George Harrison Records Wonderwall (January 10, 1968)

The recording session for George Harrison's soundtrack album "Wonderwall Music" on Wednesday, January 10, 1968, at EMI Recording Studio in Bombay, India, was a momentous occasion that captured the essence of Harrison's creative journey in the heart of India.

Having arrived in Bombay on January 7, 1968, Harrison was immersed in the vibrant atmosphere of the city as he embarked on recording the soundtrack for the film "Wonderwall." This particular session marked the second day of recording, following the commencement of sessions on January 9.

The studio was alive with energy as Harrison and a talented ensemble of Indian musicians came together to bring his vision to life. Among them were Ashish Khan on sarod, Ahapurush Misra on tabla and pakavaj, Sharad Jadev and Hanuman Jadev on shanhais, Shambu-Das, Indril Bhattacharya, and Shankar Ghosh on sitar, Chandra Shakher on sur-bahar, Shiv Kumar Sharma on santorr, SR Kenkare and Hari Prasad Chaurasia on flute, Vinayak Vohra on taar shehnai, and Rijram Desad on dholak, harmonium, and tabla-tarang.

The studio buzzed with activity as Harrison took on the dual role of producer and creative visionary, guiding the musicians through the intricacies of each composition. Camera crews from Reuters and BBC News were invited to capture the magic of the session, providing a rare glimpse into the creative process behind the album. Though the footage was silent, it offered a visual testament to the collaborative spirit and cultural fusion that defined the recording sessions.

The EMI Recording Studios, located at the Universal Insurance Building in Bombay, provided the perfect backdrop for this musical exploration. As the musicians worked tirelessly to bring Harrison's compositions to life, the studio reverberated with the sounds of traditional Indian instruments blending seamlessly with Harrison's distinctive musical style.

The recording session for "Wonderwall Music" in Bombay stands as a testament to Harrison's adventurous spirit and his deep appreciation for Indian music and culture. It was a pivotal moment in his artistic journey, paving the way for future explorations and collaborations that would leave an indelible mark on the world of music.

 

John Lennon & George Harrison In Concert at the Lyceum Ballroom, London (December 15, 1969)

The Plastic Ono Band's live performance at the Lyceum Ballroom in London on Monday, December 15, 1969, was a momentous event that pushed boundaries and challenged expectations. The concert was part of a benefit event for the charity UNICEF, titled "Peace For Christmas," and featured an eclectic lineup of acts including the Young Rascals, Desmond Dekker and the Aces, Blue Mink, and Black Velvet, among others.

This particular performance by the Plastic Ono Band, however, stood out as a historic moment in music history. With just 48 hours' notice, the lineup for the Plastic Ono Band's debut European concert included an impressive array of talent: John Lennon, George Harrison, Eric Clapton, Klaus Voormann, Alan White, Billy Preston, Bobby Keys, Jim Price, and others.

The stage was set for an unforgettable night as Lennon, Harrison, Clapton, and the rest of the band took to the stage amidst a backdrop declaring "War Is Over." The atmosphere crackled with anticipation as the audience eagerly awaited what would unfold.

The performance itself was a revelation, with the band launching into a set that included the current single "Cold Turkey" and its B-side, "Don't Worry Kyoko (Mummy's Only Looking For Her Hand In The Snow)." "Cold Turkey" kicked off the set with raw intensity, showcasing Lennon's powerful vocals and the band's tight instrumentation.

However, it was the performance of "Don't Worry Kyoko" that truly captivated the audience. Clocking in at around 40 minutes, the song stretched the boundaries of conventional rock music, with Ono's primal wails soaring over the band's hypnotic grooves. The performance was described as "the most fantastic music" by Lennon himself, pushing the boundaries of what was expected from a live concert.

While some audience members may have been taken aback by the unconventional nature of the performance, those who stayed were treated to an immersive and transformative experience. As drummer Alan White recalled, the performance reached a frenetic climax as the band played faster and faster until they could go on no more.

In hindsight, the concert at the Lyceum Ballroom remains a landmark moment in music history, showcasing the innovative spirit and boundary-pushing ethos of the Plastic Ono Band. It was a night that defied expectations, challenged conventions, and left a lasting impression on all who were lucky enough to witness it.

 

George Harrison at Beat '70, Falkoner Theatre, Copenhagen, Denmark (December 10, 1969)

On Wednesday, December 10, 1969, George Harrison made a surprise appearance during two concerts by the American musical duo Delaney & Bonnie at the Falkoner Theatre in Copenhagen, Denmark.

This marked a significant moment as it was Harrison's first stage appearance since The Beatles' final concert in August 1966. Having joined Delaney & Bonnie's UK tour earlier in Bristol on December 2, 1969, Harrison's presence added a layer of excitement and anticipation to the evening's performances.

The concerts, held at 7:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. CET, were not only memorable for Harrison's participation but also for being videotaped for broadcast on DR-TV's Beat '70: "The Original Delaney & Bonnie & Friends." This recording ensured that fans around the world could experience the magic of these historic performances.

 

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George Harrison on "Give Me Love (Give Me Peace on Earth)" (1973)

"I once read in the newspaper what Roger McGuinn, of the Byrds, had said. He was about the only one who spotted it, that 'My Sweet Lord' was a prayer, and that's all it was. I had a lot of letters from people saying, 'Oh, you're lost. Why don't you come to church.' They missed the point. With 'Give Me Love,' again it was a personal thing for me and if anybody else got off on it, well, there it was. But it was awareness of what we need, just give me love, thank you. So, at that period, I was really involved and doing a lot of chanting on these little wooden beads during the whole session. It was just a personal thing. Sometimes you open your mouth and you don't know what you are going to say, and whatever comes out is the starting point. If that happens and you are lucky, it can usually be turned into a song. This song is a prayer and personal statement between me, the Lord and whoever likes it."

Pattie Boyd and George Harrison Pictures

Pattie Boyd and George Harrison Pictures

Pattie Boyd and George Harrison Pictures

Pattie Boyd and George Harrison Pictures