Daniel Taylor

Something About George

The George Harrison Story

Lichfield Garrick

*****

George Harrison, the Quiet Beatle is often somewhat overlooked in favour of messieurs Lennon and McCartney who dominated the fab four headlines both on and off stage. A shame because behind that quiet and thoughtful persona lay a hugely interesting and profoundly talented man.

Harrisons career post The Beatles is documented superbly in this touring production, a clever mix of songs and narration led by Daniel Taylor in the eponymous role. It's a simple but effective format.

A band onstage throughout fronted by Taylor who provides insights and stories of Harrison from the time he went solo through to his death in 2001. The songs are front and centre but it is so much more than a tribute concert.

The phases and encounters of Harrison’s life after The Beatles split up are well documented. His 1970 triumphant debut album, All Things Must Pass featuring the hit single My Sweet Lord was heavily influenced by his association with the Hare Krishna movement . . . something introduced to him towards the end of The Beatles time and which had a clear influence on his musical style. He formed a strong friendship with Indian musician, Ravi Shanka resulting in the major fundraising project, The Concert for Bangladesh - a forerunner of global charity concerts like Live Aid.

Then of course came the personal challenges. Losing the love of his life, Patti Boyd to his friend, Eric Clapton. Surviving a frenzied knife attack by a crazed intruder. Losing his beloved bandmate John Lennon. And of course, his own final battle with throat cancer. A huge irony for a man whose voice gave such pleasure to millions across the world.

There were huge triumphs too. A fine catalogue of well received albums and finding love again with Olivia Arias, closely followed by the birth of their son, Dhani. The marriage lasted for over 30 years until his untimely passing.

There was the foray into film production too … producing box office hits like Life of Brian and The Long Good Friday for his own company, Handmade Films. 

And he was not done musically either. His formation of the  supergroup The Travelling Wilburys brought together music titans, Jeff Lyne, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty and Roy Orbison for two superb, critically acclaimed albums.

The dilemma in a show like this is always what to include and what to leave out. His catalogue was extensive. The choices are about right though, mixing the better known numbers like Something, Here Comes The Sun,Taxman and End of The line  with lesser known numbers like Dark Sweet Lady and Any Road.

Taylor is superb throughout, not only in his interpretation of the songs but also in his beautifully crafted narration between numbers. The little one liners delivered in that distinctive, jaunty George Harrison voice are spot on and bring real authenticity to the overall picture. There are moments of joy followed by real pathos as events unfold in the great man’s life. All of this is played out in front of projected footage and imagery which combine to give visual context.

Huge credit too to the band. Arrangements are loyal to the originals and the playing is uniformly outstanding. It was difficult to stay seated during guitarist and MD Joe Smithson’s solo on While My Guitar Gently Weeps. Seriously, one of the best I’ve heard since Garry Moore almost took the roof off in 1979 during a Thin Lizzy gig. But I digress….

The show is on tour until March. Try to catch it if you can.  An absolute joy.

For more information go to somethingaboutproductions.

Tom Roberts

11-02-26 

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