+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
Maharishi : From a Dutch source translated into English
"Not long before his death George Harrison paid a visit to the Maharishi in
Vlodrop, Holland. During this last visit Maharishi tried to give George
courage and hope. This was confirmed by a spokesman for the Maharishi
movement in Holland. "Maharishi compared the sick body of Harrison with an
old coat with holes. He said he was glad that Harrison would soon take off
that coat and put on a new one". The spokesman also said that Paul McCartney
is a regular visitor at Maharishi's. "Maharishi has always had a special
place in his heart for the Beatles since their first meeting in 1967. That
friendship has never ceased."
***************************************************************************
Elvis's holster
Tom Petty Talks About George Harrison - Just a few weeks ago, in Malibu,
California, Tom Petty talked to MoJo about his friendship and work with
George. This extract from his interview says much about the unique spirit and
generous character of the beloved musician and songwriter.
"I met George before I'd even made a record. I met him and Ringo at Leon
Russell's house, where I was kind of employed for a while. It was really
exciting. I was struck by how unsnooty they were and they paid attention to
me, who was nobody. That's the way George is, just a really decent fellow.
Years later, when we had the Wilburys, we got to be really close friends.
He's someone that I love a lot. I really would forget about The Beatles but
then I wouldn't and made myself a pain in the ass sometimes. 'Oh come on,
tell me about this...come on ...show me how you play this...'. And he would.
He's wonderful really. I've had a lot of great times with George. There's my
friend and then there's the guy I see in old film clips, Hey, that's George!
We spent a lot of time at his house over the years. He's really just a
sweetheart. I don't want to go on or I'll be embarrassed. He did do a great
thing one night, where he was cleaning out his living room, some closets or
something. His wife Olivia said 'George, what do I do with this?'. He walked
down the hall and said, 'You like Elvis, don't you?' and I say, 'yeah'. So he
throws me this leather holster and it's Elvis's holster. Elvis had given it
to the Beatles one night and George goes, 'Do you want it?'. It's signed and
everything. I said, 'you don't want this?' He's like 'I gotta get all this
stuff out of here.' He gave me the holster. That meant a lot to me."
***************************************************************************
TRIBUTES CONTINUE FOR GEORGE HARRISON
Magazine alert: The new Time magazine (Dec. 10, 2001) has a fantastic
picture of George on the cover. The pic, which we're guessing is from
the '80s, shows George holding a sunflower. You can see it right
here: time.com
The magazine has six pages on George alone, a look back at the
Beatles on the cover of Time on page 29, and a review of Paul's album
on page 110. The first of several special magazines devoted to George
(Rolling Stone will also have one soon.) No cover, but there's also
an article in Newsweek.
It's not certain whether Beatle George Harrison could have predicted
the avalanche of tributes coming from all quarters in the wake of his
death. People magazines on-line arm, people.com, carries a
large photo gallery of Harrison, from his early teen days until
shortly before his death this week at age 58.
***************************************************************************
Final George Harrison track rush-released (news from our Canadian friends)
The album containing George Harrison's last recording is being
rush-released in Canada (and let's hope the US soon too), and will be
in stores later this month, more than two months ahead of its
originally announced release date.
"Horse To The Water" was recorded by Harrison less than two months
before he succumbed to cancer last Thursday. The song was included on
ex-Squeeze keyboardist Jools Holland's album "Small World Big Band,"
which was released in Britain last month.
Initially, the disc was scheduled to be released in Canada in
February, but Warner Music Canada said Wednesday that the release has
now been accelerated.
The label said the album is expected to arrive in stores here some
time in between Dec. 19 and 21.
Aside from Harrison's performance, the album features Holland
collaborating with Sting, Van Morrison, Stereophonics, and Eric
Clapton.
Already, indications are that Harrison's passing has triggered
renewed interest in his music.
News of the cancer death of Harrison broke Thursday night, so
SoundScan Canada's data on album sales reflects retail sales for
Friday, Saturday and Sunday of last week. But during that narrow
window, the compilation "Beatles 1" jumped from #159 a week ago to
#77 this week, according to SoundScan Canada.
Harrison had an album of new music near completion at the time of his
death. He had also spoken of plans to release a box set of outtakes
from his solo career, and had been preparing to reissue his solo
albums, although EMI Music Canada has said they had no information
about those plans.
***************************************************************************
Buy sweet Lord
by Dominic Mohan
TODAY I am launching a campaign for the re-release of George
Harrison's classic No1 My Sweet Lord - as a tribute to the legend.
EMI bosses have been tight-lipped about whether they will put out the
song following the Beatle's death.
Sources say they don't want to be accused of cashing in on the sad news.
But I reckon it would be the perfect send-off for George and the
track would make a fabulous Christmas No1 - so help me make it happen.
An EMI insider told me: "When news of George's death broke we started
thinking about releasing arguably his greatest solo hit as a single.
Some thought it was a great idea and the perfect tribute. But others
were worried how it would look.
"I'm sure if it was released it would be snapped up by fans young and
old. A decision should be made soon."
George, who died of cancer last Thursday, was the first Beatle to
taste solo success after the group split in 1970.
My Sweet Lord - which went to No1 in January 1971 - was on his
brilliant album All Things Must Pass.
That was digitally-enhanced and re-released earlier this year but My
Sweet Lord has not been available as a single for 30 years.
When JOHN LENNON's Imagine was released again in December 1980 - just
a few weeks after he was shot dead by a crazed fan - it went straight
to No1 and stayed in the chart for 13 weeks.
Sales of his and Yoko Ono's Double Fantasy album also rocketed.
Since Thursday The Beatles' 1 album, which hit the top spot when it
was released a year ago, has gone back up the charts to No73.
Music experts have also noticed an increase in sales of All Things
Must Pass since George's death.
Thankfully we may still be hearing more from the "quiet Beatle" -
news of a secret album, provisionally with the jokey title Portrait
Of A Leg End, has come to light.
So join me in my quest to get My Sweet Lord re-released. If you think
it would be a great tribute to George, e-mail me at the address below.
e-mail: bizarre@the-sun.co.uk
***************************************************************************
In an interview with Launch.com, George Harrison's sister, Louise,
said she's touched by the continuous outpouring of love and affection
at the loss of her brother. She said fans of George shouldn't be sad
that he's gone, because his legacy will live on forever. "Anybody
that you love, you never actually lose them because they stay with
you in your heart. ... You know, George will always live on because
you can always go and play their music, listen to the voices, and in
his case listen to the really tremendous beauty he brought out in the
guitar when he touched those strings--so expressive and
beautiful--and you'll also be able to watch the movies and see him
doing goofy things with the other guys. You know, they'll always be
young in the hearts of everybody, too."
***************************************************************************
JIM HORN GRIEVED ON DEATH OF GEORGE HARRISON
Nashville, TN (11/30/01) -- Sax legend Jim Horn is unique as one of
history's most recorded musicians and as the only sax musician to
have performed or recorded with all four Beatles. Horn has prepared
the following statement from his office/studio in Nashville. As his
performances and recordings with George Harrison go, Horn is best
known for: The Concert For Bangladesh record and concert, the Dark
Horse tour, the records All Things Must Pass, Material World, Cloud
Nine and The Traveling Wilburys Volumes 1 and 2 (3). Horn and Jim
Keltner were dubbed the Sideburys. Horn's blistering sax solo on "Got
My Mind Set On You," stands out on Harrison's 1987 hit.
"While I'm certainly grieved, I fondly remember him as being kind and
mystical. He was kind to his friends and fellow musicians. George
made you feel at home, in is home, and I'd see him at breakfast,
discuss the day's news, have tea in the garden and go up to his
studio whenever we felt like working.
"He once had me sit on the toilet and play my soprano sax, and they
miked it at the end of the hall for a distant sound and I thought
they were kidding--we all had a good laugh on that one. I remember
him describing my multi-sax part as being stung by saxophones. He
stopped me in the middle of a sax solo and brought my 3:00 tea -again
I thought he was kidding.
"I always felt at peace with him. To have peace with myself and make
no task too hard to accomplish. On the Dark Horse tour in particular,
I really learned to be more humble from George and the Indian
musicians.
"He played guitar on my Warner Bros. solo record "Take Away The
Sadness" and he was always there with encouragement whenever I needed
him."
***************************************************************************
GRAND FUNK'S MARK FARNER REMEMBERS GEORGE HARRISON
"I believe that George Harrison has left an indelible mark in this
life that will be left and heard as long as people inhabit this place
and listen to music. George is gone but when we hear his recorded
contributions to what we value so dearly, he is here. God rest your
soul, brother George, I'll see you in Heaven."
Mark Farner November 30, 2001
***************************************************************************
More tributes to George: First, from Jack Bruce:
30 November 2001
I am really shocked and saddened to hear of the death of George
Harrison. Along with the all of his contemporaries as well as
millions throughout the world, I mourn the passing of a musician
whose sensitivity and spirituality touched all of us. Apart from his
work with the Beatles and his important solo recordings, George was
one of the first in the sixties to bring the influence of Indian
culture to the attention of the world thus changing the direction of
western music for all time. He was also almost single handedly
responsible for the resurgence of the British film industry in recent
times through his Hand Made Films production company. Without his
input it is unlikely that films such as "The Life of Brian,"
"Brazil," "Withnail and I," "Mona Lisa," "A Private Function" and
many others would ever have been made.
I first had the privilege of working with him on the Cream "Goodbye"
sessions and his wonderful rhythm guitar work on "Badge" prompted me
to ask him to play on "Never Tell Your Mother She's Out of Tune" on
my first solo album, "Songs For a Tailor." This he did superbly using
the name L'Angelo Misterioso for contractual reasons. He took the
session so seriously that he arrived at the studio an hour before
anyone else in order to be prepared for the live recording!
I always felt a special empathy with him, the "Quiet Beatle" as I
guess I was also the "Quiet Cream!"
Farewell George. I will miss you.
Jack Bruce
***************************************************************************
Also, from Brian Wilson:
"I am horribly saddened by the death of George Harrison. While we
were not personal friends, I think that just like everybody in the
world, I have always considered all the Beatles to be my friends.
Their arrival in America in 1964 was electrifying, one of the most
exciting things that ever happened in my life, and their music has
always and will always mean so much to me. The world is terribly
diminished by the loss of George, and today, I say a prayer for
George, and wish him and his family Love and Mercy."
***************************************************************************
A link from Gary Wright (Dream Weaver)
thedreamweaver.com
***************************************************************************
The following statements by Julian and Cynthia Lennon come from
Julian's website:
Julian Lennon: It is a sad day for all of us, I loved George very
much. He was the kindest of men. Our time together, though little,
was always memorable. He was a man to be inspired by and he certainly
touched my heart and millions of others. He will be missed, but I
believe that after all the pain he has endured, he is finally at
peace. My heart goes out to Olivia and Dhani, but I know that George
is still with them in spirit and will be guarding them every day of
their lives until they meet again. George you are beautiful. Luv Ya
Always, Julian x
Cynthia Lennon: This is a very sad day for myself and everyone who
knew and loved George. He was part of my teenage years, he was part
of my marriage to John, in fact, a very important and unforgettable
part of my life. He was part of my family.
George may have departed from this world that we all know, but his
generosity of talent and spirit he bequeathed to all he left behind.
A spirit that searched for the truth and I'm sure has finally found
peace.
My love and condolences to Olivia and Dhani. I know his memory will
give them immense strength and courage, the memory of a very special
human being.
Cynthia Lennon
***************************************************************************
Ravi Shankar, quoted in a San Diego paper:
'It was my sitar and Indian music which connected me to George in the
beginning, but very soon our relationship went beyond that. He was a
friend, disciple and son to me...We spent the day before (yesterday)
with him and even then he looked so peaceful, surrounded by love.'
***************************************************************************
Ravi's daughter, Anoushka:
'Uncle George was inexpressibly close to my father, and because of
this I grew up viewing him as another father. From the time I was a
child, he has been there for me, spoiling me with presents, listening
to me talk about anything and everything, and always being very
protective of me in my career....He had and will continue to have a
huge impact on my life."
***************************************************************************
Pete Townshend's statement, short and sweet, on his website home page:
"Goodbye sweet man. ATMP."
***************************************************************************
From Sam Favate Jr.:
I was at the Bruce Springsteen holiday show in Asbury Park, NJ last
night (12/3) and Bruce opened the show with "Something," then did "My
Sweet Lord." (Both were done with the Max Weinberg 7, Soosie Tyrell
on violin and Patti Scialfa and Lisa Lowell singing backup.) After
the second song, Bruce said "God Bless George... we'll miss you."
Later in the show, Bobby Bandiera (longtime Jersey shore musician and
a member of Southside Johnny's band) did "Here Comes the Sun." The
set is described in detail on backstreets.com.
Little Steven put up a simple, yet appropriate tribute on his web
site: littlesteven.com. Steven expressed
profound gratitude to George Harrison and the Beatles in the liner
notes of his Born Again Savage album (1999).
***************************************************************************
On Sunday, "The Simpsons" dedicated their episode to George Harrison.
As the credits started rolling, they showed a still picture from the
episode that George voiced back around 1992 or so (the "Be-Sharps"
episode) and it said below the picture "Dedicated to the Memory of
George Harrison."
***************************************************************************
New Neil Young song inspired by doomed passengers
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Rock legend Neil Young has written and
recorded a song about the passengers who fought back against their
Sept. 11 hijackers -- a song described by one record company
executive ``as so chilling you feel like you are on that plane.''
The song, a salute to heroism called ``Let's Roll,'' was shipped to
radio stations this week but will not be sold in stores, Young's
recording company Reprise Records said Wednesday.
It was inspired by the passengers on United Airlines Flight 93 on
Sept. 11 who apparently decided to fight back against their hijackers
after hearing by telephone of the three suicide plane attacks earlier
that day on the Pentagon (news - web sites) and the World Trade
Center.
Flight 93 crashed into a Pennsylvania field shortly after passenger
Todd Beamer was heard on an onboard phone telling fellow passengers
``Let's Roll''.
Young wrote the song after reading a newspaper article about Beamer
and recorded it two weeks ago. It was sent out to radio stations
around the nation and is now getting airplay.
``It's a Neil Young song all the way. It starts kinda ominously. You
can hear cell phones ringing,'' said Reprise spokesman Bill Bentley.
``I got the chills when I heard it. You feel like you are on that
plane,'' Bentley said.
Bentley said the song would not be available commercially, although
it may appear on Young's next album, which is due out in February or
March.
``Neil felt this song, and wanted it to be heard. But he thought that
commercializing it would be the wrong way to go,'' he said.
``Let's Roll'' joins a number of charity singles and re-releases of
patriotic songs following the Sept. 11 attacks, including new
recordings by Michael Jackson and former Beatle Paul McCartney.
***************************************************************************
Source: 2001 Punmaster's MusicWire punmaster.com |
