looking in their letter boxes and stores for it.

Hadn't seen anyone mention this yet, but the CD of the CFG does not include the 2 Monty Python tunes, and doesn't include Sam Brown's performance of "Horse to the Water", though the DVD includes both. Wonder what's up with that?

Steve, The Concert For George (DVD and CD) has been delayed one week in Canada, now coming out November 25th. I work for a music retailer in Toronto and we just received word about the delay a few days ago. No reason was given.

Hi Steve,

Here is the official information on the Aussie screenings of the 'Concert for George', i hope all the Sydney and Melbourne based fans can spread this information around, it'll be great if we can get more than just a few fans to come along, some of us here may organise a small get together after the screenings.

Warner vision still doesn't have a release date for the DVD in Aussie, it will probably be in Early December now.

MELBOURNE - RIVOLI CINEMAS 
Dates: Friday 28th & Saturday 29th November 
Time : 7pm - with the chance to open up a 9pm session
if ticket sales require. 
Cinema Capacity - 500 seats 

SYDNEY - GEORGE STREET CINEMAS 
Date: Friday & Saturday Dec 5th & 6th 
Time : 7pm - with the chance to open up a 9pm session
if ticket sales require. 
Cinema Capacity - 634 seats 

The ticket price for both events are $20 each.

I finally found the (U.S) "Concert for George" DVD tonight at a Best Buy...30 miles from my house! Interestingly, there was no special display for it and it wasn't even on the shelves in the music DVD section! There were a few stacks of them on the floor (probably 30 copies total), wedged underneath the shelves. If I didn't know the box was blue, I wouldn't have found it!

Update (11/20/03)

Update (11/19/03)

Update (11/15/03)

Hi Steve,

The "Concert for George" is playing a three evening run in Hartford, Connecticut, easily accessible from New Haven and Springfield, Mass and the Hartford burbs on Sunday, November 16 thru Tuesday, November 18. The theatre is always open to the public, and mostly exhibits smaller films, foreign films, etc.

Here are the details: The film is screening Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday nights (November 16, 17, 18) at 7:30 p.m. at the Cinestudio theatre on the campus of Trinity College at 300 Summit Street in Hartford. Tickets are $7.00. For students, seniors and educators (must have ID) tickets are $6.00. For more information, directions, etc. visit www.cinestudio.org or phone 860-297-2463.

All the best,
Patti Murawski, editor The Harrison Alliance

Hi again,

Several people I know in the UK who preordered the Concert for George dvd from Amazon UK have received notice via email that the dvd release will be delayed until November 24 "by the studio"...

Tomorrow night (Saturday 11/15/03) at 8p.m., the Eagle presents the DVD presentation of "Concert for George" at Characters! This is the tribute concert for George Harrison put together by his closest friends, and performed at the Royal Albert Hall in London on the first anniversary of his death, November 29th, 2002. Eric Clapton, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Paul McCartney, and more all joined together to perform George's songs. There are many surprises during this concert, that you'll just have to see tomorrow night... plus some of our own! Please join us for this spectacular event celebrating the life of this musical icon of the 20th century. He touched so many lives during his short time on Earth, and you'll feel the energy fill Characters tomorrow night with Concert for George. (not available in stores) There are large screens all over Characters, so you'll have a great view th! roughout the event... and it's FREE.

Hi! Just to tell you a few lines about last night screening of the wonderful "Concert for George" in Tokyo. At 7:00 PM, to an almost sold out theater, there appeared the representative of "The Beatles Club", the official fan club in Japan, who gave a little speech to introduce Olivia, who came in the company of Eric Clapton (who these days begins a Japan only tour of one month), Ray Cooper and two producers (I didn't catch their names). When Olivia said their names they got a huge ovation, specially Eric and Ray. None of them said a word, but they looked very down to earth. Then Olivia thanked the audience, and invited us to enjoy the show, while they sat through it also.

About the film, I think I can't add anything to what has already been said by many. Beautiful, exciting and moving. Also, the audio was great. "The Inner Light" was for me the peak of the show. My only complain is for Ringo...even though he made a point by saying that George loved Carl Perkins, I still think he could have made an effort and sing something else, not what he always sings...but anyway.

At the end of the film, Olivia and the others left while the lights were still off. And that was it. A beautiful evening.

ps. The Japanese edition of LIBN is available since yesterday...

The CFG CD & DVDs are a real treat. I don't know how often I'll listen to the CD over time, but there are a few tracks that even in audio only are just superb. The DVD is beautiful and touching and funny and moving and all the things it was in the theater. The real treat, of course, is the complete show in DTS. Spectacular. And the cinematography (and set design) is equally impressive. The whole package is really high end; even the menus offer unique little moments that I won't spoil. I haven't gotten to the extras yet, but the Python's backstage should be a laugh.

I received an advance copy of the Concert for George CD and DVD today. WOW!!!! They are both amazing. I've got a serious lump in my throat after watching the DVD. It is so well done. The DVD contains one extra song that is not on the CD - Horse To Water. I have not watched the extra footage on disc 2 yet but hope to do so tonight.

There's a great photo in both the CD and DVD booklets of Dhani with Eric. The resemblance to George is stunning. I would highly recommend both. They come out Tuesday. Get'em both if you can.

Update (11/13/03)

Steve,

Just came back from The Concert For George screening in Amsterdam (the only screeening in The Netherlands for Pete's sake!). There had been no publicity at all, but the medium sized cinema was half-full with a mostly elderly public anyway.

This must be one of the greatest concert movies in modern history; the sound is quite perfect and the pace of the movie is just great. The songs are of course superb and overall superbly played.

After the screening there was applause of the audience and a general atmosphere of delight.

There are only a few minor points of criticism: It is a pity that some of the songs are interupted by spoken comments and it is quite incomprehensible that WHAT IS LIFE is completely missing in the concert; this song should have been perfect for a version in this line-up with the massive presence of guitars. ("What is Life" is one of George's all-time greatest guitar-songs, according to Dutch country-blues guitarist Rob van Scheers).

Other observations: Paul seems a bit nervous (or overwhelmed), but gives a really great performance (his voice is terribly good!). Sam Brown is awesome, Ringo is a delight in his own right, Billy Preston is very good and Eric Clapton is just great.

What this movie makes utterly clear by playing George's songs in this heavy line-up with sometimes six or seven guitarists, three drummers, backing singers and a compete orchestra, that The Beatles (only three guitarists and one drummer) did a truly amazing thing in their days in realizing the songs in their "full" sound as we know them. This concert, great as it is, only underlines the true genius of the original performances!

Dear Steve,

On this website on the German arm of Warner Strategic Marketing you will find the entire tracklist and audio samples (rm files) of the CD "Concert for George".

Steve--

I don't know whether you saw this. It's from the Oct 3 Hollywood Reporter. Very good article.

Update (11/12/03)

CFG will screen at the Rivoli Cinema, Melbourne on the 28th & 29th November. No news of a Sydney screening yet, but it seems likely.

Update (11/10/03)

Steve,

I saw an article in Billboard recently, about the upcoming tribute DVDs for George and John. The article quoted a Warner Strategic Marketing representative, about some of the planned promo for CFG (both the DVD and CD). The article indicated there will be a direct response TV and Internet campaign, a track will be played in cinemas during the pre-preview portion of movies and there is a radio special in the works. Outdoor advertising will be featured at the Ed Sullivan Theater and Shea Stadium in NY and the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles. Meanwhile, WSM is negotiating with an airlines to present a 20-minute program about Concert for George on flights. Other than that, I don't have any more specific information. Please share this with your readers.

Update (11/9/03)

Warner Brothers' Warner Strategic Marketing division, which is releasing the DVD and CD of 'The Concert For George' on Nov. 18 and AOL/Time-Warner has a promotional video at this site : http://progressive.stream.aol.com/aol/us/aolmusic/specials/2003/concertforgeorge/concertforgeorge_givemelove_01_dl.mov (Quicktime required.)

On November 12 The Concert For George will premiere in Holland, Amsterdam (Pathe cinema, 19.10 hour). There will only be one screening.

Update (11/8/03)

Hi Steve,

The Harrison Alliance's correspondent for Japan reports that there will be a Concert for George premiere in Tokyo on November 13. Olivia will reportedly attend.

All the best,
Patti Murawski, editor
The Harrison Alliance

Update (11/7/03)

I have heard "While My Guitar...." from the promo sampler. The ending guitar solo is severely edited. They run through the chord progression only once. If I recall correctly, the band ran through the progression three or four times in the actual performance.

Update (11/6/03)

Steve,

Got some info from a DJ pal of mine who has gotten copies of a CD Sampler of the Concert for George, as well as a DVD "sampler." Here is the info he shared:

There are 4 tracks on the CD Sampler:

'While My Guitar Gently Weeps' (Paul & Eric C)

'Photograph' (Ringo)

'I Need You' (Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers)

'Handle With Care' (Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers w/Jeff Lynne & Dhani)

The DVD sampler is listed as "For Screening Purposes Only' and contains the 30-page booklet that will accompany the full DVD. The booklet is beautiful, and contains many cool picures of George, as well as stills from the 'Concert For George' film and many written tributes to George. The DVD runs 20 minutes.

Update (11/5/03)

Excellence Hommage to a Great Musician The film "Concert For George" with Eric Clapton, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Tom Petty and other Rockstars started in Germany,

The unusual documentary film was to be seen on Monday evening, November 3, at cinemas in Frankfurt and 9 further German cities. "For me, George Harrison had been the outstanding musician of the Beatles", such a spectator from Frankfurt. "the potential and the timelessness of his songs remain exampleless." The joy was located to another literally in the face written: "I again met all my rock heroes in the film." Two radio representatives, who were also then in 2002 in London, meant that the sound in the motion picture film came over "maniacally well and authentically". Thus they can't await the release of the double DVD or CD on November 17.

Despite the altogether held back enthusiasm, but the 100 guests in Frankfurt Metropolis cinema stay up to the last second of the credits in the seats. Also they didn't save any final applause.

Update (10/28/03)

Update (10/26/03)

Jools: How did this film really come about, who'se idea was this to do this concert.

Olivia: It really was Eric Clapton's, he was .. well we are all missing George a lot..and he came to me and said, 'Can you do a tribute concert' and let him organize it and he (Ray) egged him on for a bit.

J: How did you (to Ray) first get involved .. but, of course, I should point out but not only are, you know, in the British film world but also a great percussionist... but how did you meet George?

Ray: In the dark days of Saville Row when The Beatles were doing individual projects at that point and they all had their co-musicians and I happened to be priviliged to be one of George's co-musicians, working on George's projects, all that ever still being The Beatles, and that's how we met, it's a long time ago.

J: This film we now made .. you've made .. is really extraordinary isn't it, now who are some of the other people involved?

O: There was Ringo and Paul, and Tom Petty - Traveling Wilburys - Jeff Lynne, Billy Preston, an old friend of George's who George met in Hamburg, a guy called Jools Holland, Sam Brown, Joe Brown.

J: All the people who loved him, Ravi Shankar. O: Yeah, Ravi Shankar of course, Anoushka Shankar, Klaus Voormann from the Hamburg days. J: The thing about George, I always found amazing is that not only was he this incredible songwriter, like a Burt Bacharach, but he happened to be in The Beatles as well but also one of the biggest film producers Britain has ever had. Monty Python people were involved. Why was that?

O: They were some of his best friends and we had to have some humor 'cause George was not the quiet one, as you know ...he never shut up... and he had this great sense of humor.. and they were his friends.. so we couldn't have too solemn the occasion, he wouldn't have enjoyed that and they made sure it wasn't too solemn. And, of course, Tom Hanks happened to be around the night before and so he was asked if he would like to be a Mountie in the Limberjack sketch.

This is where Jools showed the end of When My Guitar, from the film clip, starting at "Still My Guitar ..." and again it is amazing to see Clapton with his head up high, eyes closed as if he is singing to his friend, so concentrated and so passionate, then this moment with Ray on percussion and Eric Clapton just staring to the audience as if a million memories of George pass his mind.

J: It does look incredible and also it's gonna be around in lots of cinema's and on DVD ... and in America, was it received well?

O: Very well received, got great reviews .. lotta people loved George, they wanna see it and also now...it's quite a historic document really.

J: What do you think George would have made of the film?

O: I think he would have enjoyed it. Seeing all his mates, he loved everybody being together ... cause he wouldn't have to play you see.. he could just sit and watch.

J: Where do the proceeds go?

O: They go to the Material World Charitable Foundation which George set up in 1973, which supports established charities like for children or people with special needs.

J: Okay, Olivia Harrison, Ray Cooper, thank you very much indeed.

That was it, a little 4 minutes.

Dear Steve,

On last Tuesday, October 21, the film "Concert for George" receive its German theatre premiere in Hamburgs biggest cinema. The guests, even some label bosses, were partial moved to tears. A TV representative was so excited, that he always repeated, there would actually no better Christmas present than the forthcoming DVD.

Best regards,
Sven.

___________________________________

German Beat*** information portal
www.solterbeck.de/gbip
___________________________________

P.S. Steve: I don't know, if it is a news. The DVD "Concert for George" will contain a 32-page booklet in a digi-pak-slip-case, as the German Warner Vision Press Message mentioned.

Warner Vision Germany provided via a press mailing list the Film Trailer for placing on homepages. I put the Real Audio files on my site http://www.solterbeck.de/gbip/off_cfg_event_3.html. There are 2 formats (for 56k modem download 368 KB and for broadband download 3,73 MB) and they are downloadable.

Update (10/25/03)

Hi Steve,

Didn't see it on your site, but I have a report that Olivia will be interviewed RE Concert for George on Later with Jools Holland tonight (Friday) on BBC2. She's not listed on the website as a guest, however, they usually only do short interviews between bands on that program, don't they?

Update (10/23/03)

Attached is cover art for Concert for George CD; no great surprise, it is following the design of the DVD and film poster art. The catalog number for the CD is Warner Strategic Marketing 081227454462.

Patti Murawski, Editor
The Harrison Alliance

Hi Steve,

There was a press event tonight (Tue 21 Oct) in Hamburg, Germany at Cinnemax. We couldn't drive there, but the German promotion Lady for Warner Music Vision was nice enough to send this (for use in our magazine). We also could give away 10x 2 tix for the event (via our website).

SELECTED HIGHLIGHTS from the FORTHCOMING DOUBLE-DVD set

Concert For George

Warner Music Vision PR 044317
DVD For Promotional use only 
(such a notice screens all the time on the lower edge of the film)

tt: 19:53

Tracks:

I Want To Tell You

Taxman

Handle With Care

Photograph

Sit On My Face
Lumberjack Song

For You Blue


The Inner Light
My Sweet Lord
While My Guitar Gently Weeps

Old Brown Shoe (during the end credit)

The tracks are portions only, interrupted by some interviews and scenes from the rehearsals. The last track is audio only. The tune of the promo DVD is Dolby digital only, not yet 5.1 or DTS surround.

It’s a nice glass mastered promo DVD in blue cardboard case. Brings just back all the memories from the show, to me (and the king of my heart) who were lucky to happen to be there. and the 2DVD set will bring it all near to the ones who couldn't.

All the best !
Evelyn

Update (10/16/03)

Hi Steve,

Here is a short clip of the premiere in England for the Harrison tribute film. It's with Dutch commentary but you'll see and hear McCartney, Bill Wyman, Olivia & Dhani & Clapton in English. http://www.planet.nl/planet/show/id=74766/contentid=408914/sc=50b649.

Today, I got a verbal confirmation of the German subsidiary of Warner Strategic Marketing. The CD "Concert for George" will be released in Germany at November 17. They promised me to send some more details (Cover Pics, tracklist etc.).

Best regards, Sven.

Update (10/15/03)

The ad pictured on your site for "The Concert For George" movie pretty much lays bare the reason for the brief theatrical run. It's not for the fans, to build interest for the dvd or turn a quick profit (though all those reasons are good), but for the same reason Paul's "Get Back" had a world premier shortly before the video release. Even if the movie is shown in only one theater prior to its release on home video, it is eligible for Academy Award consideration.

Update (10/14/03)

Warner Vision Germany announced last week, that the "Concert for George" film will be shown in Germany in the theaters you mentioned in your list http://abbeyrd.best.vwh.net/news/cfglist.html. The date is not really confirmed, but as the press note said, it will be from November 3 till 5. The shows will be on 20h00 and 22h00. The Press-Preview in Germany will be in Hamburg at October 21.

I contacted Warner in Germany to get more detailed information. Afaik, I will let you know.

Update (10/13/03)

Hi Steve,

I thought you might like to know that the cinema showing Concert For George in London - The Odeon Covent Garden - used to be the Saville Theatre, which was leased by Brian Epstein in the 60s and is where the Fabs filmed the videos of Hallo Goodbye. Brian used to hold concerts there every Sunday and it's where Jimi Hendrix opened his set with Sgt Pepper just days after the album came out.

I wonder if the film being shown there was planned or just a coincidence?

Richard Porter
http://www.beatlesinlondon.com

According to Boxofficemojo.com's weekly theater counts e-mail, the film is still playing in sixteen theaters this week, although 89 chose to get rid of the film. I'm guessing that it was somewhat profitable in large areas such as Chicago, New York and Los Angeles. Hence, why it's probably playing in those areas.

Concert for George (Arenaplex) / 16 (-89) / 2

So, be sure to get the word out to everyone that they've still got a shot to see it on the big screen.
Rowdy

Update (10/11/03)

I won’t make this a long one, but here goes:

Thanks to the Sam Brown site I attended the Concert for George Premiere. The wife and I waited in the entrance as many of the stars already mentioned entered the cinema. We chatted for ages to Ray Cooper (What a very nice man)-he signed our invite and believe me he is a gentleman of the highest order.Jools Holland signed my wife’s invite-very nice.

On his entrance, Paul McCartney looked at my pen and invite and walked on.

Once in the cinema-we watched the most beautiful film. After the film, we went hot foot to the lobby area and at this point I was SURROUNDED by many of my heroes. I approached Paul again who this time said "I'm not doing any of these tonight thanks”, he tapped me on my shoulder and he was off. (“But when am I EVER going to see you again I thought”).

I then spotted the Main man, Eric Clapton. It has always been my ambition to introduce him to my wife so over I went. I introduced myself as a massive fan and would he please meet my wife.” Of course” he said. I shouted over my nervous wife who held out her hand and said, ”I'm pleased to meet you”. He shook her hand and said "I’m pleased to meet you”. My wife then walked away to sit down (in total shock).I made small talk to Eric, but when he said he had to go I asked for his autograph. He said "sure”. He then took hold of my bag of Odeon popcorn and signed it.”Thanks,nice to meet you” he said and was off.

A short while later we were sat in a pub in the Square, not believing what had happened. In fact, two days later, I still can’t.

The only comments I will pass are -- Eric and Ray, you made our dreams come true. How refreshing that there are true stars who can treat humble fans as equals.

Everybody -- go and see the film. Quite superb.

(Eventually there will be a framed bag of popcorn on our wall !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

Hi Steve,

One of my friends got to go to the premiere in London too. She told me similar things about the evening, but she had a slightly different experience, RE: talking to the guests.

Two things stick out in my mind from her telling me the story--Paul McCartney was very gracious to her, him talking to her in the lobby before the film, and after the film, in talking to Joe Brown, she asked him to sign her ticket which he was only too glad to do saying, "I thought you'd never ask!"

Hi Steve; I was happy to see others in the Indianapolis area (John S. Damm & Chuck E.) write in with their "Concert For George" story. I managed to get to Regal 17 for the final 10:30 PM showing and I'm so glad I did. Didn't feel too energetic today, but managed to force myself to take the 20-mile round trip to see the film. I suspected I'd have some tears by the end of the movie, but as I was the only person there when I arrived, I thought I had the place to myself & tried out about four seating locations. Then when the the 1st tamboura notes and the Mandala appeared on the screen, this 51-yr.- old guy got an immediate case of tears which lasted through the entire film. They were tears of joy, sadness, loss, grief, inspiration and probably 2000 other emotions.

The film is over now for the US, but I urge all UK viewers to see it no matter what. We'll have the complete, correctly-sequenced concert on dvd soon, but for now nothing can match the experience of seeing this incredible event on the big screen in great sound and picture quality.

After the film I found that two other fellows had joined me in the audience, but I felt no embarassment at my weepy enjoyment of "Concert For George". As soon as I started the 30-minute drive home, I played "Brainwashed" in the car and had bittersweet tears for another 1/2 hour.

It was a wonderful, emotional, cathartic experience for me. Again I urge the UK fans - GO SEE IT!

Just discovered that Eric Idle's been keeping a tour weblog for his Greedy Bastard tour here: http://www.pythonline.com/eric_idle.html. In this entry (6th paragraph down) he has some really funny and sweet things to say about George and about doing the Concert for George with the other Pythons as well as a nice little plug for the film. :-) He also definitely played "The Pirate Song" and spoke about George at the Rutland, VT show. From what he's said in his blog, they've been cutting things and changing things around so I don't know if it'll continue to stay in the set but I'm hoping to hear him share his George memories when I see him at the end of Oct. in NYC.

Update (10/10/03)

Concert For George Gala Premiere.
London, West End Odeon, October 8th 2003

I was lucky enough to obtain tickets for the London Premiere of 'Concert For George'.

At the very last moment I entered a competition on Sam Browns web site. They were giving away ten pairs of tickets. Unfortunately, my name wasn't pulled out from the draw, but I had told my friend Alli about it and asked her to enter it too, so she did, despite the fact that she knew, because of work commitments, that she wouldn't be able to attend if she won. However, she was lucky enough to win two tickets. Both of us had named the other as there partner to attend with and so Alli, (Thanks a billion), said that she would like me to attend. Her husband, Steve, accompanied me.

We arrived at Leicester Square at around 5pm. We noted where the Odeon was and then grabbed a quick coffee in a cafe. We stood outside the cinema for a while and there was very little happening. Then we saw a lorry containing some spot light equipment pull up and then drive to the other side of the square. It was then that we realized that there were in fact two Odeon cinema's in Leicester Square!!!!

So, undeterred, we crossed over the square to the 'other' Odeon where we observed the barriers outside the cinema which were already decked with cardboard posters advertising the Gala performance of 'Concert For George'. There were also about three posters on the front of the cinema stating that it was a gala performance. A while later, two of the Odeon staff placed a blue carpet onto the pavement outside the cinema doors.

At around 6.45 I noticed John Hammel and then realized that Paul McCartney would probably be attending the premiere also. I hadn't expected too many celebrities to be there because so many had already attended the premiere in America on 24th September. I had only assumed that Olivia might be there. Security began to build up.

At 7pm we were ushered towards the cinema and after showing our tickets we were told to go to the right. There were a few people being ushered upstairs - obviously where the 'celebrities' were being asked to gather.

There were two aisles inside the cinema and three groups of seating. We chose to sit on the right hand side, next to the aisle. At our seats we found a blue paper bag which was filled with popcorn and a bottle of 'Abbey Well' water. I thought that was really nice as I was so thirsty having spent the whole afternoon traveling down to London. We settled in our seats.

The cinema quickly began to fill up, though no celebrities had been spotted at that point. I noticed that the middle section of right-hand-side seats in the central area were interestingly all still vacant.

Then, just after 7.30 pm a stream of people started to enter the cinema and walk down the left-hand side aisle. The first person that I spotted, (naturally), was Dhani Harrison, looking the image of his father and dressed really smartly in a dark suit, white shirt and tie. He was chatting happily to the crowd of friends that he'd arrived with. He and his group of friends walked along a row and Dhani ushered them all into places.

For some reason, at that point he ended up without a seat!! Anyway, now he was stood in the right-hand aisle, nearest me, and still he was chatting away. In the meantime, Formula One Racing driver Damon Hill arrived with his wife Georgie and they sat in the row of seats level with me but in the centre area. Guitarist Jeff Beck was seated there too. I glanced forward again and there was Dhani, still chatting away and greeting people as they entered. Ringo had arrived with Barbara and was walking down the left-hand aisle. Also stood in that same aisle at that time was Rolling Stones member Bill Whyman, comedian Rowan Atkinson, Paul McCartney's' brother Mike and his wife and Mary McCartney and her husband.

Celebrities were piling in fast now and it was hard to spot them all. I glanced to my right and at the side of me walking down the right-hand aisle towards Dhani was Paul McCartney, who looked extremely well and his wife, Heather. Dhani hugged both Paul and Heather. Then they walked along the row of seats and sat down. Heather looked radiant. Eric Clapton walked down passed me, too. He greeted Dhani and they hugged. Eric took his seat. By now Dhani had managed to find himself a seat!! He sat almost centralized, with his groups of friends, and then happily began to chomp away at the popcorn that had been provided.

Then, next thing we knew, Olivia was walking onto the stage with several others - Ray Cooper and directors and workers on the film. The audience clapped approvingly. Olivia looked stunning, dressed in a long black tunic with a large buckled belt around her waist and black trousers. She began to speak, said about three or four words and then faulted ... actually choking back, before she was able to say the next word "George". She continued, stopping once more to choke back again.

From memory, her speech went something like this …….:

"Hi. This film is really for ..... George. ….. There are a lot of people tonight to thank: All the musicians, George's loved and trusted friends, people involved in making the movie, a new friend - the editor of the film, and my old family friend and co-producer Jon Kamen. Above all - and above all of us - we have George to thank for the music he left us. He taught us the importance of friendship. This concert was a labour of love - each gave their best and there is a sense of achievement, but with humility. So, once again, George, here it is and we hope you like it."

Naturally, a rapturous applause followed and she left the stage with the others and took her seat, which was, incidentally, next to Barbara Bach.

The lights dimmed, the curtains parted and the film began.......

Having been lucky enough to attend the actual concert the previous November I knew to expect a brilliant concert musically, but, would all the sense of love for George Harrison that filled the Albert Hall on that memorable evening be so evident in this film of the concert, I wondered? I need not have doubted.

The film opened with Olivia lighting candles in memory of George. A poignant tribute on the night which I was pleased was left in the film. There were a few words from Eric Clapton and then the opening chords to 'I Want to Tell You' filled the cinema. It sounded awesome, the music hitting you from every corner of the room, wonderful. The applause after each song was left in and it really sounded like people in the cinema were actually clapping. It wasn't until later that I realized that they actually were and, I hasten to add, I soon joined them. There were snippets from the rehearsals interspersed with the concert footage - comments from Eric Clapton, Ringo, Paul. Ravi and Anoushka Shankar, Tom Petty, Joe Brown and Jeff Lynne and others, and of course from Olivia and Dhani Harrison. There was a nice snippet of a rehearsal of one song that suddenly went straight into the concert version and it was easy to notice how good the sound people were on that evening and how well the people on the film had worked at getting it to sound just right.

I don't want to give too many details away of the film as I know that many people have yet to have the pleasure of seeing it, so my descriptions of the film will be left there. However, I will just point out that there were a lot of things that I missed on the night that I spotted in the film. One such thing was the statues of the Hindu Gods Ganesh and Krishna that had been placed in prime positions on the stage.

The film itself is brilliantly edited. There are superb close ups, nice dressing room scenes, (particularly for Monty Python fans amongst us), and of course, the music is awesome!

One final pointer, please don't leave before the end credits or you will never forgive yourselves. Not only are the credits accompanied by two more of George's tunes, one by Jeff Lynne, the other from Eric Clapton, but there is a little surprise at the end that you might enjoy hearing too! Even if I did have a soggy hankie!! So, be warned, it's no less tear jerking than it was on the actual night! When the film finished there was more rapturous applause and even some male guests in the audience were choking back the tears.

People began to file slowly out from the seats, apart from Olivia, Ringo and Barbara who seemed to make it outside and into their car at record speed. The other celebrities showed tremendous patience and quietly queued with the rest of us all the way to the exit. Again Dhani was happily socializing with many friends and associates, giving some of them a warm hug or a hand shake or a pat on the back, and others - particularly the Asian contingent - a hands together 'Nameste'.

We eventually reached the foyer some time later. The celebrities were leaving gradually after having had a few words with their friends and family members. At one point Dhani was about to leave through the front doors when he suddenly realized something, stepped back inside and could be heard saying … "Oh, I need to wait for me mam!" Which was a little strange because Olivia had already left with Ringo and Barbara in a car several minutes earlier!

Due to the heat in the building it was nice to step outside and into the fresh air again. Celebrities were still filtering out. Paul and Heather came out and quickly got into a waiting car giving the odd wave, thumbs up and grin to the public who were still waiting patiently outside. He didn't sign any autographs. Joe Brown left and although asked by a few in the crowd he declined from signing autographs and stated "I can't, I've been told not to, you know I can't" accompanied with that cheeky grin of his. Python favourite Terry Jones came out to shouts of "Please Terry, please", and, bless him, he signed one autograph before striding away.

It was after 10.pm now, and I had a train to catch so I said goodbye to a few friends and headed for the nearest tube station.

It had been a wonderful evening. The film was beautiful, bittersweet for me though because I'm a huge admirer of George Harrison, but beautiful none the less. I await the DVDs eagerly. I know that they will be just perfect, and, perhaps, they will help me get through November just a little bit easier.

Special thanks to Olivia and Dhani Harrison and Eric Clapton, and of course all persons concerned with the Concert and the film of the concert, the Material World Charitable Foundation and also to Sam Brown's web site and to my dear friends Alli and Steve.

Finally, last but certainly not least, let us not forget the man who it was all in aid of, an inspiration to us all, GEORGE HARRISON. God Bless You, George. I miss you.

Diane Machin. October, 2003.
http://www.stuck-inside-a-cloud.net

Steve, I followed up an earlier report in the News Briefs that "A Concert for George" is due to be screened at Warner Village Cinemas this Friday (10th). I went to their website and the film was listed as "coming soon". However I emailed them to find out the particular time of the screening at my nearest Warner Village cinema and got the following reply today:

"Thank you for your email. Please be advised that A Concert for George is not currently scheduled for performances at Warner Village Cinemas."

Update (10/9/03)

Hi Steve,

Just got back. A few thoughts on the night. Unsurprisingly it turned out to be a fairly low-key affair, with barely any promotion. A full-page ad heralding the premiere did appear in today's 'Time Out' magazine but up until 6 o'clock there were perhaps a handful of people outside the Odeon, Leicester Square. Late in the afternoon the cinema was be-decked with posters and cardboard cutouts (as per the ones used for the LA premiere) - and a banner saying 'Gala premiere' was posted above the entrance.

Guests began to arrive just before 7pm - first of these was Ray Cooper followed by Eric Clapton and the following (these are just those I can remember from memory; I'm sure there are several I've missed): Olivia, Barbara and Ringo (all arriving together in a people- carrier); Dhani and some mates in a separate people-carrier; Paul and Heather who arrived with Mike McCartney and his wife; Mary McCartney and her husband; Michael Kamen; Bill Wyman and wife; Joe and Sam Brown; Petula Clark; Damon Hill; Dave Gilmour; Nick Mason; Tessa Niles; Andy Fairweather-Low; Gary Brooker; Twiggy and husband Leigh Lawson; actors Alan Rickman, Rowan Atkinson, Robbie Coltrane and David Thewlis; Jools Holland; Geoff Wonfor; designer Elizabeth Emannuelle; Neil Innes; photographer Terry O'Neill; Terry Jones; journalists Mark Ellen, Paul du Noyer and David Hepworth....the list goes on. 'Name' guests were directed though the left hand door and past a waiting press battery whilst family, friends and others were ushered in through the right hand door.

Notable absentees: Geoff Baker, George Martin, Neil Aspinall.

Before the screening Olivia reportedly gave a short speech. I'm sure you will receive reports from those lucky enough to attend.

Guests left quite swiftly after the end credits rolled at around 9.40pm. All in all a pretty un-glitzy but enjoyable (from the point of view of the turn-out) event.

Keep up the good work!

Carol-Anne

http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_827118.html

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/031008/482/lon80910082011

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/031008/482/lon81110082000

Steve, I really enjoyed your summary review of the new film "The Concert For George" especially your thoughts on Paul's performance there! I had the pleasure to view this film Sunday, October 5, 2003 with Abbeyrd Message Board standout ChuckE at the Village Park Cinema 17 in Carmel, Indiana (the only Indiana venue for this film) on the one year anniversary of my first meeting Chuck and family at the 10/05/02 Macca Indy concert. There were only six of us in the theater Sunday night and the show will conclude tomorrow the 9th(J.L.'s birthday of course!). I want to say that at first I too thought it was kind of lazy of Ringo to do "Photograph" and "Honey Don't" but after viewing the film, I do think that the former song has taken on a new meaning as Ringo points out since George had a hand in writing it. As to the Carl Perkins classic, I think that if George was alive and could have been treated to such a tribute concert, like Bob Dylan was, he might get a little embarrassed by just his songs being performed and I could picture him breaking into some Carl himself, if only he could! Thus by the end of the flick, I felt that Ringo's choices weren't so lame as I had first thought when reading the set list. That's just my two cents on it.

Dear Steve,

Thanks for posting links to the details of the London and Liverpool screenings of the Concert for George film. From following these links it appears that the film is being shown in only 4 Odeon cinemas: Covent Garden, Glasgow Renfield Street, Liverpool London Road and Manchester, in all cases from Friday 10 to Thursday 16 October.

I fear that what John104 was told about the Warner Village cinemas may not be correct. Although the Warner Village website lists the Concert for George in the "Coming soon" section with a date of 10 October, I haven't found it listed under any of the individual cinemas I looked at. After several web searches I also haven't found any evidence that the film will be shown at any other cinemas in the UK. If anyone knows any different I'd love to know, but at the moment it looks like four cinemas for one week is it. Pretty disappointing, and in marked contrast to the excitement around the concert itself.

In over 30 years of film going, with credits of up to 50 films attended per year, the inevitable finally happened at the Tuesday, October 7th, 7:30pm screening of 'Concert for George' at the River East 21 Cinema in Chicago, Illinois. My wife and I were the ONLY patrons in the theatre. It was a private screening with My Sweet George Harrison.

And what a show it was! As a biased fan, I was in total awe during the entire spectacle. To witness George's family, friends and comtemporaries truly coming together to offer a gift to everyone in the form of his brilliant, emotional music is beyond compare and adequate description (or as Monty Python's Michael Palin put it, beyond "specialtiveness") There were so many moments, surprises and true expression of craftsmanship that the songs became an outlet not for the grief of George's passing, but for its joy and hope in us still living in the material world.

Highlights included the usual taciturn Eric Clapton emoting through interview and his amazing god-like string work (nothing else needs to be said of the note-for-note recreation of the solo on While My Guitar, except to say that its proof a guitar can weep). His love for George seeps through every frame of the film, and in EC's life of tragedy, he admits that mostly this concert had become something for him to work through the perspective of great loss. It was candid and appropriate.

George's pals include a array of incredible talent. Terry Gilliam's anecdote on GH's belief that the Beatle mojo was passed to the Python's was right on, especially in light of Michael Palin's spirited Lumberjack Song! Jeff Lynne (will he ever get a new look?) filled many gaps admirable with his pliable vocals on the Traveling Wilbury's Handle with Care and his stage defining rendition of the most underrated The Inner Light. Tom Petty's Taxman reminded me that Lennon had given George the line about "declare the pennies on your eyes."

Maybe I anticipated too much through Ringo and Paul's appearance, but both seemed strangely disconnected from the overall proceedings (a director's decision?). Ringo was his usual rousing self, especially in bantering with the great Billy Preston, but was it me or was Paul sort of "on his own" in the midst of the other George associates? The camera caught him several times almost lost in thought or memories. Personally I thought his greatest moment came in replicating the opening piano coda in While My Guitar and singing background harmonies on the song probably for the first time since they recorded it in '68 (I need to get my Mark Lewisohn book out!). Macca's Something tribute was identical to his recent concerts and thus didn't resonate that much, but the transition to full orchestra on the song was a true deliverance. Such loss the Beatles have suffered, I hope the show helped with the healing.

Speaking finally of direct Beatle connections within the show, Ringo behind the drums doing fills for songs recorded but never played out all those years ago, Billy Preston (best dressed award) adding his Hammond organ soul to the glorious Isn't It a Pity and a poignant three shot of Paul, George's son Dhani and Ringo bridging the generations to favor us For You Blue.

I am grateful to have lived obviously when he lived, but essentially I am more grateful to have processed my experiences and passions through the thoughts asserted through George's songs. The concert was a heartfelt reminder that life is short but can be oh so sweet.

And it won't take long, my lord.

Rating **** stars

Update (10/8/03)

From Tony Frye:

Here are the numbers for opening weekend! Concert for George ranked 42 this weekend out of 103 movies, making $70,000 and playing in 104 theaters. Taking those numbers, if we assume the average price was 7 dollars (half way between regular and matinee price) then we see that it was viewed by apx. 10,000 people. I suppose that 10,000 folks watching it is pretty decent numbers when you consider the very limited release but there are several movies showing in fewer theaters that ranked higher on the weekend gross. Just for trivia, the lowest grossing movie this weekend, "The Cremaster Cycle," only grossed $330 showing in 1 theater. So, congrats on a top 50 movie release for George. Wish more people were being exposed to the film, it is really worth it!

Good morning Steve!

I saw the Concert for George this past Sunday afternoon & loved it so much, I brought back down that night to see it again. What a beautfully done film & performance!!!! I like that it downplayed Paul's & Ringo's roles as "Beatles" & just stuck to showing a lot of great talent showing their affection for George.

I found Tessa Niles' (blonde backup singer in the film) website & wrote to her about the film. Got this back yesterday:

"Thank you so much for taking the time to let me know how much you enjoyed the "Concert For George".

It was a privilege to have taken part in such an occasion. I was so thrilled that the evening was truly captured by the film-makers. So many times,after having performed and then seen the subsequent footage, I am left underwhelmed.The evening was magical and I'm so glad that that translated to you also.

Again, thank you for your message.

kind regards,
Tessa Niles"

Thanks very much, Steve, & talk to you soon!

Update (10/7/03)

Thanks to your great site,I was able to discover that the Concert For George film was playing nearby. Having been fortunate enough to attend the actual concert in London, I was anxious to see the film. All I can say is "Thank You", to everyone involved in the making of the movie and the production of the concert. The film is truly beautiful, capturing the superb performances and the tone of the evening. The only thing missing from the film was the smell of incense which wafted through the Albert Hall. I can't wait for the DVD.

A couple of interesting points -- the film shows the performances out of their original sequence. It presents the audio only for "Old Brown Shoe" and "Give Me Love", which plays over the closing credits. I know some performances were totally eliminated including "Wah Wah", which was quite overblown on the night and probably presented audio nightmares. It's just as well as it felt slightly disrespectful to Paul McCartney, about whom it was allegedly written, to have to take part in it.

Sadly, the film played to a near empty house. I counted eight people including myself. Yet we know that George's music and life touched millions of people and helped change the world for the better. True, the Beatles were a great band, but will there ever be another group or artist who will have such a monumentally positive effect on the planet and the consciousness of its inhabitants? Thanks and love and peace to all.

Hi Steve,

I've gotten some reports that the Concert for George film was only playing on the Friday that it opened at some theatres, or only for Friday-Sunday, and wondered it you have been getting any reports like this?

Update (10/6/03)

Steve,

I have had it confirmed by phone, that the concert will be shown by all Warner Village Cinemas in the UK on Friday 10th. For anyone wanting to find there nearest Warner Cinema they can go to http://www.warnervillage.co.uk

I've been intrigued by this show ever since I heard about it and read the in-person accounts. I tend to not find all-star and/or tribute shows to be that impressive often times, although there are some very strong exceptions. In the case of the "Concert for George", two things make this a very, very strong exception and not only probably the best all-star/tribute show I've seen, but one of the best concerts I've seen, period. First, not only was nearly every musician on stage someone who had played with George in the past, they were also close friends. Compare this to something like the TNT John Lennon tribute where not only had many or most of the participants not ever played with John Lennon, I'm convinced some of them had little knowledge of John Lennon's music in general.

In any event, the second thing that makes the "Concert for George" so amazing at least in my view, is that I'm a fan of so many of the artists in the show even outside of their work/connection with George. Paul and Ringo are obvious, but I'm also a huge Jeff Lynne/ELO fan, as well as Billy Preston, and Tom Petty. I'm not any sort of hardcore Eric Clapton fan, but, of course, I think he's great and I enjoy a lot of his work. Ever since Gary Brooker appeared with Ringo's All-Starr band on a few tours in 1997-99, I've been a big fan of his as well. It's always great to see Jim Keltner on stage, and all of these people are not only great on their own and were friends with George, they are all top-flight musicians even setting aside their singing and/or songwriting abilities.

I attended the showing in Santa Clara, CA. I was considering going to the San Jose, CA showing, but the "Concert for George" premieres the same night the new "Century 20" in San Jose has their grand opening festivities. I figured it would be a madhouse there. I figured it would be slightly less of a madhouse in Santa Clara. Friday nights are usually pretty busy at the movies. I rarely go to movies anymore, so I usually manage to avoid all of this.

In any event, when I got to the theater and went up to buy tickets, I said "Three tickets for "Concert for George", 7:30", and the person selling the tickets gave me a look like "What are you talking about?". I said again "Concert for George", and she once again gave me a totally confused look and said "What?" So, I pointed to the electronic display behind her that had listings for all of the movies. I pointed to the listing which stated "Concert For". For some strange reason (it appeared they had enough room on the board), they left off "George" on the title on that display as well as on the ticket, so that can't be helping awareness of the film. She figured it out eventually and I got the three tickets.

I went with two other people, and I joked to them that because this film is still getting a relatively small opening compared to big blockbuster movies, that we would be the only three people in the theater. I was indeed expecting a small turnout, but I expected at least a dozen or two dozen others to be in the theatre. Sure enough, as we walked in at about 7:10 or 7:15, the theatre was empty. In the end, exactly ONE additional person came in to see the film. So the 7:30 showing had a total of 4 viewers, for a total gross of $38.00 for that showing. (It was $9.50 per ticket.)

In terms of my own comfort while watching the film, I actually enjoyed the place being nearly empty. It was a bit disheartening seeing so little interest in it, but then again were it nor for the Abbeyrd's Beatles Page, I don't think I would have even known about it being shown in theaters. It's getting very, very little promotion. It got a small review in the San Jose Mercury News (a perfect four stars by the way), and it is in the movie listings.

But this is a small release obviously. Yet, I think the gross for this theatrical run may be even smaller than they are expecting. Then again, I imagine there will be other showings elsewhere that get more then four people.

As for the film itself, I won't bother with intricate details that have already been told. In short, the film was amazing. While it does include some rehearsal footage and interviews, it sticks largely to the concert itself. Jeff Lynne did an amazing job not only with the audio mix (I don't think they had 5.1 going in the theatre, but the stereo sound sounded nice and clean and sharp), but in his performances as well. His were among the best of the show. It's strange that "The Inner Light", which doesn't seem to be often mentioned by Beatles fans as one of their favorites, ends up being the favorite performance of many that see this film. Jeff Lynne does a great job on the lead vocal on that one. Gary Brooker's "Old Brown Shoe", only heard over the credits, sounded great, so I look forward to seeing him do it on the other disc of the DVD set that features the full concert.

The camera work was great, they manage to get everybody in many different shots, although perhaps because of the way he was positioned on stage, Gary Brooker didn't get as much camera time. Eric Clapton is the most prominent, not surprisingly. It starts to veer a bit towards Clapton hogging the spotlight too much, but, in the end, he maintains a good balance as the various people go on and off the stage. Paul and Ringo are great in their spots as well. Billy Preston sounds better than ever. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers sounded a bit tentative on "Taxman", playing it a bit too slow and Petty's voice sounding a bit odd. But, along with Jeff Lynne, they pull off "Handle with Care" amazingly well, one of the best songs of the night.

Jim Capaldi pops up during the show, playing percussion along with Ray Cooper. Andy Fairweather-Low is there as well, and even plays George's "Rocky" strat on one song. Dhani is up there for the whole show pretty much, playing his heart out. Marc Mann (who not only has worked with Jeff Lynne and Jeff Lynne's ELO material and on George's "Brainwashed", but was also involved in preparing the "Real Love" Lennon demo for the "Threetles" back in 1994/95, you'll see his name credited for "Audio Sequencing" on the credits to the song on the "Real Love" CD single and the "Anthology 2" liner notes) did a great job replicating many of George's guitar parts.

So, this film is definitely worth seeing at the movie theater if possible. It's great to see on a big screen, and it's great if for no other reason than to not have to wait another six weeks until the DVD comes out! I may even go see it again before the end of the week.

I attended the opening day showing of the CONCERT FOR GEORGE on October 3, 2003 at the AMC Forum 30 Theater in Sterling Heights, Michigan. There were about 10 persons who attended this first showing.

As a concert movie, CONCERT FOR GEORGE is a remarkable achievement. I give this movie four stars out of four. It is excellent and a classic. This movie is a must see for all Beatles fans and all rock and roll fans and even music fans in general. In my opinion, this is a landmark concert film.

The film opens with Olivia Harrison lighting a candle at the Royal Albert Hall in London where the concert took place on November 29, 2002. The first song is I WANT TO TELL YOU performed by Jeff Lynne, Eric Clapton and the house band. The distinctive George Harrison guitar riffs resonate throughout the Royal Albert Hall. Then there is a seamless cut to a backstage rehearsal for the concert that shows Ringo Starr greeting Eric Clapton and Billy Preston. Ringo Starr is introduced and then performs "Photograph" and "Honey Don't" because "George loved Carl Perkins". The performances are excellent with solos by Albert Lee on guitar and Gary Brooker of Procol Harum on keyboards. Tessa Niles and Kate Kissoon are remarkable on backing vocals. Eric Clapton is the musical director of the concert and he is up front and center throughout.

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers then come on and perform "Taxman" and the Traveling Wilburys' "Handle with Care". Jeff Lynne sings the Roy Orbison part while Dhani Harrison sings background vocals and plays electric and acoustic guitar throughout the concert. Petty is interviewed about The Traveling Wilburys and how the song "Handle with Care" was written at Bob Dylan's house.

Then there is an interview with Terry Gilliam of Monty Python who explained that Harrison believed that the spirit and zany humor of the Beatles in the 1960s was taken up by Monty Python after the Beatles broke up. Tom Hanks then joined the Python troupe in "The Lumberjack Song" routine. Michael Palin and Eric Idle are at their zany best.

Ravi Shankar came on and said how George was like a son to him and how Dhani was like a grandson. This was the emotional high-point of the concert. Anoushka Shankar, Ravi's daughter, then conducted the Indian orchestra in a special composition by Ravi Shankar. Eric Clapton played an acoustic guitar solo during the performance of the piece. My personal favorite musical moment in the concert was when Jeff Lynne sang "The Inner Light" with Anoushka Shankar on sitar.

Paul McCartney sang "For You Blue" and "All Things Must Pass" and joined Eric Clapton for "Something" and "While My Guitar Gently Weeps". Paul played a ukelele on "Something" and the piano on "While My Guitar Gently Weeps". What struck me is that Clapton played Harrison's lead guitar solo on "Something" note-for note. Clapton also replicated his White Album solo note-for-note on "While My Guitar Gently Weeps". Clapton was at his best.

Billy Preston stole the show. His versions of "My Sweet Lord" and "Isn't It a Pity" were remarkable performances vocally and musically. Clapton described how his favorite Harrison songs were those that were "innocent" and straightforward. Lynne noted how there were nuances in Harrison's songs. Clapton performed "Beware of Darkness".

Sam Brown performed "Horse to the Water" with Jools Holland. Jim Keltner was on drums while Klaus Voormann was on bass. Jim Capaldi of Traffic also joined the house band.

During the credits, "Old Brown Shoe" and "Give Me Love" were played.

The weak spots in the movie are in the beginning when interviews are spliced over the concert performances. The interviews should have been shown after the performances, not during them. But this is the only real faux pas in the film.

As a placard at the concert stated, the concert is a way for fans to say thank you to George Harrison for the music. This is a great tribute concert and the concert movie captures the emotion of that event. This concert movie is highly recommended. CONCERT FOR GEORGE is a must-see film. It is a classic concert movie and a worthy tribute to the legacy of George Harrison. **** (Four stars.)

Hey Steve, Yesterday I saw the movie in Pleasant Hill. I'm so glad to be in the Bay Area and have so many theaters playing it, but I think maybe there are too many because there were only five people in the theater when I went...and even with five, three of which were my group, you were still bothered by people talking and yelling "Paul is a pompos jerk" at the screen 45 minutes before he came on. To each his own I suppose.

Anyway, there's nothing I can say bad about this. It is sooooo great. Folks, if you havent' seen it yet and you can, do it. Don't let this chance slip away!!! The music and the interviews are so great and the sound is superb!

Highlights:

• While My Guitar Gently Weeps was unbelievable.
• Isn't it a Pity is a highlight and a half. How can you go wrong with McCartney, Preston and Clapton being the features on that?
• The closing was great.
• Something was better then when Paul did it. I love how the band helps swing the uke section.
• I would've loved more but I would've loved for them not to have to do the show at all even more...because now I miss George and his music more then ever!
• Stay for the credits too. You get to hear two great songs and a little surprise at the end.

Thanks Steve! If it weren't for your site we'd all be in the dark when it came to Beatle news! Tony Frye

I don't know if anyone else has commented, but I recognized Jim Keltner wearing the official Bob Dylan shirt during the concert. I don't know if Bob actually asked Jim to wear it. But I personally felt that it was Bob's tribute to George.

Keep your great work!

Update (10/3/03)

Update (10/2/03)

Steve, if you can GO SEE THE CONCERT FOR GEORGE! I was a lucky one who got to see a special preview BEFORE it comes out on Friday! Where to start on it. Gah...the opening was so...it gave off such a splendid aura, it was so calming. Olivia coming out and lighting the candle.... Very cool. The songs were spectacular, Eric Clapton, Tom Petty, Jeff Lynne, Billy Preston, Joe Brown. It was unbelieveable The interviews they did were very indepth for the most part. Dhani Harrison....my god, twin of George if I do say so myself. It was very erie yet comforting. He played beautifully and it was very touching. Lots of tear jerker moments including the last song Joe Brown sang, In My Dreams, that was....bring the tissues. Welp, All I gotta say is if you can Go see it!

Lots of Love
Jennette

Update (9/27/03)

Update (9/26/03)

A FAN'S DREAM COME TRUE

Who was there?

• Paul McCartney and (a verrry pregnant) Heather Mills McCartney
• Ringo Starr and Barbara Bach
• Olivia and Dhani Harrison
• Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
• Jeff Lynne
• Ravi Shankar and Family
• Kid Rock with Sheryl Crow (sitting together)
• James Taylor (sitting behind Kid and Sheryl)
• Rosanna Arquette and Meg Ryan
• Michael Kamen
• Ray Cooper
• Garry Shandling
• Harry Shearer
• Andy Sumners
• Albert Lee
• Billy Preston
• Yoko Ono
• Jackson Browne
• Nathan East
• Abe Laboriel Jr. (very very friendly)
• Neil Aspinall
• Eric Idle
• ......and others, so many others......!!!!!

OK, so my girlfriend and I we're invited to an exclusive screeing or "Concert for George" on the Burbank, CA Warner Brothers lot last week and we thought "Oh, that'll be cool". However, yesterday, security became VERY tight, and it became harder to secure our invitations. Why? Well, look at the names above!!!!

As a lifelong "all things Beatle" fan, I cannot properly desribe my feelings right now. Seeing Paul and Ringo hug in front of Ravi Shankar? Priceless!!! Watching this film, in which they perform GEORGE songs, knowing that he is gone, and that you are watching it with the musicians on screen? Indescribable!!

So, the film is wonderful. You WILL cry when you see the DVD. Very very well done. However, I had a hard time focusing on the film with THOSE names above this paragraph in the same small theater as me watching the film.

After the screening, my girlfriend and I hotfooted it to the lobby. PLease underatand that we had to walk by PAUL, RINGO and DHANI and JEFF to walk to the lobby. My girlfriend, ballsy as ever, approached Paul in the lobby and got his handshake, while Paul said "I have to find the toilet". IN the tradition of Monty Python, who also appear in the film, yours truly also had to sincerely use said toilet, so I grabbed a "complimentary" glass of Chardonnay and headed for the loo.

Now, picture yourself after a two hour film, with two bottles of water and a glass of wine in your system. So, I'm at the urinal, taking care of "business:, and HE is behind me, back to back, talking to Tom Petty and Jeff Lynne. Mike Campbell is to the urinal at my left, laughing at my predicament. I FINALLY finish, intent on at least getting a handshake out of my hero, when I realize....I SHOULD WASH ME HANDS!!!! So, as HE is leaving, I'm hurriedly washing my hands, and go to the lobby.......there HE is, talking to Jeff Lynne. I sat to Paul, "I could not rightly tell my Mum that I met Paul McCartney without shaking his hand", and Paul, looking at my wet, undried hands, exclaims: "Right! Great! ". He hits my shoulder, and he's off.............out the door. I turn around, look at Jeff Lynne, turn around again at Paul and say, in utter desperation, "My hands are clean!!!"

And that, ladies and gentlemen, will be the Paul McCartney story that I tell my grandchildren many many years from now. Pitiful or hilarious...you be the judge.

Upon returning to the party after my failure, I "hobnobbed" a bit with Dhani Harrison (very humble, very short, very nice) to Billy Preston (incredibly wonderful man), and Mark Hudson (cool, with a punk rock-dyed goatee).

All in all, my Beatle Dreams came true, and then some, tonight. Pinch me. Of course, security was very very tight, so the only photo I have is of my lanyard and program.......but even I don't feel like this happened. The whole night I thought "This is not happening!!! I am NOT here!"/

On a personal note, my girlfriend and I each lost someone very dear to us around the time that George passed, and my girlfriend spoke to Dhani about this. I have to say that he was amazingly giving and open with such a personal topic. That George had a wonderful kid.

The overwhelming feeling that I walk away from this event is.............my hero, Paul McCartnney......really is COOL!!!!!

What a night. Pinch me. Thanks to the "Complimentary" cocktails, however, it's time for bed.........

Good night. Sleep tight.

As for me, I just hope this wasn't just a wonderful dream. If it was, please don't wake me.

Hi, Steve--

"Concert for George" is having its premiere tonight (Wednesday) on the Warner Bros. lot in Burbank. Attached are some photos of the theater, as it appeared this afternoon.

Both Paul and Ringo are expected to attend, along with Olivia, of course, and, likely, the film's producer, percussionist Ray Cooper, who was also at the Adopt-a-Minefield event last night. Matt

Hi Steve,

I received a release about the Concert for George via email on Friday, but the one I got mentioned an opening date for the theatrical release for the UK, which would be October 10 (in select theatres).

Patti Murawski, Editor
The Harrison Alliance

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 9, 2003-- Concert For George in U.S. Theatres Oct. 3 for Limited Theatrical Release; Musical Director Eric Clapton Performs with Harrison's Closest Friends

Rock music's most celebrated musicians gathered at Royal Albert Hall in London on Nov. 29, 2001, to pay tribute to one of their own, the legendary George Harrison, on the one year anniversary of his death. On that magical night, Harrison's closest friends gathered to perform a collection of his music for a live audience. Concert For George is far more than a concert film; it is a soulful cinematic tribute to a musician whose vision transcended the ordinary and whose talents contributed to a revolution in the music industry.

Under the musical direction of Harrison's longtime friend Eric Clapton, the film captures an emotional gathering of musicians such as Jeff Lynne, Paul McCartney, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Billy Preston and Ringo Starr. Truly a rare moment in music history, this documentary showcases these legends of music not likely to perform together on the same stage again. Concert For George is masterfully directed by famed British director David Leland, whose credits include Wish You Were Here (BAFTA winner), HBO's Band of Brothers television series and The Traveling Wilburys video Handle With Care. The film transports viewers to Royal Albert Hall, beautifully shot, digitally remastered and recorded in 5.1 surround sound.

The film will open theatrically on Oct. 3 in New York, Los Angeles and select regional markets.

"The Concert For George was all I hoped it would be. The glue that held it together was our love for George. I don't think I've ever heard a band play with so much emotion and respect," said Olivia Harrison.

"All I wanted to do was really share our love for George and his music," said Eric Clapton of his vision for the Concert For George.

"George kept up a relationship with everybody on that stage like old friends, old pals on stage, hanging out in rehearsals and backstage with everybody. It was a great way of getting closure, because we all had our stories and our memories and our laughter and our sad points of view, and it was just so great to be around all these people for me, that you could laugh and cry about, you know different moments in our life that George had touched," said Ringo Starr.

All proceeds from the concert, the film and the DVD will go to The Material World Charitable Foundation, founded by Harrison in 1973.

About The Production

A @radical.media Production, produced by Ray Cooper, Harrison's longtime film producing partner, Olivia Harrison and Jon Kamen, the documentary is meant as a celebration and tribute to George Harrison's extraordinary musical career.

Under the direction of Leland and Director of Photography Chris Menges, the film captures the beauty of Royal Albert Hall from more than a dozen camera locations. The film was shot in High Definition and digitally mastered with sound recorded in 5.1 surround. The entire producing team was aware that the concert had an intimate feel that night -- a feeling that required non-intrusive camera points and discreet filming. The result is a unique experience that truly makes viewers feel as if they've taken a seat in Royal Albert Hall and have an emotional connection to the music and the performers. The legendary Eric Clapton, who created a palette of music spanning Harrison's entire career, oversaw the complete musical effort as Musical Director. Harrison's longtime music producing partner, Jeff Lynne (also of The Traveling Wilburys), performed as well as collaborated on audio elements of the concert. A few special interviews and backstage moments are woven into the film, giving viewers a sense of the extraordinary bond Harrison shared with his friends and family, and how deeply they felt for him.

About The Performance

Each musician in the Western lineup had a personal friendship with George, and many from the Indian orchestra were chosen because of their history with George. The group spent three emotional weeks rehearsing George's songs and collectively grieving the loss of their dear friend.

Eric Clapton led the performers through music from George Harrison's spanning much of George's career. Clapton led the band with Jeff Lynne singing "I Want To Tell You," "Inner Light" and "Give Me Love." Tom Petty performed "Taxman" and "I Need You" along with the Wilburys' number, "Handle With Care." Ringo Starr brought the crowd to an emotional peak with "Photograph," a song he co-wrote with Harrison. Paul McCartney played a bit of ukulele, one of Harrison's favorite instruments, and joined the band for "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" and "For You Blue." The audience was treated to the Monty Python team performing some of Harrison's favorite skits, including participation from surprise guest Tom Hanks. The show also pointed to Harrison's spiritual side with Anoushka Shankar and a 16-piece orchestra of Indian musicians performing a special composition by her father and Harrison's mentor, Ravi Shankar. The piece was entitled Arpan, meaning offering.

Joe Brown closed the evening with the old standard, "I'll See You In My Dreams," a loving and appropriate sentiment.

About The Material World Foundation

The Material World Charitable Foundation was established by George Harrison in 1973 to sponsor diverse forms of artistic expression and to encourage the exploration of alternative life views and philosophies. The Foundation also supports established charitable organizations with consideration to those with special needs. Funds for the activities of the Foundation have and will continue to come from copyrights donated by George Harrison.

Concert For George will be distributed internationally by ArenaPlex LLC. The DVD of Concert For George will release in November 2003 worldwide. For more information, please also visit www.concertforgeorge.com

Update (9/5/03)

I went to visit the GH.com site and the site has been changed yet again! When you enter the site there are now tabs at the bottom of the screen that takes you to different sites, one being the new Concert For George site. GeorgeHarrison.com and the online shop is accessible here too. There are three NEW sites coming up soon! One for Dark Horse Records also The Material World Foundation and THE BACK CATALOGUE!!! (It's twue! It's Twue!) The whole site has improved for the better!

Take care,
Laura

Update (9/2/03) These two stories confirm the theatrical and DVD release of the Concert for George that we'd reported earlier.

Hi Steve,

The Concert for George film will open in limited theatrical release on September 24 in Los Angeles.

In a statement released on georgeharrison.com, the film will also be shown in limited release in New York (don't know if the sneak preview counts, it wasn't clear about this) London, and Tokyo.

You can check out the statement on georgeharrison.com under news. There is also a news bit about the Concert for George website.

Patti Murawski, Editor, The Harrison Alliance

Hi all greetings from Paul Simmons former email avalon214mrkite@webtv Yesterday 8/29 I was in Orlando airport about to catch a plane for L.A. and I ran into Jeff Lynne. He was very friendly. I asked about the release date of CONCERT FOR GEORGE. He replied it will be on the anniversary of George's death. I then said he should produced Dhani's CD and he just smiled. After that he asked where he could smoke in the airport...and told him just to go outside. (So maybe the release is a week later than earlier thought).

Update (8/30/03)

Update (8/29/03)

Here's promotional info on the "Concert for George" DVD set. There's a review of the film in Beatlefan/EXTRA! #191. For a preview, go to http://www.beatlefan.com and click on Beatlenews Headlines. CONCERT FOR GEORGE DVD ONLY

$29.99 / 2 discs selection # 970241 street date 11/18/03

Visibility on release through December

Listed below are the key points for the Concert for George, as they exist today. This is an early look at the project and there will be more details to follow.

Content:

Last year a tribute concert for the late George Harrison was held in London to remember the 1st anniversary of his death. The musicians who participated were, Eric Clapton , Ringo Starr, Paul McCartney, Jeff Lynn, Ravi Shanker, Albert Lee, Ray Cooper, Jim Keltner, Jim Capaldi, Tom Petty and the Heart beakers, Jools Holland, the Cast of Monty Python, and a full Indian Orchestra. This was filmed and will be released as a commercial DVD. In addition a documentary of the concert was created and will be shown in theaters in the fall.

Charity:

Artist royalties to go to the Material World Foundation-the Harrison family charity.

Packaging:

2 discs-one disc of the entire concert approx 2:50in length-second disc the movie approx. 1:50in length There will not be an audio only piece at this time.

The Beatlefan website says the entire concert will be on disc 1 and the theatrical version will be on disc 2. Interviews and rehearsal footage will also be included in the set.

The Concert for George" was truly was an emotionally moving experience on film. I can't even imagine what it was like to actually have been there.

It was not in the actual "order" of the concert, but I thought it was a very good mixture of the songs. It combined the concert footage with rehearsals, as well as voice overs and interviews by Jeff Lynne, Eric, Dhani, Tom Petty, Jim K., Ringo, and Ravi and Anoushka, etc. There was laughter and tears, and you could really see the emotion on faces as they played and sang.

Olivia lit candles on the stage to begin the show, and she sat in a chair on the side of the stage throughout. Ravi later came and joined her as Anoushka directed the Indian music segment.

Eric said that he really did this for himself, in addition to doing it for George as a way to express his grief. Then he added that he could hear George saying, "You know, Eric, this isn't really what I wanted." Eric played a wonderful guitar during the Indian music segment, in an "Indian style" of playing as opposed to "western."

The Pythons segment brought more laughter, with Michael Palin performing the intro's, going on about how special and more special and really special the concert was. Then Terry G., Terry J., Neil Innes and Eric did their bare bottoms bit, followed by "I'm a Lumberjack." In an interview segment, Terry Gilliam said that George thought that the spirit of the Beatles went into the Pythons, since the Pythons started right after the Beatles broke up! (Tom Hanks was there, too, in the Lumberjack segment.)

Dhani wore a purple "Stamp Out the Beatles" sweatshirt during rehearsals, that I'm sure came out of Dad's closet! It was jarring to see him playing alongside Paul and Ringo, looking so much like his father. He talked about "Uncle Ringo" and there was a shot of the 2 of them in a big hug during the rehearsal.

The sound quality, arrangements, and the selection of the songs was just superb... Jeff Lynne is truly to be commended for a wonderful job on the audio.

Ringo sang "Photograph" and "Honey Don't"...the intro reminiscent of the tour, where he talked about how he loved George and George loved him. Paul sang "For You Blue," and during a one line straight out of "Let It Be," both he and Ringo sang it together and exchanged big grins! It was wonderful! Later Paul sang a beautiful "All Things Must Pass."

Ravi didn't perform, but he spoke about how George was a son to him, and how in the music segment he wrote for him, he tried to capture all aspects of George's personality, from his humor, to how he could get irritated with things, and then, speak so deeply philosophically, it was like listening to God at the same time.

Again, for every word spoken, there was such love for him as a friend, and respect for his incredible musical talent.

All in all, if your readers have any opportunity to see this in the theater, they should absolutely do so. Be sure to stay for the little surprise at the very end of the credits.

I can't wait for it to be released!

Hi Steve,

I have loved your site for a few years now but have never written before. Thanks for the excellent work!!

I attended the Concert For George film last night (August 27th) and will say to all the fans out there that it is a joy. To see Paul, Ringo, Eric, etal on the big screen with booming sound was great. My highlight was Paul taking the lead vocals for All Things Must Pass. I would encourage any Beatle fan to see this film and definitely look forward to the DVD release.

Take care and keep up the great work.

Best regards,
Kevin Minahan

Update (8/28/03)

Hi Steve,

Well thanks to your site, I justed walked home from seeing "Concert For George" at the AMC25 Theatre on 42nd Street. There are just two words to describe the movie....sadness and joy! The movie does not follow the order of the concert and some performances are saved for the credits which made it fun. The emotion of the evening was caught very well on film and at certain times made its way in the theatre itself. Ravi's comments and music piece (including the Inner Light by Lynne) were wonderful. Although the theatre wasnt packed there were a good number of people and different ages. The two Beatle fans that I spoke to were born long after the Concert for BanglaDesh...LOL

Thanks,
Joe DiMuro

Update (8/26/03)

Just got back from seeing the film of "Concert for George"...Caution...Spoilers...

Just to clarify, the film is being advertised as a "Sneak Preview", and not specifically as a "Limited Engagement" (which usually means it opens in both NY and LA at the same time). There is one showing each evening from August 22 to August 28 at 7:15 p.m. at the AMC Empire 25 on W. 42nd Street between 7th and 8th Avenue, just a few doors up from the Broadway play "The Lion King".

The show I went to was attended by only a handful of people, so if you were thinking the theatre was small and there were only a few tickets...well, get yourself into the city and see this film! The theatre is state of the art digital and the sound and picture quality were pristine.

Anyway, the film is titled "Concert for George" and the poster in the lobby read under the title, "A celebration of the Life and Music of George Harrison." The marquee outside had an electronic crawl along the bottom heralding the exclusive sneak peek for one week.

The film starts with "In aid of the Material World Foundation..." "Warner Music Group presents a @radical.media production." The film is directed by David Leland. It is produced by Ray Cooper, Olivia and Jon Kamen. Executive producers are Olivia and Brian Roylance. Concert Audio produced by Jeff Lynne.

Shaun gave you the listing of the songs and their order. I thought I would add in my comments:

The emotion of the evening translated very well to the screen. So, well done David Leland. Jeff Lynne has done an incredible job with the audio production. It helped that I was in a state of the art digital Dolby theatre...but if the quality wasn't there in the first place...

Some interviews are on camera, while some are voiced over portions of the songs. Eric Clapton said in one of his segments that it was very difficult to talk about because of all the emotion involved. Ringo does interview segments as do Ravi, Anoushka, Tom Petty, Jim Keltner, Joe Brown, Terry Gilliam, and both Dhani and Olivia (on camera or voice overs). Petty talks about George being the "idea man" in the Wilburys... Ravi talks about George being like a son, and Dhani his grandson. He also tells a story that reveals the source of one of George's pseudonyms, "Jai Raj Harisein," "Jai Raj" being a nickname Ravi has called George for years! Gilliam talks about how George used to say whatever spirit it was that was in the Beatles went over to the Pythons...the Pythons being formed around the time the Beatles were breaking up. Paul didn't do any interview segments.

There is an interesting quote from Olivia about Eric...that she thought that Eric knew George even better after having been playing George's songs for weeks and weeks (as they got the show organized and rehearsed).

There is a very touching scene after Ringo does his songs. He goes to embrace Dhani and Dhani kisses him and gives him a bear hug.

And this is for Roger Friedman of Fox News, who purported in his online column that there was a rift between Paul and Ringo that was evident that night. The cameras caught Paul and Ringo as they left the stage as they greeted each other with bear hugs...

The visuals sometimes cut between the performance and rehearsals of the songs. There are a number of rehearsal and some backstage scenes, mostly of the Pythons.

I won't reveal the little surprise at the end of the credits though. It's something everyone should experience for themselves...I can only say...where did they find that!?!

Patti Murawski, Editor
The Harrison Alliance

Update (8/24/03)

I just saw the Concert for George movie and all I will say is it is spectacular. It brought back alot of great memories from the show (even saw myself multiple times in crowd shots ). It is not the entire concert but the majority is present. Some interviews with alot of the participants (no Paul) and some rehearsal footage is mixed into the show.

Some cool moments included Dhani wearing a "Stamp out the Beatles" sweatshirt for rehearsals and him referring to Ringo as "Uncle Ringo."

Not sure what else to say, the Concert was spectacular and seeing it on the big screen was really a treat. If anybody gets the chance I recommend getting to Times Square to check it out.

The songs are not played in the same order as the actual show here is the rundown:

• I want to tell you
• If I needed someone
• Taxman
• Handle with care
• Photograph
• Honey Don't
• Monty Python stuff
• Here comes the sun
• Horse to the water
• Beware of darkness
• Isn't it a pity
• For you blue
• Something
• ARPAN
• The inner light
• My sweet lord
• All things must pass
• While my guitar gently weeps
• See you in my dreams
• Old brown shoe (over credits)
• Give me love (over credits)

Anybody who does go see the movie make sure you don't leave until the credits are over.

Love your site,
Shaun _________________

Update (8/22/03)

I just saw this in today's New York Times. The Concert for George recorded at the Royal Albert Hall, November 29, 2002, is in a one week exclusive showing, Friday, August 22, 2003 to Thursday, August 28, 2003, 7:15 p.m. daily at the AMC Empire 25 (Theater) located at 234 West 42nd Street (42nd Street and 8th Avenue across from the Port Authority Bus Terminal). I believe that tickets are $10. The running time of the show is one hour and forty-five minutes (according to AMC's recorded message). Their phone number (recording) is 212-398-3939. Have a great weekend. Bruce Bosso/Brooklyn

Update II (8/1/03)

MESSAGE FROM OLIVIA HARRISON - 31.07.2003

Dear Friends,

Hello from London. Thanks to everyone for your support and kind thoughts over the last 18 months. George left Dhani and I lots of work to do and carrying out his wishes has been a challenging but rewarding experience for us all.

This November we look forward to a worldwide limited theatrical release of The Concert for George (which took place on November 29, 2002 at the Royal Albert Hall in London, under the musical direction of Eric Clapton). It was an indescribable evening and was captured beautifully on film. You will be able to pre-book cinema tickets online sometime in October. The 2-disk DVD will then be available at the end of November. It will consist of the entire concert on Disk 1. Disk 2 is the theatrical version with interviews and additional mini-features of the rehearsals, etc. and an extended version of the concert brochure.

I may be prejudice (sic) but, in my opinion, The Concert For George is a classic performance as well as a historical musical document. The first half of the show was Ravi Shankar's composition, a musical offering named "Arpan," conducted by Anoushka Shankar. Each movement is about George, either in mood or in the homage paid to him. The orchestra consisted of musicians, some who were George's friends, playing George's favourite instruments. There is no one but the Maestro Ravi Shankar who could compose, arrange and perform in a place like this. I don't think we will see anything like it for a long time, if ever.

The Western band performed George's songs as beautifully as they will be played and the sentiment behind them is evident. Eric Clapton's guitar playing was off the scales, and Paul Mac, Ringo, Jeff Lynne and Tom and the Heartbreakers played not only like the great performers they are, but also the true friends they were and always will be to George.

Whew ... we are also finishing up the re-mastering of George's Dark Horse Catalogue (which he was working on in 2001). They will be available (individually and in a special box set) early next year with previously unreleased material.

There are more projects in the works with Dark Horse Records and Apple as well. More information will be posted as it becomes available.

Until then, best to you and God Bless us all.

Olivia Harrison

Update (5/29/03) From George Burton:

Hi Steve,

Just been watching Top Of The Pops 2 on BBC 2 here in the UK. A vintage performance by ELO contained some news about Jeff Lynne. It stated that he is currently 'squirrelling away in the studio', working on the George Harrison Tribute Concert DVD to be released later in the year!

Update (5/23/03) From Ole M. Olsen:

Steve,

I checked out Ringo's video update, and even more interesting than him plugging the "Any Road" single, which was a nice touch, is that he mentions that he's just been up to Friar Park to film some footage "for the DVD that's coming out later this year of the concert we did for George."

Of course, it's been confirmed before (Editor's note: On this site, no less!) that a DVD of the concert was under production, but it's nice to get ANOTHER confirmation, and to hear that work is actually presently being done on it.

Ole

Update (3/18/03)

Update (3/12/03)

"The 'Concert for George' was the most amazing musical and emotional night I've ever experienced.

The stage of the Albert Hall looked like a great Indian palace, with a twenty foot tall picture of George directly above. Everyone said they could feel his presence in the atmosphere.

George was a great friend and a hero to me, and the evening was a fantastic celebration of his life, and what a line-up! It really was brilliant to be playing with this lot.

I even got to sing one of my favourite George songs, 'The Inner Light'. This was a big honour for me, to sing with Anoushka Shankar playing sitar, and Ravi Shankar conducting!

At the moment we're mixing the second half of the show (the rock & roll part). That might sound simple enough, except for the fact that it was recorded on ninety six tracks!

On 'Wah Wah' there are three drummers, two bass players, seven guitarists, three keyboard players, ten piece string section, two sax players, two percussionists, two female backing singers, with Eric Clapton, Gary Brooker, Andy Fairweather-Low, Paul McCartney, Billy Preston, Dhani Harrison, Tom Petty & me all singing. At the same time! It takes some mixing, I can tell you.

We're going to be working on this for quite some time, with Ryan engineering & Marc occasionally. Marc also played lead & rhythm guitar in the concert. It was a great bunch of guys to work with.

When it's all finished it will be on DVD in surround sound.

Love from Jeff Lynne"

Update (3/9/03)

Hi. Yesterday, a friend of mine and I attended a Procol Harum concert in Norway. After the concert, my friend hung around to meet the band afterwards. He asked Gary Brooker (pianist at The Concert For George) when (if?) "The Concert For George" will be released. He confirmed that it will be released, and that Jeff Lynne is currently mixing/producing it. Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! Tore Waskaas,
http://www.norwegianwood.org

Update II (3/8/03)

G'day Beatle People - Just wanted to let like minded folk know that I have received my concert for Hari Georgeson goodies. As living in Wagga Wagga, New South Wales made it somewhat difficult to attend the concert itself (I thought Wagga would be the obvious venue for such a tribute :) ), I thought the package could at least help me to fool my most gullible friends that ......well, I suppose it wouldn't. Anyhoo, a really fab package that I didn't get a chance to open for a coupla weeks due to work commitments ( in the middle of vintage.......any of your readers in the wine industry will know what I mean...kinda busy period..). Thanks a million to Laura for alerting us to the fact that these packages were available. My only small gripe is that my my beautiful T-shirt came replete with a stain!!! I'm sure this will come out:)..... And to Amber, my shirt is an X-L and fits rather loosely, so perhaps something has gone amiss with the sizings (I'm around 5'10" and a solid build, and my shirt is comfortably loose). And I've decided I'm only gonna wear mine to special occasions such as Beatle conventions, weddings, funerals, grand final days, days ending with y...............

Anyhoo, you know the rest......crap site...never read it ( only on days ending in y!!!!) cheers!

Update (3/6/03)

Just to let you know, there was an article on George's 60th Birthday in the Toronto Sun which featured an interview with Dhani. Though I don't have a link to the article, it did mention that Dhani IS currently working on a DVD release of the Concert for George. It didn't have a release date, but at least they are working on it.

Thanks, Brennan

Update (3/5/03)

Update (2/13/03)

Update (1/30/03)

Hi Steve!

I just want to let you know that I received my package today! Everything is so beautiful! I did get a Commerative Box as well!! I'm very pleased that my timely notices helped people! I didn't expect that thank you! Well, you are quite welcome!

Got my Concert for George items in the presentation box today too. Interesting that my package was posted from Sweden, not the UK.

Update (1/29/03)

Hey, Steve -- I just got my package from Recordstore.co.uk in the mail today. It took exactly two weeks from the UK to NY which wasn't bad considering. I was pretty excited to see that I got the special box which I suspect was actually the packing boxes for all the printed programs. It's pretty though -- white pressed paper with the lotus mandala on it and then "Concert for George" with the date (November 29th 2002) and the place (The Royal Albert Hall, London, England) on it. I got the programme and the teeshirt...the programme is gorgeous. Heavy purple paper on the outside with a raised lotus mandala on it plus the print all in gold. It's tied with an orange ribbon. Inside, the front and end piece are gold parchement with gold Oms on them, then heavy white paper with photos of George and quotes on the inside.

Contents: Astrid's Hamburg 1962 picture, the quote about being a Beatle was like being a suit that they wore for that period of time..., 1964 in concert, Fall 1966 with sitar (and mustache), 1967 or 1968 looking pouty (I've never seen that one before!), purple centerpiece with gold Indian border motif with info on the Material World Charitable Foundation (same as what's on the website), a separate little paper programme of who was appearing on the concert bill on one side and info about Ravi's song for George on the other along with the printed lyrics:

"Jairaj Harisana Preet Kiya
Jagata Ko Kitna Geet Fiya
Wo Mahaan Ko Hum Smaran Karen
Wo Mahaan Ko Hum Smaran Karen"

which translates to :

"Jairaj (George) was in love with Krishna or Hari
He gave so mny songs to this world
We are remembering that Great Soul
and now we salute him with love and respect"

Then more photos:

A shot from the last Beatles photo session circa 1969 (in the leather jacket -- this is the only colour photo), George & Ravi in India circa 1973/1974, George in 1974, another quote from George about wanting more than fame, etc. and then the Brainwashed photo. The two quote pages are white on white with raised lettering. Really gorgeous over all.

The teeshirt is beautiful -- just simple "Concert for George" plus date and place on the front and then the lotus mandala again on the back, both nicely silk screened in black on white. It's a good quality shirt, long sleeved. Not sure about sizing though -- I ordered an XL and it just fits me. I'm 5ft 2 and somewhat round so I'm not sure whether they'll actually fit bigger taller people at all.

According to a friend of mine on an ELO mailing list called Showdown, the Concert for George is supposed to be released sometime in February. I don't know if that means on pay-per-view, television or dvd/video though. Hopefully someone else will have better news soon. Personally, I'm hoping we get it as a 60th birthday present.

I just have to give a huge thank you to this news page and Laura Theobald for your very timely notices of the public sale of "Concert For George" mementos. I just got them in the mail. my Birthday Present to myself. The T-Shirt long sleeved white is gorgeous (should I say Georgeous?) the Booklet/Program Is just so nice - a wonderful tribute to all the faces of George. And Beacause of you , I received one of the Limited Commenorative Boxes!!!!! (only 120 made??)/ It's white with embossed "Concert for George" the date and Place and a large 5" diameter mandela design (same as one on back of t-Shirts). Unfortunately the post office smashed the box up fairly well - gonna try and get someone local to repair , if possible.

Update (1/16/03)

Hi Steve,

I have news concerning those Concert For George Mementos....I got an email this morning telling me that they have processed my order and it will going out in tomorrow's mail!!! I'm looking forward to seeing them come to my mailbox! If I got a collector's box...I will try to take a picture of it and pass it along! Peace......

Update (1/4/03) From James Marien:

I guess this comes under "Good News, Bad News". The bad news is that those who shelled out big bucks for the "Concert For George Harrison" blue-cover program book on eBay should have kept their powder dry. The ones on eBay were receiving bids in excess of $100.

The good news is that these programs (along with shirts) are now being sold on "www.recordstore.co.uk/georgeharrison" for about $36 US.

Update (1/2/03)

Update (12/21/02) From Laura Theobald:

Great news!! I just ordered a T-shirt and a Commemorative Folio from the Concert For George Website! Click on where it says: " Please click here to place an order." and another window will pop up. Both items cost 24.50 (Pounds Sterling). Orders will be sent out on January 15th. Have a great Christmas and New Year!!

Update (12/19/02) From Laura Theobald:

I just visited the Concert For George Website I clicked on Mementos and there is great news! There will be T-shirts and Commerative Folios available early January 2003! The first 120 people who order a T-shirt and Commerative Folio will receive a special collector's gift box! All proceeds will go to the Material World Foundation!

Again, great site!

Peace,
Laura Theobald

Update (12/17/02) Here's the official press release issued after the concert:

CONCERT FOR GEORGE
November 29, 2002
Royal Albert Hall, London, England

The Concert for George was held on Friday, November 29th at London's Royal Albert Hall. The concert was organised by Olivia Harrison and Eric Clapton. Proceeds from the concert will be donated to the Material World Foundation.

George Harrison established the foundation in 1973, the year he released the album "Living in the Material World." "George gave the song royalties from that album to the foundation in order to allow people to explore other philosophies and cultures," Olivia Harrison said.

The following artists appeared at the Royal Albert Hall: Eric Clapton, Joe Brown, Jools Holland with Sam Brown, Jeff Lynne, Paul McCartney, Billy Preston, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Ravi Shankar with Anoushka Shankar, and Ringo Starr.

"It was easy to pick the people for the show," Eric Clapton said. "A definite group of people were always involved in George's life at one stage or another."

The show was Eric's and Olivia's idea to start with," Jeff Lynne explained. "And I feel honoured to be among them."

The main backing band was led by Eric Clapton and featured:
Jeff Lynne, Andy Fairweather-Low, Albert Lee, Marc Mann and Dhani Harrison on guitars, Jim Keltner and Henry Spinetti on drums; percussionist Ray Cooper; Chris Stainton and Gary Brooker on keyboards; Jim Horn and Tom Scott on horns; Dave Bronze on bass; Katie Kisson and Tessa Niles on backing vocals.

Additional musicians include Jim Capaldi and Klaus Voormann.

The concert was performed in two halves: Eric Clapton introduced the evening. This was followed by an original composition for George by Ravi Shankar performed by a 40 member Indian and Western Orchestra, including Vishwa Mohan Bhatt and conducted by Anoushka Shankar. During this segment, they were joined by Jeff Lynne on guitar and vocals and Eric Clapton on backing vocals for "Inner Light." Ravi also spoke about George.

Former Monty Python members Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones and Michael Palin started the second half performing the classics "Sit on My Face" and "The Lumberjack Song." This was followed by:

• "I Want To Tell You" performed by Jeff Lynne and the house band.
  
• "If I Needed Someone" performed by Jeff Lynne, Eric Clapton, Andy Fairweather-Low and the house band.
  
• "Old Brown Shoe" performed by Gary Brooker and the house band.
  
• "Give Me Love" performed by Jeff Lynne, Andy Fairweather Low and the house band.
  
• "Beware of Darkness" performed by Eric Clapton and the house band.
• "Here Comes the Sun" performed by Joe Brown and Andy Fairweather-Low
  
• "That's the Way It Goes" performed by Joe Brown and Andy Fairweather-Low
  
• "Horse To Water" performed by Jools Holland, Sam Brown and the house band
  
• "Taxman" performed by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
  
• "I Need You" performed by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
  
• "Handle With Care" performed by Tom Petty and Jeff Lynne
  
• "Isn't It a Pity" performed by Eric Clapton, Billy Preston and the house band
  
• "Photograph" performed by Ringo Starr and the house band
  
• "Honey Don't" performed by Ringo Starr and the house band
  
• "For You Blue" performed by Paul McCartney and the house band
  
• "Something" performed by Paul McCartney, Eric Clapton, Jeff Lynne and the house band
  
• "All Things Must Pass" performed by Paul McCartney and the house band
  
• "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" performed by Eric Clapton and Paul McCartney
  
• "My Sweet Lord" performed by Billy Preston and the house band
  
• "Wah Wah" performed by the full ensemble of participating musicians
  
• "See You In My Dreams," the final farewell to George, performed by Joe Brown and featuring the entire ensemble.

Update II (12/8/02)

Update (12/6/02)

A friend asked the BBC TV crew that was interviewing outside if they had the rights to the concert and she was told, "No. All the filming was being done by a company hired by The Harrison Family/Concert Organisers." He couldn't give us any more details than that other than no TV company was being allowed to film the concert, hence the lack of footage on TV, just the rehearsals which were sent to the press as an EPK from the Harrison Family.

There was a large crowd and about 5 TV crews outside and no tickets for sale from the touts when I got there at around 6-50 for the 7-30 start. I did a lap of the hall and when I got to my entrance they had just opened the door so I went straight in.

For some reason no other entrances had been opened so I managed to have a good look around. There was nothing for sale but everyone got a free programme and a booklet of who was playing and details of the opening Indian section. One of the first people I came across inside was George Martin. He's about 6' 2" and looked fine. Some foreigner was begging him for his autograph. George said he wasn't going to give any tonight but the bloke kept begging so I think George gave in. I just walked by probably with my mouth wide open. The only celebrities I seen were Bill Wyman and Paul Merton but I believe Elvis Costello and Jackie Stewart were there plus loads of others too, no doubt. Beside each external door there was a gold urn with incense burning and loads of flowers scattered on the floor but that was really it outside the arena itself. You could smell incense throughout the place all night.

My seat was located to the side of the stage which was initially a bit disappointing but in reality it was a superb seat as I could see the expressions of Anoushka Shankar, McCartney, Ringo and Clapton. At the front of the stage initially was a Rickenbacker or a Gretsch. I think it was the latter but I didn't have the best view of it. Above the stage was a 20 foot by 10 foot framed black & white picture of George from about 1968, I reckon. The stage was done out in gold, orange and red and flowers were everywhere.

At the start of the show, Ravi Shankar's orchestra came on with a western string section of about 10. The guitar was removed and replaced by a sitar. Some people in the crowd thought it was brought on by Ravi Shankar and started applauding. It wasn't! Anoushka Shankar came on stage and sat beside it. Olivia Harrison then lit 4 candles on a brass stand with a bird on it and sat down at the front right of the stage beside Ravi Shankar who was smaller and older than I thought. Clapton said a few words, called Dhani George's wife by mistake and the Indian bit started. This consisted of Anoushka playing with orchestra. Jeff Lynne and Dhani came on and Jeff sang The Inner Light while Dhani played piano. They left and Anoushka then conducted the orchestra through a piece called Arpan which Ravi introduced as being written for his son George especially for the occasion. Halfway through this, Clapton played classical guitar with orchestra. Ravi looked amazed at how good Clapton wa! s. This Indian section of the concert was fantastic. I thought it might last a bit too long but it got to the point where I didn't really want it to end.

There was then an intermission and the stage was rearranged with 3 drumkits, percussion, 2 electric keyboards, a hammond organ (the grand piano remained) and 3 or 4 microphones at the front of the stage.

The 1968 picture was replaced with a '63/'64 concert one and Monty Python came on to start the second half and did Sit On My Face. Neil Innes was there instead of John Cleese. They all had waiters aprons on and no trousers and mooned the audience after the song as they bowed to George's picture. Michael Palin gave a classic Monty Python speech about how great it was to be here to honour such a great man. Then he sang The Lumberjack Song with a backing chorus of about 14 Mounties, one of which I've since learnt was Tom Hanks. After they finished they saluted the audience, then the picture of George and ran off stage.

After that it was as good as it gets. The set list & lead vocalists, were as follows:

I Want To Tell You - Jeff Lynne

If I Needed Someone - Eric Clapton/Jeff Lynne

Old Brown Shoe - Gary Brooker/Eric Clapton

Give Me Love - Jeff Lynne

Beware of Darkness - Eric Clapton

Here Comes The Sun - Joe Brown

Thats the Way it Goes - Joe Brown

Horse to the Water - Sam Brown vocals/Jools Holland piano

Taxman - Tom Petty & Heartbreakers (rubbish guitar solo)

I Need You - Tom Petty & Heartbreakers

Handle With Care - Tom Petty& Heartbreakers/Jeff Lynne

Isnt It A Pity - Eric Clapton/Billy Preston

Photograph - Ringo

Honey Don't - Ringo

For You Blue - McCartney

Something - McCartney

All Things Must Pass - McCartney/Jeff Lynne

While My Guitar Gently Weeps - Clapton

My Sweet Lord - Billy Preston

Wah Wah - Jeff Lynne/Clapton/Billy Preston

See You in My Dreams - Joe Brown

The main band featured Eric Clapton, Jeff Lynne, Gary Brooker on keyboards, Jim Keltner on drums, Ray Cooper on percussion, Dhani Harrison on acoustic & Marc Mann replicating most of the George slide solo's. Jim Capaldi and Klaus Voorman also played. Jools, Joe Brown, Sam Brown and Tom Petty all left the stage after their bits until My Sweet Lord. Ringo and Paul never left the stage once they were on it. At the end I think I counted 3 drummers, 2 percussionists, 3 keyboard players, a bass player and 6 or 7 guitarists from While My Guitar Gently Weeps onwards. There was also a group of a dozen or so orchestra players conducted by Michael Kamen and two saxophone players.

Ringo could be seen at the side of the stage singing along to Isn't It A Pity before he made his entrance after being introduced by Eric. Ringo wore a red embroidered jacket. He was smaller and thinner than I imagined but he looked on top form.. He said "George loved me and I loved George" and that he was going to sing a song that they "both wrote together but it now has a different meaning, of course." It was Photograph. After this song someone threw jelly babies at him from the seats behind the stage. After thanking the audience for the applause and cheers Ringo said "...and thank you for the jelly babies!" in a very cheerful and surprised way.

After Honey Don't and more jelly babies, Ringo introduced his good friend Paul McCartney. McCartney ran on stage and looked younger than the recent pictures would have you believe. The audience went ballistic. He was choking the tears back through his inital words but he sang fantastically well and was not suffering at all from the recent tour as some reports would have you believe.

The lead guitar parts throughout the concert, often played by someone called Mark Mann I've since learnt, was very powerful, clear and faithful to the records. Clapton did his fair share of solos but I would estimate less than 50% of them.

The best bits were I Want To Tell You; Old Brown Shoe; Handle With Care; Horse To Water; Give Me Love; when Ringo came on plus his songs; when Paul McCartney came on plus his songs; the 5 minute guitar solo at the end of While My Guitar Gently Weeps; Billy Preston singing My Sweet Lord; and the ending where Joe Brown played a 20's/30's song called See You In My Dreams on a ukelele with everyone who performed behind him and petals raining down on the audience.

The 2 absolute tops bits were:

(i) Something played by McCartney on a ukelele for the first half of it. The whole band came in for the instrumental and onwards which was so impressive even McCartney looked amazed. Eric played the guitar solo which again was powerful, clear and faithful to the original solo. Eric sang the final verse;

(ii) McCartney's obvious love of Ringo. During the solo of For You Blue, McCartney sang "This is the 12 bar blues" after which he pointed to Ringo knowlingly - Ringo just carried on drumming; he kept on trying to look at Ringo from the piano during While My Guitar Gently Weeps - Ringo just carried on drumming; during Wah-Wah and the line "And I'm thinking of you, and all the things that we used to do" he leaned over to look at Ringo around a crowd of loads - Ringo just carried on drumming; and he greeted everyone who left the stage until Ringo came along third last and he just grabbed hold of him and they both left the stage arm in arm.

All in all, I don't think it could have been better. I hope the DVD, CD, etc do it justice.

Wanted to add to my earlier comments - to agree with everyone praising the first part of the concert. For anyone who wasn't there it may seem like the 2nd part was when everything happened. But really the whole concert was perfectly balanced and so many highlights.

The only previous time I've seen Indian music performed live was at the George tribute gig at Liverpool Empire in February this year which I was also lucky enough to attend, and that was great too.

And the 1st part of the Albert Hall show was quite simply stunning. I've seen lots of great musicians but the Indian performers were just incredible and Anoushka Shankar's playing, then conducting, was a real tour de force. Like a previous report said, it'd be a real mistake to pass this by when its out on DVD. To see their musicianship close up was something I'll always remember. Their performance was so powerful it just blew me away and the reception from the audience was really something to see. And although Ravi didn't play, I felt privileged 'just' to see him, and to hear him speak about George.

Also wanted to add that I felt Ringo's 'Photograph' was one of the great highlights of the night. Hey, different opinions by different fans, and that's cool, part of the fun of getting everyone's reactions afterwards. As I said before, I'd never seen Ringo before so it was a thrill to me 'just' to have that part of the show, and my reaction was that I was extremely impressed, both with his energy and his stage presence. So cool to see him at long last. Hope he brings his All Starr Band here soon to UK and Europe.

Also, there are some more press photos online. This time of the arrivals of Sir Jackie Stewart and Bob Geldof. Can only see these ones as thumbnails.

Yes indeed, that was Tom Hanks dressed as one of the Canadian Mounties for the "Lumberjack Song" as several of your contributers pointed out. Some have expressed surprise that Hanks was included.

It's no mystery at all that Hanks was participating in the skit when you realize that George and Olivia were friends with Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson.

The couples spent some time together in Fiji (I refer to my interview with Collin McKenney in issue #105 of The Harrison Alliance) when Hanks was there filming scenes for "Cast Away." Collin, owner of the resort at which George and Olivia stayed told me that George and Tom were good friends and that the friendship was a strong one.

Hanks also gave a eulogy at a reception held at Mo Ostin's house after the memorial service at the Lakeside Shrine in California last December.

Patti Murawski, editor
The Harrison Alliance

Update (12/5/02)

Clarification- John Paul Jones and Jimmy Page did not appear with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, at least based on the pictures that Will provided the link for. As far as I can tell, the "Jimmy Page" that Will was referring to is actually Heartbreaker bass player Ron Blair (recently returning to the fold after a nearly 20 year absence when Howie Epstein was dismissed last year). Not sure who the "John Paul Jones" was in Will's link. I'm assuming that it was either longtime keyboard player Benmont Tench or Scott Thurston who is a multi-instrumentalist and honorary Heartbreaker, that's toured and recorded with the band for the last few years.

Update (12/4/02)

I don't know if this has been written, but Paul mentioned that Olivia said that looking at Dhani on stage with everyone kind of looks like everyone got old while George stayed young. By the way, Paul did not take over the show, except for this one moment - and it was okay. Paul and Clapton's vocal duet on "Something" was for the ages! And my wife said that Claptons's note perfect lead on "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" was worth the trip to England.

Hearing all of George's songs live stunningly reminded me that George had a really strong body of work. We tend to forget this being in the shadow of John and Paul, and when a performer stops trying to please the pop charts and writes for himself.

The crowd was not a rock and roll crowd. Too many elites. There was a lot of quiet, polite applause. I felt like shouting, "Come on, this is rock and roll. Make some noise, people!"

Great show, though. You could really tell that this was a a labor of love for all the performers. I will always remember this show in my heart. BTW - Boos to the people who walked out with more than two, three, four, or more programs. Those of us who arrived late were out of luck because they had run out of them. I'm sure these people will sell them on e-bay. They are just as bad as the scalpers.

A few more points from the amazing Concert for George . . .

It's been mentioned that George's guitar (the Rickenbacker 360-12) was on stage before the show, and removed for the Indian music section. It was quietly replaced before the electric set, and remained on the dais with the backing singers (behind the piano) for the entire show.

After Sam Brown's electifying rendition of "Horse To the Water", she remained just offstage (stage right) where most of the artists entered & exited, watching the show (as was Jools, Ringo for a time, etc.). During "My Sweet Lord" she was set up with the two backing singers and joined in. Since she had a mike, this was obviously pre-arranged.

Andy Fairweather-Low did some solos on George's famous psychedelic strat, 'Rocky' (the same guitar seen in "I Am the Walrus" on MMT, and used for the solo on "Nowhere Man").

Apparantly the lovely programs handed out as you entered the Albert Hall were either in ! short supply, or some people were going back for extras, as we heard that they ran out. My wife and I each had one, and we were asked by people if they could have our "extra" one. Yeah, right! I'm already seeing them on Ebay...

The confetti that fell during the finale ("I'll See You in My Dreams") was mainly confined to the arena floor. After the show, many of us made our way down there, to be given handfuls of the stuff by helpful RAH staff (so I'd like to mention them here). When the CD and video comes out, these will be placed with the packaging as proof we were there (as if the tickets and programs aren't enough).
A night I'm sure everyone who was there will agree was too amazing for words.

I just got back to Paris from London, and I only found the last additional review of the show on your site. Thus, what follows can be redundant with previous reviews. But you'll know what to do:

First, I could spot lots of beautiful people» in the crowd, namely Dave Grohl, Bob Geldof, Mike Rutherford, Elvis Costello, Diana Krall and, of course, Sir George Martin, whose appearance made everybody turn around and look up with admiration. Bob Geldof was right behind me, and he spent the whole concert asking me for my binoculars every time there was someone new on stage, as to spot them like any fan would do.

One of the interesting thing about the show was that the lights were NEVER turned off, thus giving the impression that we all shared the night with the musicians on stage, that we were ALL there for the same purpose. Nice gesture.

Clapton began by a gentle speech, and told that the musicians had rehearsed for three weeks.

During the great Indian gig Jeff Lynne sang The Inner Light. When he arrived on stage, someone in the audience screamed, "We love you, Jeff," a feeling many of us shared.

The Monty Pythons interlude was great. I don't know why John Cleese wasn't there. BUT : during the "Lumberjack song," one of the red Canadian policemen was TOM HANKS. How the hell did he get there, I don't know.

First leg of songs was pretty straight versions of I Want To Tell You (Jeff on lead vocals), If I Needed Someone (Eric on lead vocals), Old Brown Shoe (Gary Brooker on lead vocals), then Give Me Love (Jeff) and Beware of Darkness (Eric). Joe Brown then took the stage with his band and sang Here Comes the Sun and That's the Way it Goes.

Note : during the whole performance, George's guitar parts and solos were played note to note, one of the musical decisions of the evening clearly being to give his guitar playing the more respect possible.

Jools Holland then came on stage for the terrific "Horse to the Water," sung by Sam Brown.

Tom Petty's bit was one of the true highlights of the night. They did Taxman, I Need You and, with Dhani and Jeff (singing Roy Orbison part perfectly) Handle with Care, which was absolutely magical. It was very emotional to see 2 surviving willburys singing the parts of two deceased ones.

Then Clapton came back on stage for a fantastic version of "Isn't it a Pity" (version one), with Billy Preston joining in for the second verse. The audience gave a very thin Ringo a standing ovation as he came on stage for two songs : Photograph (not so good) and Honey Don't (great). He then introduced Paul, whose rendition of For You Blue was simply amazing. I found him in fantastic vocal shape on that song, giving it a great rockabilly feel (in the same mode as his That's all right Mama version on the Sun tribute). He was less convincing on the solo part of Something, and even made a mistake in the lyrics of All Things Must Pass, but I was thrilled that he gave it a go at a non Beatles song.

After that, the two Beatles were very humble. They weren't the stars of the show, and they didn't want to be. They just gelled in the band, Paul taking harmonies on While my Guitar gently Weeps, and applauding Clapton after his tremendous solo (the only solo not played exactly like on record, with the one at the end of Isnt't it a pity and the second Taxman one, surely because they weren't played by George in the first place).

Billy Preston took lead vocals on My Sweet Lord (it was great fun to see Paul and the others joining in on the Hallelujah, Hare Krishna» choir).

Last, after a demented Wah Wah (LOTS of musicians on stage), an astonished Joe Brown (who obviously couldn't believe he was picked to close the show) sang a marvellous version of the traditional I'll See You in My Dreams on uke with his band, while all the other musicians stayed on stage to listen. As everybody left the stage, Ringo still managed to be the one receiving flowers from someone in the audience.

A bit later at the Royal Garden Hotel, I bumped into Mike Campbell. I asked him how the hell he could play live the much studio tricked solo of Taxman. He laughed and answered : "Well, Paul taught me the notes this afternoon". I then met Billy Preston at the bar. He was thrilled having been the one singing lead on My Sweet Lord.

I asked him if it was as good for them as it was for us. "Oh yeah," he replied. "You know, George was so important to all of us. Only he could have done that. He is the only one I can think of for whom all those musicians would gather like that "

. I wasn't surprised. You can't PRETEND to be moved and happy like they all were. You can't be Paul McCartney and blend in a band like that if it doesn't matter. It DID matter, for all of them, and for all of us.

Keep on with this great site of yours. Take care

What a night. Still on a high. Just a couple more things that seem to have been overlooked - During Tom Petty's great set, Jimmy Page played rhythm guitar, and John Paul Jones was on piano - no fanfare, no introductions, but it was definitely them. Jimmy can be seen pretty clearly in these pics:
http://www.rexfeatures.com/cgi-bin/r2news0?s=397836G&m=3
http://www.rexfeatures.com/cgi-bin/r2news0?s=397836H&m=3
Guess they just wanted to do their bit.

And on that topic, during the Python's lumberjack song, who was that bottom right next to Messrs Idle, Gilliam and Jones? Tom Hanks - he was certainly kitted out in a different outfit to the rest of the mounties - maybe he was backstage and begged his way onstage? Who could blame him?

And while we're celeb spotting, we saw Steven Berkhoff and walked in right next to Eddie Jordan

Thanks for a great page

Hi. Here is a link to my personal homepage. On this page you will see the exclusive concert programmes which were handed out to us before the show. Also shown is the colourfull "stuff" that rained down in Royal Albert hall during "I`ll see you in my dreams" (I filled my pockets with it).

Update (12/3/02)

Hi Steve,

I am sending another four (one, two three and four) photos, a couple of which I have experimented with, using MGI Photosuite.

Just another couple of points, I can definitely say that Paul and Ringo hugged and kissed, and it happened just seconds after this last Ringo photo, You can even just make out Paul in the foreground waiting for him. I actually thought I had got a photo, But as it turned out the guy in front of me jumped up and all you can see is his arm.

The other thing I have just remembered and have not seen it mentioned is the jelly babies. Some guys sitting one row in front and slightly left of me threw a load of jelly babies on the stage when Ringo was singing or had just finished, I can't remember when exactly, but he actually commented on it, saying something along the lines, and in a slightly sarcastic manner "Err, yeah thanks for the jelly babies".

Anyway, I am glad you have enjoyed the photos, I managed to take about thirty, but because i was using full optical and digital zoom the rest of them are either pretty similar or are blurred.

Now back in the States, I wanted to take the time to offer additional impressions & clarify a few of my statements made in my earlier email. Also, I'm tired of reading about how either Joe Brown or Jeff Lynne is being confused for Joe Cocker & supply the readers with the complete performers list. First, some additional random comments:

The first picture of George that hung over the stage is the 1st hardcover edition of I Me Mine cover shot from around 1980, not the circa 1987 shot on the newly re-released book.

Ravi's daughter, Anoushka is an amazing sitar player & conductor. When this set comes out on CD/DVD, do NOT skip the first bit of the show - it was wonderful in its own right.

The 15 minute epic new composition by Ravi is entitled "Arpan" which, according to the program means "Offering, gifting, giving & dedicating - all combined in one word". Clapton joined the tune during the final 2 minutes on acoustic guitar.

Paul's quote at the end of the night, which has also found its way into several of the press reviews was not original by him, but rather he paraphrased what Olivia said to him while they were all on the stage together at the close of the show. It was Olivia who felt after seeing Dhani on stage with the other performers that it was as if George stayed young & the rest of the guys had gotten old. Paul felt (appropriately) that it was worth repeating to the crowd & the statement received a warm response.

I mentioned on my first posting that Paul sounded a bit more hoarse than the rest of the singers but, believe me, he hit every note and his rendition of "All Things Must Pass" was beautiful and very moving. It was interesting to see Paul up on stage without ever once playing bass. He played "For You Blue" on acoustic guitar, "Something" on uke, switching to acoustic when the full band joined in & then went to piano for "While My Guitar Gently Weeps". He remained at piano for the remainder of the concert.

To correct an earlier email, other than when the Heatbreakers and Joe Brown's band were on stage, almost all slide guitar solo's were expertly handled by Marc Mann, who does not, to my knowledge play with Clapton's band, but rather is a member of Jeff Lynne's circa 2001 version of ELO. Marc also can be seen briefly on the Brainwashed DVD & arranged & conducted the string parts with Lynne on the album. He did a fine job, but too often the spotlight could not find him on the stage as he remained "in the background" during most tunes. He is wearing a hat & on the right side of the stage in most photo's that include the "house band".

Speaking of hats, Jeff Lynne wore one during the entire show - the same one he wears during part of the Brainwashed DVD. My money says that the hat either belonged to George (is he wearing the same one on the Brainwashed documentary?) or was given to Jeff by George and/or his family.

Ray Cooper is a true original & remarkably entertaining to watch! He stayed on during the Heatbreakers set. Mike Campbell spent half of his time on stage looking back at Ray's zany antics shaking his head & laughing. Impeccable percussion & impossible to take your eyes off him.

Nothing was "for sale" at the concert, but concert helpers were in the long sleeve t-shirts you can see ( & one day order) on the GH website.

During the fade out for "Isn't It A Pity", Dhanni was absolutely belting out the "na-na-na-na" Hey Jude-like chorus at the end - it was the clearest I could hear him all night & sounded great! He also played Goerge's old acoustic much of the evening.

"Handle With Care" vocals were evenly split between Petty & Lynne. Petty sang George's verses, Lynne sang the Roy Orbison, "I'm so tired..." bridge and they sang duet on the "everybody..." bit. During the last verse where Harrison is double tracked on the original, Petty took the low part & Lynne hit the high part during the "I'll clean it up myself, I guess" bit - - note perfect & again, a true evening highlight - - the Heatbreakers + Ray Cooper & Jim Keltner provided instrumental backing on the tune.

The mike failed to pickup the first line or two of Billy Preston during his vocal turn at "Isn't It A Pity", but eventually found him - I'm sure in the mixing before the CD is made the problem will be corrected - one of very few glitches in the night. The spotlight seemed infatuated with Eric Clapton the whole night, often showcasing him when, in fact some one else was playing the solo (Marc Mann) or singing (Gary Brooker, Jeff Lynne, etc).

To see Olivia hug & kiss Dhanni at the end of the night was very emotional - - there were many hugs to go around all night - Paul McCartney gave a big bear hug to Eric Clapton & blew a kiss to Jeff Lynne. Paul & Ringo were also arm & arm just before they left the stage at the end of the night.

Perhaps most interesting - I am in possession of the set list dated 27/11/02 (prepared 2 days before the show). What strikes me as most interesting is that "Wah-Wah" apparently was originally to be sung by Eric and Paul McCartney & not Jeff Lynne. Instead it was Jeff that sang the "Being there at the right time..." "And I'm thinking of you, and all the things that we used to do" lines, solo. Two possible theories: First, as I mentioned Friday in my initial report & above, Paul may not, given the state of his voice, wished to strain to belt that out - it had to be sung over the sound of the entire group of performers (or "Full Monty", as the set list puts it), or more likely, Paul may not have been comfortable singing a song that was, in effect, directed at him. It struck me funny seeing Paul play piano on the song anyway - I always viewed the tune as a rated PG attack against Paul (as opposed to the rated - R Lennon track, "How Do You Sleep". Can you imagine Paul ever singing THAT one live?! Same feeling, toned down a bit with "Wah-Wah".

The pop artists that appeared were... (also known as the "What, no Joe Cocker" list): Eric Clapton, Joe Brown, Jools Holland, Jeff Lynne, Paul McCartney, Billy Preston, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Ringo Starr. The above received "top & separate" billing in that order.

The remaining musicians were listed together as follows: Ron Blair, Sam Brown, Dave Bronze, Gary Brooker, Mike Campbell, Jim Capaldi, Ray Cooper, Steve Ferrone, Neil R. Gauntlett, Dhanni Harrison, Jim Horn, Jim Keltner, Katie Kissoon, Albert Lee, Andy Fairweather Low, Marc Mann, Tessa Niles, Dave 'Rico' Nilo, Emil Richards, Tom Scott, Henry Spinetti, Chris Stainton, Benmont Tench, Scott Thurston, Klaus Voormann. Michael Kamen conducted the orchestra during the 2nd half of the show.
OK, that's it from me - - hope this helps fill in some of the blanks! Keep up the great work & don't worry Glen, you get my "extra" program...

It was quite a night last Friday as you know from the great fan reports you've already posted. I prefer fan reports to official media - usually far more better reports, more accurate and with things of genuine interest to other fans, so thanks to all those who have already sent in reports, great to read everyone's thoughts on the amazing night.

I was in the choir section of the Hall, which is virtually part of the actual stage. Used funnily enough by choirs during classical concerts at Albert Hall but sold to public when not needed for a choir. Felt like I was in the band lol. I was right above where Ringo played drums after his singing part. When Paul was on stage too, well to me, it was a dream come true. The one thing I've always wanted to see onstage was more than one Beatle together, and at last got to see that. Must admit, I had a tear in my eye especially during 'Something'. I love that song.

I kept looking from Paul back to Ringo. Pinching myself that I was seeing it from just a few feet away. At one point, inbetween songs, Ringo looked back to where I was sitting, I waved and he gave the peace sign back. You know how in gigs it always seems a star is looking just at you, well this time it was really true, he genuinely was. That was so cool. 1st time I've ever seen Ringo too. Seen Paul many times now, and every time great, and saw George too which is a very special memory especially now, but unlike in the US every year, Ringo rarely plays here in England. Such a thrill to see him at last.

And Paul was just great, turning round, gestering to Ringo as they played. Great stuff. So definitely a night I'll never forget.

And one of the earlier great reports was correct about Ringo on the final song - as I said, I was just feet away from him and as the stars gathered for the last song Ringo left his drum kit and made his way to where Billy Preston was standing at his keyboards on stage left. Billy greeted him and they enjoyed the final song together, standing just behind where the Pythons were.

And I can confirm that Fox report about Paul and Ringo hugging at the end. It didn't happen at the front of stage. Here's what happened - the part of the stage where the artists enter and leave the stage is back of stage right. So, as the performers started to leave the stage at the end, Paul got to that point, where all the guitars had been lined up ready throughout the night. He stopped and was greeting the others as they came by. Ringo was stage left for the final song as I mentioned, so he was one of last to leave the stage. Flowers were given to him by a fan as he made his way across, and he shook hands, too, with a fan. Naturally I was watching Paul waiting and also watching Ringo making his way to the stage exit. From where I was I had a perfect view of them from across the stage. Ringo approached and he and Paul embraced each other. It was a great moment.

It's possible that it wasn't visible from some parts of the Hall as that part of the stage where they were could have been obscured from certain parts, but myself and those who saw it gave them a great cheer. I've been to lots of gigs over the years but that really was something special to see.

I'm assuming it was captured by the official camera crews - if it wasn't then someone's getting fired ...LOL. They had shoulder cams on stage for the close ups all night, but at that moment I was obviously watching Paul and Ringo like a hawk, so I didn't notice where the cams were.

Some other notes on the special night:

As well as the shoulder type cams being used on stage for close ups, there were at least 5 cameras in the Arena section. Plus others dotted around the Hall including one near me. Should be great to see it next year.

At certain points from where I was I could see what was happening with security in regard to fans cameras. Security in the Arena area especially seemed quite strict over flash photography, literally going along rows to tell any fans who were taking any. Even tapping people on the shoulder in the front row. There had been a number of announcements before the gig began regarding no flash photography or video and audio taping. A tip on that - if don't want to get caught at gigs use 800 film and put some tape over flash. Flash not much use anyway, and it's usually only the flash that causes people to get spotted. The lights from stage are usually more than enough if use higher film speed like 800.

There were some banners and signs in the crowd - I spotted a banner in the Circle that read 'My Sweet George'. A sign in the stalls saying 'Love You George', and a similar one to that in the Arena area for Jeff.

There were also TV news trucks parked round the back outside the Hall. And before I went in there was a big line trying for any return tickets. No idea if any got lucky that way but apparently they'd been told there wasn't too much hope. Although obviously I hope some did get lucky. There were lots of touts/scalpers outside starting from hours before the gig. I never asked for a price as didn't need to thank goodness, but someone inside said they'd been asking for £1000 a ticket. No idea if they dropped that price near to show time as I went in as soon as doors opened.

Some celebs who were there who I haven't seen mentioned yet were Annie Lennox, Paul Merton (UK comedian) and Lulu. I can't confirm any of that celeb spotting as I didn't see them myself, but fans near me who arrived after I did saw them arriving. I was in my seat as soon as possible, and naturally my attention was firmly on the stage, so didn't get chance for too much celeb spotting - although who in the audience could be more famous than what we were about to see onstage lol.

But like I said, quite a night. And seeing Dhani with them was quite something too - the line from Paul/Olivia saying how it looked like George stayed younger was very good as that's what it looked like seeing them all together. I know everyone says it, but he really does look so much like his dad.

As I left London after the gig, about to head back home to Leicester in Midlands, about 100 miles north of London, I couldn't resist driving along Abbey Road which I always try to do when arriving or leaving London if I get a chance. Seemed appropriate on such a special night. And I stopped at the studios and there were flowers and drawings of George on the railings. An emotional end to an unforgettable evening.

Thank you to all the performers - and to everyone in the audience. It was a collective thing between the stage and the fans as we remembered someone who'll never be forgotten. Miss you George.

But like Ravi said - he was definitely there at the Albert Hall last Friday. No question about it.

I was at the Concert for George in RAH, and it was the best moment of my entire life! Truly this was better than anyone could have expected! The highlights for me was Tom Pettys last two songs, I Need You and Handle With Care. But really all the songs were fantastic! And the band was the best I've ever heard!

Just wanted to mention a few things about the guitarists. Eric Clapton played two major solos which were outstanding! That was on Isn't It A Pity and While My Guitar.... Many of the other solos were played by to guys on slide guitar. One of them was Marc Mann and the other was Andy Fairweather Low. I don't know anything about Mann, but Andy Fairweather Low is in Eric Clapton's band. He has been touring with EC for about 15 years, and was also a member of EC's band backing George Harrison on the Japan Tour in 1991.

Keep up with the excellent work you're doing on this website!

Just another tidbit of celeb info regarding the show - VH-1's John Fugelsang (huge George fan, of course) was sitting a few seats from me in the stalls near the back of the arena...

I have to say like the fact that no one has managed to get "For You Blue"'s title right. First it was "I love you" (leading people to speculate as to whether Macca had gone nuts and performed "She loves you" or even worse..."Silly Love Songs") but now it's become "PS I love you"! :)

Update (12/2/02)

Hello Steve,

Just got back from the UK and read the reports on your site about "The Concert For George" as the ticket called the show. A few more observations:

Klaus Voormann played bass on one of the ATMP songs towards the end of the show.

Petty had been playing "Isn't It A Pity" at shows before the tribute but did not play it at the show. Strange.

The percussion battery on the left hand of the stage included at one point not only included Ray Cooper, but Emil Richards from the 1974 Dark Horse Tour and Jim Capaldi.

More solos were handled by a bloke who must have been from Jools Holland's band than Clapton, who played acoustic guitar on My Sweet Lord and didn't even do the slide intro on that song! Also a bassist and drummer seemed to also be from Holland's band.

Clapton's jamming with the Indian musicians for their set closer was amazing. He sat on stage in a chair during the whole Indian segment, while Ravi & Olivia sat on a bench. It was odd that Ravi never played, although he spoke eloquently. And he whispered to Eric after the final song and then Eric told the crowd: "Ravi told me to tell you that was our debut!"

Paul was unbelievably great and selfless. "For You Blue" and "ATMP" will stand as two of my live Beatles' highlights EVER (and I saw Lennon play with Elton at MSG 1974). He LOOKED great (charcoal suit and t-shirt), sang fantastically - and what hasn't been mentioned is that he & Clapton essentially duetted on the "You're asking me will my love grow..." section of "Something." He also sang amazingly well during "Gently Weeps" and added chanting vocals to "My Sweet Lord". During "Wah Wah," he, like Petty who returned to the stage, essentially vamped on the E chord but Eric nailed the "Wah Wah" riff to the wall.

Oh yeah, "Beware of Darkness" was amazing too, definitely one of Eric's best moments of the night.

Ringo introduced Paul but ran back to his drum kit so there aren't any photos of the two together. I guess they wanted to avoid the "Beatles' Reunion" symdrome. But Paul pointed back toward Ringo at one point from the piano (even though Keltner and the other drummer were between them!).
I'm sure there's more that hasn't been reported. It all seemed to go by so fast it seems like a dream. So I, like everyone else, will await the DVD!

Just thought I'dd add a little commentary to the reports from the Concert: I was seated just in front of Elvis Costello to the right of the stage (Stall M to those in the know) and I see that no one has mentioned that Klaus Voorman joined in on the bass guitar near the end of the show. He played on some of the songs from "All Things Must Pass", and during some songs he just hid behind the drumkits, enjoying the show and exchanging looks with Ringo and Paul. So, in fact, there were four people on the stage from the "Hamburg - Star Club" gang, Billy, Ringo, Paul and Klaus. Klaus stayed behind to pack down his bass guitar as the rest of the artists left the stage, so me and a friend was able to get his autograph before he left the stage.

All the best,
Roger Stormo
http://www.norwegianwood.org

Just back from London, saw all the nice reports on your site, have nothing to add, except maybe Georgefest pix from Rexfeatures http://www.rexfeatures.com/cgi-bin/r2news0?t=397836&m=2&z=0 ... some were also in 2 UK Sunday newspapers.

The concert itself especially the Eric & Paul Part was shiver, goos bumps, great ! I especially found at ease that there was no commercial pressure, It was a really nice and dignifiedly concert, no money grabbing souvenier dealers ... just joss sticks, flowers, good spirit.

Update (12/1/02)

Jonathan Boba has already written a great eyewitness account of the tribute last night, so I'll just try to add a few different things:

After my dad's car broke down halfway to London, spending an hour on the side of the road, getting the AA (UK breakdown service) to tow us to nearby Guildford, leaving the car outside their service centre, being dropped to within walking distance of the train station (quicker to walk the last bit than to fight through city centre traffic in the rush hour), catching the 5.22 to London Waterloo, we finally arrived at The Royal Albert Hall at about 7.15, only fifteen short minutes before show time!! I really thought we weren't going to make it at one point, but we did.

There were camera crews and Hare-Krishna followers outside, although unfortunately I didn't meet up with my Danish friend who had flown over in the morning with a Danish TV crew who were documenting his trip to the tribute! Lots of camera flashes went off when Jackie Stewart (ex-Formula One driver) arrived at about 7.25.

Anyway, my Dad and I walked straight in, were given two of the beautifully presented Concert For George 'programmes' - which were free! - and headed into the bar to our immediate left only to find Dave Grohl (ex-Nirvana drummer, now Foo Fighters' lead man) at the bar to our right. Being a huge Foos fan, I knew it was him but decided to leave him alone as he was obviously there for a night out too, and I didn't want to bother him. Very glad though that my Dad took it upon himself to introduce himself, get Dave's autograph on his ticket and make sure he received a keyring of MY band while he was at it! I then took my chance, introduced myself, shook Dave's hand and told him he was an inspiration - and apologised for bothering him. An absolutely lovely guy - he didn't seem bothered at all and was very willing to give me some of his time. The exact same can be said of the Foo Fighters' amazing drummer, Taylor Hawkins, who I then noticed was there too - another really nice guy. I told him that the drummer in my band wouldn't have forgiven me had I not said hello. As with Dave, I apologised for disturbing him, but he really didn't mind at all, and signed one of our tickets too (after his girlfriend, I presume, had asked who's the other autograph was, which seemed quite funny as Taylor didn't seem to recognise it either - then again, maybe that's not such a good thing!!). As a side note, I don't usually go in for getting autographs but I AM delighted I met both those guys and especially that they were such nice people.

We had seats in Block E, in the Arena section. That basically meant we were only about eight rows from the stage, off to the right (as it turned out, pretty much in front of Jools Holland's/Paul McCartney's piano).

Without repeating what's already been said, some memories:-

The first thing I remember noticing on stage was one of George's old (red-sunburst in colour, if that's the correct description) Rickenbacker guitars (I presume it was one of his) centre-stage under a spotlight, which looked just wonderful, especially when I next noticed the huge framed picture of George suspended above the stage (the first half picture wasn't the one of the cover of my, recently re-issued, I Me Mine, although I'm sure Jonathan Boba is correct if he means it was on the cover of the original book - I've never seen it).

Olivia Harrison received a spontaneous and very warm round of applause when she appeared right at the start to light some (incense, I presume - they were everywhere) candles at the front right of the stage. She then sat down stage right and stayed there, with Ravi Shankar, for most of the first half.

Anoushka Shankar's sitar piece which started the show was incredible - absolutely virtuoso playing (although I don't confess to being any kind of an expert). Throughout the opening part of the show, she was absolutely amazing, with her father watching proudly alongside Olivia to the right.

Dhani Harrison received another warm round of applause (and almost audible gasps at how much he resembles his father) when he came onstage to play keyboards or piano (the view was slightly obscured by the monitor speakers, I think they were, that Olivia's candles were on) on Jeff Lynne's version of The Inner Light which was absolutely amazing, Anoushka playing all those beautiful sitar lines perfectly. That's a Beatles song I never thought I'd hear that live in concert!

There were no big introductions for either Dhani or Olivia (other than Eric's wonderful 'George's wife, Dhani' mistake!); they both almost slipped onstage unnoticed, which seemed in perfect keeping with the evening - and themselves as a family.

I think it was on Ravi Shankar's specially-composed piece (which, again, if I remember correctly he gave the Indian name of, which he said meant 'to give', or 'to offer'), that Eric Clapton, who had been sitting patiently on a chair on stage facing Anoushka as she conducted the orchestra - both Eastern and Western - for probably twenty minutes, played acoustic guitar, following the Eastern melody and playing some amazing guitar lines.

Humour was never far away, which is just how George would've wanted it. How could it be with Monty Python and also Joe Brown, who looks like a comedian and is a genuinely funny person? Joe was excellent and, to be honest, it was nice to just have him and his small band (The Bruvvers??) onstage for a song or two (I liked bands to be as minimalist as possible, but that's just me). I have to confess to not knowing That's The Way It Goes before but it makes me want to get hold of a remastered and reissued Gone Troppo as soon as possible. Joe commented before playing it that he had played on the album but, unfortunately not on that song, which he particularly liked.

Sam Brown (Joe's daughter, as you all know) is just incredible and her version of "Horse To The Water" was fantastic, showing off her amazingly powerful voice brilliantly. It sounded great live. And Jools Holland is just brilliant (I hope BBC America broadcasts his Later programme every week as it is the best music show on TV!).

Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers were introduced but, unfortunately, not ready! Even when they appeared they didn't seem ready to go, causing someone in the audience to shout out, "come on Tom!". It was all good-natured and Tom didn't seem to mind. "Taxman" started a little lacking in something, I thought, a certain power or zest, but improved after a verse or two - it was excellent come the guitar solo.

As has already been said, "Handle With Care" received a thoroughly deserved standing ovation - what a great, often overlooked, George song that is, and a brilliant version from Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers (with Jeff Lynne and Jim Keltner too - two more Wilburys I do believe).

(Now appears an appropriate time to say it's a shame Bob Dylan couldn't make it, although it didn't spoil anything and I'm sure he had a good reason not to appear).

Billy Preston: What can I say? What a guy. What a surprise! What a voice! What keyboard playing!!

Ringo Starr received a standing ovation when he came on stage, another natural 'comedian' and entertainer. I was lucky enough to be at The Albert Hall when George played there himself back in 1992 (making last night even more special for me, on a personal note particularly as I went with my Dad that time too) and, whilst he didn't cause the euphoria of that previous occasion (mainly, I guess, as this time everyone knew he was coming, but also as the occasions were obviously different). I wish I could remember exactly what Ringo said but suffice to say it was along the lines of how much he loved George, and that he was going to sing a song that he and George wrote together - remarking that the words now took on a different significance - and also a song by Carl Perkins, a man who George himself loved (and which, as we all know, Ringo sang with The Beatles). After his two songs, Ringo introduced Paul McCartney as 'someone else who loved George' or perhaps it was, 'who George loved' - I wish I could remember which it was.

Paul often gets criticised for 'taking over' - and no doubt some-one has already claimed so on the Abbeyrd (and other) message boards this morning but I will say here and now - it just wasn't true. Paul was absolutely brilliant, in great singing voice (I noticed no hoarseness, in fact on the contrary I remember thinking you could tell he has been touring as he was so obviously in great form - time, CDs and TV broadcast will no doubt tell).

The best thing, which I was hoping for, was that Paul and Ringo were onstage - and playing - together. Ringo climbed onto his kit (one of three onstage all night - the Ludwig one on the left with the star[r] on the bass drum skin) and stayed there for the rest of the show (with the exception of the final song, if I remember correctly).

"For You Blue" was another fantastic surprise - I've always loved that song, along with other late Beatle Harrisongs such as "I Me Mine" (a shame no-one played that, come to think of it, but then everyone will have songs they wished had been played, won't they?!), and the sight of Paul on acoustic guitar with Ringo lightly playing behind him was just wonderful.

Paul played his ukulele version of "Something," with Ringo again supplying light percussion, which was great, but slightly surprising as I had expected the Paul-solo "Back In The U.S." rendition. Then I noticed the bass player go to play - only for no bass notes to come out (or at least that's what it looked like happened to me) - meaning that he eventually came in slightly later than planned, not that anyone would've really noticed if they hadn't seen the bass player rush over to his amp. Then I looked at Ringo as he did that "Something" drum fill that led into the original Beatles version of the song, with the full band. It worked brilliantly and will be a real highlight of the CD that I hope comes out very, very soon.

I only wish that it had been just Ringo on drums - there was at least the guy on the centre kit playing at the same time (sorry, I didn't recognise him) if not two more (most of the concert had at least two drummers, one being Jim Keltner I presume although, again, didn't recognise). Then again, as good as Ringo still looks - a picture of health (touch wood), I'd say! - I do wonder how much playing he does these days, so maybe he wouldn't have wanted to play 'solo'. I don't know, and I'd be very interested to hear the thoughts of people who have seen Ringo in concert over recent years.

Paul's All Things Must Pass was wonderful too. One of my favourite George songs. I'm not sure I remember how much Jeff Lynne sang, but I thought it was just backing vocals.

My Sweet Lord heralded the beginning of the end of the night hence mixed feelings... Billy, again, was exceptional.
At about this point some people headed down to the stage, so I joined them, ending up a only a few metres from Paul on the piano. I loved the irony of Paul playing along to "Wah-Wah," a song inspired by him giving George a headache after an (or was it THE?) argument! That was great, and a telling moment I think; I somehow doubt the irony was lost on Paul himself, but the moment seemed to say that all that stuff belongs to another time now. None of it matters, which I feel was a message George left us all with at the end of his life. No regrets.

I have a vivid image in my head of Dhani singing the words 'Wah-Wah!!!' at the top of his voice into the microphone, right in front of me. He was really going for it!

Right at the end (before the last song I think) Dhani finally spoke (after Eric had helped him out with the microphones - he seemed to have a choice of two to talk into - one was in place for Joe Brown and his ukulele, I think - only the one in front wasn't on when he went to speak) just to pay thanks for everyone. He mumbled something at first, stopped himself and said almost as an aside, "I'm Dhani by the way - George's wife!". George was smiling somewhere at that moment, I'm sure he was!

Joe Brown introduced the last song, "See You In My Dreams" (I'll presume it's called), as a favourite of George's, and it was the PERFECT ending. A beautifully apt song, sung by George's friends, led by one of his closest, no egos in sight, and wonderfully understated. No big 'celebrity singalong' endings last night, and rightfully so. No-one expected an encore as it wasn't a night like that, and the concert had already ended in the most perfect way.

Eric and Dhani stood centre-stage (but never in the 'spotlight') during the final song, Eric with his arm around Dhani, both of whom were showing the first signs of emotion all night. Anyone who dared to criticise Eric earlier this year for his 'silence' concerning George's passing should've seen the look on his face from where I was standing last night. I think Eric has acted in an exemplary fashion since November last year, dealing with the passing of a friend he obviously loved dearly with amazing grace and dignity, and in his own way. The same can also be said of Dhani and Olivia, most definitely.

Final observations/recollections...:

Just outside the exit nearest us was a piece of paper on the wall with all the backstage passes illustrated (access all areas etc) - they were all pictures of George's different guitars!

The two backing singers were Tessa Niles and Katie Kissoon (sorry about spellings), if I'm not mistaken, who were in Eric Clapton's touring band for years (and probably still are).

Ray Cooper was his usual, crazy, brilliant self.

As if we needed telling, the tribute was a reminder that George wrote many, many wonderful songs. They all sounded great last night and I only wish George could've been there, singing them. Then again, ironically if he was still with us he almost certainly wouldn't have been playing The Albert Hall last night. I still know which scenario I would prefer to be true.

It would've been nice to have heard some more recent songs, such as some off Cloud 9 or Brainwashed. Both albums have some of George's best songs, and I would've loved to have heard some of them. A very minor point though.

It also would've been an added bonus had Dhani sung one of his dad's songs himself, although I don't blame him for not. He (and Olivia) seem very private people, not seeking the limelight, and it seemed fitting that he just played acoustic guitar and sang backing vocals pretty much throughout. It was also very noticeable to me - and a lovely touch - that Dhani was given centre-stage all night. Only right.

There was just too much information to take in last night, if you know what I mean, so I'm sure some of my recollections may prove incorrect and there will be things I can't believe I forgot to mention. I spent the whole night trying to just take EVERYTHING in, to 'record' it in my mind, whilst still trying to just enjoy the show.

I definitely did enjoy it - it was a fantastic evening and I feel privileged to have been there. George would've been proud, surprised, happy and, knowing him (or not really, unfortunately) probably a little embarrassed at all the fuss. A great night that was the very least he deserved.

From gh-hcts, who provided the pics that we posted yesterday:

The first highlight of the night was as we went in. Everyone was given a beautiful booklet, Purple cover, Held together with an orange ribbon, Gold writing on the front with the words "Concert for George", With the date and place. Inside there are some lovely photos of George, When i looked at it last night in the rah i thought there were some blank pages, But now looking at it with my glasses on i can see it is actually embossed white on white, a couple of statements George has made.

There is no point in me going over the set list etc. as this has been covered, So just another couple of highlights:

To see Ringo singing "Photograph" was awesome. He then sang “Honey don’t”, And then introduced Paul.

Paul scored heavily with me last night, He sang a lovely version of “For you blue”.

He then started “Something”, Solo with ukelele and was joined half way through by the band, With Eric taking over lead vocals.

His rendition of “All things must pass”, Was for me THE HIGHLIGHT of the night.

He then just sat at the piano and let the rest of the band get on with it, In other words he did not try to steal the whole show. I cant help thinking how the show resembled “The concert for Bangla Desh”, And was it just coincidence that the band started Bangla Desh with “Wah Wah, And finished with it last night, Somehow I don’t think so.

Joe Brown then finished the show with “See you in my dreams”. There was no call for encores, Everyone just accepted that was it, And it was a beautiful way to finish a truly amazing evening. I just feel so privileged that I was there to witness it. Thank you everyone who took part and special thanks to Olivia and Dhani.

Next, from Shaun:

I thought I would drop a quick line from London on the show last night, the previous poster mentioned almost everything, however I thought this was important to mention.

When Paul started "Something" on the ukelele, Ringo was keeping the beat and only the two of then were playing during the ukelele portion of the song, the rest of the band kicked in at about the half way part then Eric took over lead vocal and the song was played out in the traditional arrangement.

Absolutely the greatest show I ever saw (and I have seen a lot) Thank you Eric, Olivia, Dhani, Jeff for an extraordinary evening. (Even though I wish he show never had to take place).

Love your site, Shaun

There's not really much I can add to what has already been said, except that one of the things that also greatly impressed me was how smoothly it ran - one song leading straight into the next, no link man, no "alternative" comedian telling off-colour jokes while people set up, something which spoiled the Linda McCartney Tribute Concert for me. Apart from Ravi Shankar, Paul, Ringo and Michael Palin, who all said a few words, no-one gave eulogies. This was about George's music, performed with love and care by his friends. Absolutely wonderful.

There were many highlights for me. I particularly enjoyed While My Guitar Gently Weeps and Isn't It a Pity. And it was great that Joe Brown did That's The Way It Goes from Gone Troppo, which is a great little song, though unknown to many. It did occur to me though how very strange it must have been for Patti Boyd if she was there (which is by no means impossible and, indeed, likely) to hear Eric Clapton singing Something. It was a great performance of it but I think in her position I'd probably have sobbed all the way through it!

Steve,

Starting to come down to earth after last night's Concert For George. Just a few thoughts in addition to your other postings :

We got there about 45 minutes before the show was due to start and were besieged by touts desperate to buy our tickets and also genuine fans who just wanted to get inside. Upon entering we were given a single sheet programme listing the artists who would appear and details of the Indian music and also a beautiful embossed commemorative book tied with ribbon which contained photographs of George and quotes from him.

When we entered the Royal Albert Hall the smell of incense was overwhelming and centre stage was George's guitar lit by a single spot light. Just before the show started, the guitar was removed and replaced with a sitar.

The auditorium was absolutely packed by the time the Indian musicians made their way on to the stage. Eric Clapton wandered casually on to the stage and announced that though they had been practising the music for 3 weeks, they hadn't thought about what they were going to say! He explained that the first half of the programme would be entirely dedicated to the traditional Indian music which had so inspired George and his music. Olivia came on stage and lit candles and then took her seat to the right of the stage, followed by Ravi Shankar who said a few very heart felt and touching words.

There then followed an hour of mesmerising music either played or conducted by Anoushka Shankar. This was greeted rapturously by the entire crowd, much to the surprise, it would seem, of Anoushka herself!

There was then a 15 minute break before the start of the "Western" section of the show.

What followed was phenomenal! Two hours passed by in what felt like minutes. The whole show was electric and it is difficult to single out so called "hi-lights" however, the Tom Petty led "Handle With Care" with Jeff Lynne singing Roy Orbison's part got everyone up on their feet. "Horse to the Water" sung by Sam Brown was absolutely amazing, what a voice.

Ringo came on stage to a standing ovation and a big cheer to give a rousing version of "Photograph" which got everyone singing. He then introduced Paul McCartney, who also received an enormous cheer and a standing ovation. He proceeded to sing "For You Blue" and his version of "Something" on the ukulele which segued into an Eric Clapton led band version with everyone singing along.

Eric and Paul sang "While My Guitar Gently Weeps". However, this version was miles better than the Buckingham Palace version as it features a superb Clapton guitar solo. Billy Preston led "My Sweet Lord" which brought the entire crowd to its' feet, clapping and singing in perfect unison. A truly emotional spectacle.

Joe Brown closed an emotional show with an emotional ending. He stood, centre stage with his ukulele and sang "I'll See You In My Dreams" with all the other artists behind him on stage arm in arm. Coloured petals poured from a canopy above the crowd and many were moved to tears.

At the very end, Olivia went over to hug Dhani, which received another emotional cheer of support from the crowd. Dhani was on stage for almost the whole performance, playing guitar and looking very, very comfortable sharing a stage with such exalted company. He handled the whole event with decorum and obvious enjoyment as did all the other artists.

They all appeared to be having a ball. Whilst commenting on their relationship with George, their love of him and their missing him, this was no wake. It was a party, a real celebration of an amazing legacy of music which will be played and loved for many, many years to come. I'd almost forgotten how many wonderful songs George had written because there still wasn't room for "Got My Mind Set On You", "What Is Life" or anything from "Brainwashed". The Concert could literally have gone on for hours more and I for one wish that it had.

I consider myself very honoured to have been amongst the few fans who got to witness such an amazing night first hand.

Update (11/30/02)

Update II (11/29/02)

I just got back to my hotel from the Concert For George which ended at 10:55pm (London Time). The show was in a word - remarkable!

First, famous celebs in attendance- Rolling Stone Bill Wyman & wife, ELO keyboard maestro Richard Tandy & wife & Wix, from Paul's band. Others, I'm sure, but that is what I could see from my 15th row main floor tix.

The stage had, suspended above it a 20 foot by 10 foot framed black & white picture of George (the circa 1980, I Me Mine cover photo for the first 1/2, a classic 1964 shot for the second act.

The show started with Ravi's daughter with a combined eastern and western orchestra. After one eastern number, featuring Ravi's daughter, Jeff Lynne joined this special orchestra playing acoustic & singing The Inner Light - breathtaking! After this, a 15 minute opus recently composed by Ravi for the event, masterfully conducted by Ravi's daughter.

After a 30 minute intermission 4 members of Monty Python (all living members minus John Cleese) plus Rutle Neil Innis sang Sit on My Face & The Lumberjack Song before leaving all too quickly.

I have a copy of the set list & lead vocalists which I will now list, but first a few quick comments. The main band featured Eric Clapton, Jeff Lynne, Gary Brooker on keyboards, Keltner on drums, Ray Cooper on percussion,Dhani Harrison on acoustic & Marc Mann replicating most Harrison slide solo's.

The set was as follows (with lead singer following):
I Want To Tell You - Jeff Lynne
If I Needed Someone - Eric Clapton/Jeff Lynne
Old Brown Shoe - Gary Brooker/Eric Clapton
Give Me Love - Jeff Lynne
Beware of Darkness - Eric Clapton
Here Comes The Sun - Joe Brown
Thats the Way it Goes - Joe Brown
Horse to the Water - Sam Brown vocals/Jools Holland piano
Taxman - Petty & Heartbreakers
I Need You - Petty
Handle With Care - Tom Petty/Jeff Lynne
Isnt It A Pity - Eric Clapton/Billy Preston
Photograph - Ringo
Honey Don't - Ringo
For You Blue - Paul McCartney
Something - Paul
All Things Must Pass - Paul/Jeff Lynne
While My Guitar Gently Weeps - Clapton
My Sweet Lord - Billy Preston
Wah Wah - Jeff Lynne/EricClapton
See You in My Dreams (Joe Brown singing & on uke)

Best stuff - everything!!!! esp., The Inner Light, Give Me Love, Handle With Care (received first truely huge ovation of many), Photograph, Something, & See You In My Dreams with rose pedals falling onto the floor crowd at the end -

Other bits - by accident Eric (the MC) referred to Dhani as George's wife (a running joke throughout the night. All vocals were strong, but Paul's showed the effects of recent touring - a bit hoarse at times. Paul, at the end said, "Seeing Dhanni up there on stage with you all makes it looklike George stayed young & you all got old!" Well said esp. after seeing him up on stage - - a magical wonderful memorable night! Off to bed & an early flight back to Chicago!

All the best!
Jonathan Boba
Somewhere in London

Update II (11/29/02)

Watched the Today Show; just after 8 a.m. here on the East Coast. They had a little 2 minute report (looked like a canned report) about the concert tonight. They had bits of EC rehearsing with Dhani and Billy Preston, had some sound bites from EC, Olivia and Ringo. Looks like Ringo will be singing Photograph. EC, Billy and Dhani were rehearsing Isn't It a Pity and MSL.

Update (11/29/02) Note: If you attend the concert, we'd love to have your report! Thanks in advance!

Update (11/28/02)

Just to point out some info about the link you have up. That site is actually a ticket tout/scalpers site.

I know it looks like a proper official ticket agency site, but it's not as can be confirmed by the prices they charge even for tickets for far less high profile shows or events than the George concert.

There's quite a few 'touts with websites' operating here in UK as I'm sure there is in US, and it's a well known fact here that this site is one of those.

Just thought I should let your site readers know, as it may not be best idea to give them credit card details etc.

They may be fine, and may have no problems at all. Certainly hope no one does. But just so everyone knows it's not an official ticket agency, so have to use own judgement on whether to take a risk or not.

Update (11/27/02)

Update II (11/26/02)

Update (11/25/02)

Hi Steve,

Last night (11/23), Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers played "Isn't It A Pity" again at their concert in Inglewood, CA. Like the reports from its debut in Austin indicated, it sounded fantastic. Tom mentioned they were flying today to London to prepare for the tribute show. He also said something to the effect that George was probably watching over them.

Keep up the great work

Update (11/23/02)

I was lucky enough to see Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers in concert last evening here in Austin, and they did a magnificent cover of 'Isn't It a Pity', Mike campbell doing a wicked slide part to duplicate the strings on the original. It was incredible, and earned a standing ovation. If this is a preview, the George tribute show in London will be truly unforgettable!

Hey Steve,

Last night in Austin Tom Petty said he was going to play a song he and the band had never played onstage before. What followed was an amazing "Isn't It A Pity," with Mike Campbell's slide work faithful to the original yet with his own stamp. It was one of the most magical George moments I have ever experienced - and George was not there in the flesh at least...Obviously they are tuning up for next week's Harrison tribute, which I will be attending.

Steve, Today I got very, very lucky and got 3 tickets for the George Concert at the RAH on Friday. When I went to the RAH to pick them up (not wishing to trust my luck with the Royal Mail), the very nice clerk told me about a call they'd got from someone in the States to check on his tickets only to find out that he had bought them from a bogus on-line ticket office. Needless to say, the money had already come off his credit card.

So I just wanted to say that if anyone is thinking about making any last minute purchases to be very, very careful.

On the first Anniversary of George's passing - Friday, November 29, E-TALK Daily will feature some exclusive interview and rehearsal footage of the Tribute Concert happening at Royal Albert Hall that evening. Olivia Harrison and Eric Clapton have planned this very special performance tribute which will feature the music of George Harrison, as well as music he loved. Performers include (in alphabetical order): Joe Brown, Eric Clapton, Jools Holland, Jim Keltner, Jeff Lynne, Sir Paul McCartney, various members of Monty Python's Flying Circus, Tom Petty, Ravi Shankar and Ringo Starr. Proceeds from the concert will be donated to The Material World Charitable Foundation. Funded by George Harrison since its establishment in 1973, the foundation supports the arts, music, education and people with special needs.

Fans can also tune into a 60 minute Radio Special that will air on various stations through the Sound Source Radio Network between November 28 and December 1, 2002. The Special is Presented by Jools Holland; and includes exclusive interviews with Olivia, Dhani and Jeff Lynne. Dhani and Jeff spent six months of this year completing the recordings that George had been making in the two years before his death in November 2001. They guide us through tracks from the album and reveal insights into both the recording process and the lyrics of this powerful collection of songs. Piano player Jools Holland discusses the album's cover version of the 1931 song "Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea" recorded with members of his 'Big Band'. The programme will be made by award winning radio producer Kevin Howlett, who was Grammy nominated for his involvement in the historic album The Beatles Live At The BBC.

Update (11/20/02) At his MSN chat Wednesday, Tom Petty discussed what he'll do at the show:

john_nestore in Onstage3 asks: Tom, what will you be performing at the George Harrison tribute show?
Tom_Petty_Live says: I know some of it. We'll be doing "Tax Man," "Isn't it a Pity," and "I Need You." And possibly some Traveling Wilburys songs.

Update (11/19/02) An official website has now been set up for the concert at http://www.allthingsmustpass.com/concert/index.html (Thanks to Karen Dyson.)

Update (11/15/02) In case you missed last night's update (we sent this news up after the first upload), Bob Dylan will not be at the tribute concert. See the info below.

Update (11/14/02)

Hi Steve,

I just got back from a killer Bob Dylan show at Madison Square Garden. After playing "Blowing In The Wind" and "All Along The Watchtower" Bob and the band came out for another encore. Bob said that he was going to be unable to attend the George Harrison tribute concert and that George was a "good good buddy". He said he wanted to dedicate a song to George's memory and then played a perfect version of "Something". I got goosebumps!

Update (10/14/02) First, from David Moore:

In trying to imagine what would be played during the George tribute show, two thoughts occur. Imagine Eric & Paul doing again "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" only this time with Ringo on drums and the same line up doing "When We Was Fab" with Paul on vocals. Also, an unofficial Bob Dylan website that listing all his upcoming shows lists the George show. I can see Dhani and Olivia saying in unisom "I'd like to bring on a friend of us all, Mr. Bob Dylan".

Comment: As we've said before, Dylan's participation is unconfirmed, though we're guessing he'll be there.

Next, a success story from Richard Sinclair:

Dear Steve, As you've asked for accounts of successfully managing to get tickets to The Concert For George, I thought I'd drop you a line. (I have been keeping my head down as I sincerely feel for the people who DIDN'T manage to - I made sure I expected NOT to get tickets, so as to limit the 'inevitable' disappointment).

Basically I had my parents on the case, all three of us trying to get through. We all had two numbers to hand (The Royal Albert Hall box office and the 24-hour ticket line number). My dad and I were on the net on two different computers as well, constantly refreshing the Bookings Direct homepage. We began at 9am, or few minutes before. For my part, I had my mobile to my left ear and the landline to my right, endlessly hitting redial on each. At around 9.15 my dad spotted that the Bookings Direct website had been updated, with nothing more than a brief message in a pop-up window listing a THIRD phone number to call. It was on this number that, at about 9.20am I finally heard the ringing tone and got myself into a queue.

At around 9.25 my mum called my dad (we all work together but my mum was at home still) to say she'd managed to get two tickets!!! I had to speak to her myself until I felt confident enough to put the phone down (I was still in that queue) - nothing short of SEEING the tickets in front of me would've really convinced me I was going, but after a minute or so I had to. My mum told me that she could hear phones ringing constantly in the background whilst booking the tickets, and that when it started ringing, it did so for several minutes but she knew she'd better hang on - I'm so glad she did!

My tickets cost £150 each (plus booking fee, I believe) and are two blocks from the stage, in the Arena section (i.e. on the floor in front of the stage).

I have only been to The Royal Albert Hall once before, to see George Harrison back in 1992... I can't believe I'm going back this month to pay tribute to him. I only wish I was going to see George himself.

I know it's not much of a consolation if you didn't manage to get tickets, but I am certain a CD, DVD and maybe even TV special will follow... I hope so at least. Maybe if enough people write to the Albert Hall, they'll put up giant screens across the road in Hyde Park, which I know they've done before (for things like The Last Night Of The Proms). Just a thought.

And from Naoto Ito:

Hello from London. My case was, I used two phones (my mobile and house phone) - one was for RAH and the other one was for Bookings Direct - and logged on to the internet for the online order. I started to phone them at 9:00 GMT exactly, and the lines were always busy and the internet was totally jammed.

Firstly I got through Bookings Direct on the phone around at 10:20 GMT, and the man who took my call abruptly said "Sorry, all tickets are gone". The bookingsdirect online took me to their order page, but when I submitted my order, I just couldn't go to the further pages at all!

I, therefore, concentrated on making phonecalls to RAH only. Around at 10:30 I finally got through to RAH and the lady on the phone asked how many tickets I wanted, and I replied four. She said that they didn't have four, but they could sell two in the front circle area (100.00 UKP each). I had no time to think about it, so I had to take them straightway. The lady of RAH said that the ticket would be sent 10 days before the concert.

The point is, WHO THE HELL BOUGHT ALL THOSE TICKETS? OK, I understood that there were many fans of Beatles', Eric Clapton's and the other artists', and it would become more competitive than ordinary gigs, but I've never had such an experience like this before. If they had only bought the tickets for resale at eBay or at other auctions, I think it would be very sad.

Update (10/13/02) With an event like this, there are bound to be people disappointed they couldn't get tickets. But it sounds like getting them at all was quite tough. We won't print a bunch of these, but we thought we'd print a couple of ticket problem accounts. If you DID get some, let us know how you managed to do it and we'll print a couple of those, too. First this from Evelyn Schwarz:

To add some odyssey to your RAH tix reports.

I checked both lines the night before, worked home on Friday 11 Oct to have the chance to call in to the UK made parallel attempts with 2 ISDN lines - one for the RAH box office number and the other for the Bookings Dicet phone number, premanently repeating to call in with both hands pressing again and again the call repeat button.... Never came through to the RAH box office - German Telekom had alredy a stopp in telling you something like ... this number is currently not available, try it later again...

Ca. half an hour after the tix sale started, I had a short British signature tune on the Booking Direct line and was kicked out shortly after, same thing happend again ca. 10 mins later.

At 10:02 am GMT (11:02 am CET) I came through to the Bookings Direct line and a woman's voice said to me "We're sold out under an hour, sorry"... and no waiting list or something...

I had an mutual agrement with another German girl and a Dutch collector friend, based on sharing tix whoever would came through... the girl made the same expierience as me, being told sold out by booking direct and ca. 10:30 am GMT (11:30 am CET) she came though to the RAH box office, only to hear: ...sold out, no waiting lists, try again a bit nearer the time but not today!...

The Dutch friend came through around 09:30 am GMT (10:30 am CET) and was told most tix were gone, they offered him 3 tickets in the boxes section (bottom row). Price £127.50 per ticket ... and while processing order, it came out he had no acceptable credit card ... uhm, bummer :-(

So we ended up all three with empty hands and hope at least there will be TV broadcast, DVD and bootlegs ... ebay prices are outta our limits.

And this from daisyrootsnflute:

I'd be very interested to know how somebody from the States was able to buy tickets at 10.30. When I, calling from London, finally got through at around 10.30 I got a recorded message saying they'd sold out! This and the fact that almost instantly tickets were being sold on at hugely inflated prices is leaving a very sour taste in my mouth.

Update (10/12/02) Almost as quickly as the tribute concert tickets sold out, they began popping up on eBay for hugely inflated prices ranging from approximately £300 to over £800 for a pair of tickets! And this Reuters story confirms Tom Petty will be performing at the show.

And from Patti Murawski:

Apparently it took longer than a hour to sell out the George tribute show. One of my friends stateside said he got through and hour and a half after they went on sale, and yes, he did get tickets.

Update II (10/11/02) Keith Badman tells us tickets for the tribute concert sold out in one hour!

For Immediate Release

OLIVIA HARRISON AND ERIC CLAPTON ANNOUNCE TRIBUTE TO GEORGE HARRISON NOVEMBER 29, 2002 AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL

Olivia Harrison and Eric Clapton have planned a very special performance tribute in honour of George Harrison. This unique event will take place at London’s Royal Albert Hall November 29, 2002--the one-year anniversary of George’s passing. The evening will feature the music of George Harrison, as well as music he loved.

Performers include (in alphabetical order): Joe Brown, Eric Clapton, Jools Holland, Jim Keltner, Jeff Lynne, Sir Paul McCartney, various members of Monty Python’s Flying Circus, Tom Petty, Leon Russell, Ravi Shankar and Ringo Starr. Eric Clapton will supervise the musical content of the tribute.

Proceeds from the concert will be donated to The Material World Charitable Foundation. Funded by George Harrison since its establishment in 1973, the foundation supports the arts, music, education and people with special needs.

Olivia Harrison noted: “The tribute for George will resound not only within the Albert Hall but hopefully reach the spirit of the man so loved by his friends who will be performing and attending."

Tickets go on sale from 9.00am on Friday 11th October. Prices vary from £25 - £150. Maximum 6 tickets per person. Tickets are available from:

RAH Box Office (no personal callers) – 020 7589 8212

24 Hour Ticket Hotline - 0870 1212700

Online: www.bookingsdirect.co.uk (agency and credit card bookings subject to booking fee)

Also, a source tells us that Bob Dylan is still a question mark for the concert and probably won't make a decision on particpating until the last minute.

Update II (9/26/02)

Update (9/22/02) The San Diego-Union Tribune interviewed Tom Petty, who also confirmed the show and said it was originally suggested by George's widow, Olivia. "I'll be there," Petty told the paper. "George was a really special person, and not just because he was a Beatle or whatever. I think he should be saluted once a year." Petty said the idea for the concert came from George's widow, Olivia. "Olivia talked to me about this a long time ago, and the idea was just to remember George, just to do a nice tribute," he said.

And a correction: In the 9/21 update, we originally had the sale date for tickets as Nov. 11 when it should have been Oct. 11. It's been corrected below, but we wanted to give you a heads up. Our apologies. (Thanks to Kelley Pope and Bart Mendoza..)

Update (9/21/02) Ananova reports that tickets for the show go on sale Oct. 11 and that the concert will be filmed for a 2003 TV special.

Update (9/19/02) It's now official!: Launch.com has a story by reporters Gary Graff and Bruce Simon not only confirming the concert, but also the Royal Albert Hall venue. Their report also adds a couple of new names to the list of performers: Peter Frampton, Jim Keltner, Joe Brown and Monty Python alumni Eric Idle and Michael Palin. (Again, our sincerest thanks to DJ for allowing us to be the first place in the world to report about this concert and to all the website visitors who helped us figure out where it was gonna be.)

Update (9/18/02)

Update (9/15/02) Another source says that, at this point, only Eric Clapton is confirmed for the show.

Update (9/14/02) Both john104 and pete ring2oons have emailed us with a possible clue to where the concert might be. It seems that Jools Holland, on whose album "Horse to the Water," George's last song issued before his death was featured, is playing Nov. 28 and 30th at Royal Albert Hall in London. The 29th, strangely enough, was said to be open. And just a guess, but we'll bet we can add Jools Holland to the list of performers as well.

And though we don't have a link for it, a news item about the concert was apparently in Friday's UK Sun tabloid newspaper.

Update (9/12/02) Add Pandit Ravi Shankar to the list of performers. (Thanks again to DJ.)

(9/11/02) Here's another scoop for you all. This information may not used anywhere else without giving specific credit to Abbeyrd's Beatles Page:

A reliable source tells us a George Harrison tribute concert is being planned for Nov. 29 in London. The proposed lineup will astound you: Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, Jeff Lynne (notice those Traveling Wilburys) and maybe more (as if that wasn't enough!). More info as we get it. (Thanks very very much to DJ.)