Concert For George

29th November 2002 ~ The Royal Albert Hall, London ~ England

It's hard to know where to start writing a review of this special concert - So, I'll just start at the beginning! As you walked into the Albert Hall, groups of people wearing 'Concert For George' T-Shirts were handing out special 'book' programmes and incense sticks. The stage had been decked out with flowers and Indian mats and fabrics/materials. At the back of the stage was a photograph of George from the late 60's. Eric Clapton walked on stage to a rapturous applause to welcome everyone.

The first half of the evening was dedicated to George's love of Indian music. Ravi Shankar's daughter, Anoushka opened the event with her superb and exciting Sitar playing - accompanied by a large group of Indian musicians and a small String section. She was then joined on stage by Jeff Lynne and together they performed 'The Inner Light'. Ravi Shankar; Now on stage, assured us that George was with us in spirit, and I'm sure he was! The musicians (now joined by Ravi Shankar) played a piece of music which had been specially written for the event by Ravi and Anoushka. It was fascinating to watch Anoushka conduct them for this finale as it was so different to anything I'd seen before!

After a short break, it was time for the second half. As the house lights dimmed and the stage lights came on I noticed the picture of George at the back of the stage was now of him and his Rickenbacker from around 1964. Then, four guys walked on stage wearing 'waiters/barbershop outfits'. It was Eric Idle, Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones and Neil Innes!! They sang a couple of Python classics, along with Michael Palin. ("Nudge, nudge, wink, wink - Say no more" - You'll have to wait until you see it on video to know what they sang and the surprise!)

It was then back to some more of George's songs. Among the members of the band were Jeff Lynne, Ray Cooper, Eric Clapton, Gary Brooker, Billy Preston and Dhani Harrison. It was strange watching Dhani as he looked so much like George, especially when playing the guitar! They did a selection of songs including, 'I Want To Tell You', 'If I Needed Someone' and 'Old Brown Shoe'. Other musical guests Joe Brown and his Bruvvers, his daughter, Sam Brown, Jools Holland and Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers. They all did fantastic versions of George's songs - From 'Here Comes The Sun', 'Horse To The Water', 'Let It Down' to 'Taxman'! There was even a special moment for a 'Travelling Wilburys' reunion when Jeff Lynne and Tom Petty sang 'Handle With Care'. Shortly followed another kind of reunion - Eric Clapton introduced Mr Ringo. Starr! Looking very snazzy in a red embroidered jacket and jeans, he performed a couple of songs ; One of which he wrote with George (Again, it'll have to be a surprise!). Paul McCartney then took to the stage, while Ringo took a seat behind the drum kit. It was so amazing hearing Paul and Ringo performing Beatle songs together again! Paul commented at one point that Olivia Harrison had said to him, "With Dhani on stage it looks like George has stayed young and the rest of you have got old"!! Paul began the song, 'Something' on the ukulele and then the whole band joined in, which worked really well! Paul also sang George's classic, 'All Things Must Pass'.

The last song of the evening came after Dhani said a few words thanking everyone and the musicians. Joe Brown announced that he was honoured to play one of George's favourite songs (Which he always closes his own shows with) called 'I'll See You In My Dreams'. This was a beautiful moment. He sang it with the ukulele - An instrument George loved to play. For this, all the performers returned to the stage. Thousands of little coloured pieces of paper rained down on the audience. I have to admit, I and many others had tears in our eyes during this song. Olivia came on stage and hugged Dhani during the applause. I especially love Joe Brown's version of this old song and it was a perfect end to a very special evening :-)

Copyright Hannah Tobin 2002

My Concert For George collection

Cinema poster advertising the Concert For George film