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 he said it's full of unpublished photos, and anecdotes about George by the friends and family who knew and loved him the most.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