Friends, not only are we living in the material world, we’re living in the physical world, one in which the lovingly assembled Concert for George—the live performance at London’s Royal Albert Hall in memory of George Harrison one year after his passing—has arrived on store shelves for the first time on vinyl. And we have a copy of the 4-LP box set to, yes, physically mail to one of you.
In some manner not unlike John and Yoko’s Wedding Album for its sense of bequeathing a bit of the experience for those not in attendance, the Concert for George box set captures the spirit of the evening in both presence and tone. The 4 180-gram LPs are housed in weighty and well-designed sleeves, and the pull out book functions much like the evening’s program for the listener.
As to the performances, they’re spirited and often moving—Ringo’s “Photograph” written with George a particular highlight, as well as Paul’s solo intro to “Something” on the uke which swells into a full band undertaking. Just lovely (and never maudlin). And hey, if you’re thinking you might miss George’s vocals, Jeff Lynne bears an eerily similar tone to that of Mr. Harrison.
First things first—some official background on the release: In honor of George Harrison’s 75th birthday (February 25), the Grammy®-winning, 8-times platinum release Concert for George, is available for the first time on vinyl, released as a 4-LP Box Set. Says Olivia Harrison, “We will always celebrate George’s birthday and this year we are releasing Concert for George in a very special package in memory of a special man.”
The 4-LP Box Set includes the complete sound recordings from Concert for George on 180-gram audiophile vinyl, featuring a special, mandala-design etched on side-8. This is the first time that all songs from the performance have been available on an audio configuration. The album will also be made newly available via streaming platforms, track listing mirroring that of the vinyl.
On November 29, 2002, one year after the passing of George Harrison, Olivia Harrison and longtime friend Eric Clapton organized a performance tribute in his honor. Held at London’s Royal Albert Hall, the momentous evening featured George’s songs, and music he loved, performed by a lineup that included Clapton, Joe Brown, Dhani Harrison, Jools Holland, Jeff Lynne, Paul McCartney, Monty Python, Tom Petty, Billy Preston, Ravi and Anoushka Shankar, Ringo Starr and many more.
Directed by David Leland (whose credits include the feature Wish You Were Here, HBO’s Band Of Brothers and the Traveling Wilburys video “Handle With Care”), Concert for George captures stunning renditions of some of the most significant music of the 20th century, including “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” (featuring Clapton on guitar, McCartney on piano, and Starr on drums), “Taxman” (performed by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers) and “The Inner Light” (covered by Jeff Lynne and Anoushka Shankar). Lynne, Harrison’s longtime friend and collaborator, produced the audio elements of the concert, while Clapton oversaw the entire proceedings as Musical Director.
Concert for George has been certified 8-times platinum by the RIAA since its initial release as a 2-DVD set in November 2003 and earned a 2004 Grammy® Award for Best Long Form Music Video.
4-LP VINYL TRACK LISTING:
Side 1
Sarve Shaam – Traditional Prayer
Your Eyes – Anoushka Shankar
The Inner Light – Jeff Lynne & Anoushka Shankar
Side 2
Arpan – Conducted by Anoushka Shankar
Side 3
Sit On My Face – Monty Python
The Lumberjack Song – Monty Python with Tom Hanks
I Want To Tell You – Jeff Lynne
If I Needed Someone – Eric Clapton
Old Brown Shoe – Gary Brooker
Give Me Love – Jeff Lynne
Side 4
Beware Of Darkness – Eric Clapton
Here Comes The Sun – Joe Brown
That’s The Way It Goes – Joe Brown
Horse To The Water – Jools Holland & Sam Brown
Taxman – Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
Side 5
I Need You – Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
Handle With Care – Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers with Jeff Lynne & Dhani Harrison
Isn’t It A Pity – Billy Preston
Photograph – Ringo Starr
Side 6
Honey Don’t – Ringo Starr
For You Blue – Paul McCartney
Something – Paul McCartney & Eric Clapton
All Things Must Pass – Paul McCartney
While My Guitar Gently Weeps – Paul McCartney & Eric Clapton
Side 7
My Sweet Lord – Billy Preston
Wah Wah – Eric Clapton & Band
I’ll See You In My Dreams – Joe Brown
Side 8
Etched vinyl with mandala design
Enter to win the Concert for George, 4-LP, 180-Gram Box Set by simply citing in the comments below your personal quintessential George Harrison song—and briefly why. One spirited commenter with a North American mailing address will be chosen one week from today, Tuesday April 17, 2018 …which is oddly enough, Tax Day. Our winner will be notified directly via email.
