Concert for George

Rating:
Summary: Probably the best tribute concert in pop history
Review: In addition to featuring definitive versions of several Harrison tunes, this concert also features moments that are as improbable as they are wonderful: Jeff Lynne doing Harrison's Indian-inspired "The Inner Light"; Paul McCartney singing the first half of "Something" solo, accompanied by just his ukelele; and most surreal of all, McCartney taking the lead on "All Things Must Pass", a Harrison song which he and John Lennon refused to put on a Beatles album because they claimed it wasn't good enough.

In fact McCartney's presence in the show seemed needlessly awkward. Aside from receiving a hug from Clapton, everyone else onstage appeared to go out of their way to ignore Paul, which was a shame. All rumors about personality issues aside, the fact remains Paul was one of Harrison's oldest friends, as was Ringo Starr, so both should have been given much larger roles in the show, e.g. Harrison's early works from "Help!" and "Revolver" should have been performed by McCartney, Clapton, Dhani Harrison and Starr. It would have been more appropriate, and the impact would have been much greater.

If I have any overall gripe about "Concert for George", it's that far too many people were onstage most of the time. Does any band need four (or was it five) drummers? Starr and Ray Cooper would have been more than enough for this set. Gary Brooker was redundant on keyboards with McCartney, Billy Preston and Jools Holland all present. Andy Fairweather-Low, Marc Mann and others picked up many of the signature Harrison guitar riffs which Clapton should have handled. And so on. Some of the songs wound up losing some of their subtle nuances because of all the clutter onstage.

As for the comedic extras, I think parents who brought their kids to the show (there appeared to be quite a few) could have done without hearing "Sit On My Face" and "The Lumberjack Song". I know I could have lived without it. Yes, I'm aware of Harrison's connection with Monty Python, but frankly their appearance here was forced and misplaced, especially right after ten minutes of a sublimely beautiful and intricate Indian raga.

Which brings up one last complaint: where were "Within You, Without You" and "What is Life"? Particularly the former, this is the one Harrison song that literally changed the course of pop music history, and I found it inexplicable (not to mention hugely disappointing) that they assembled all the necessary backup musicians, yet did not perform the song. As good as "The Inner Light" is, it pales in comparison.

But these are all relatively minor quibbles, and I'm judging the show against absolute perfection. The fact remains this is still probably the best tribute concert ever recorded, and is a MUST SEE for any George Harrison fan, Beatles fan, Eric Clapton fan, or anyone else who enjoys wonderful music.

Rating:
Summary: Music isn't written like this anymore!
Review: As a baby boomer who loved the Beatles and George Harrison, especially his "All Things Must Pass" album, I nearly fell off my bed while watching the "Concert for George" on PBS one Wednesday night in early March 2004. Being from Maui, Hawaii, where he was spotted every now and then at the Sir Wilfreds' Cafe at the Maui Mall, where he took part-time residence and played a very low profile in the community, I felt especially connected to the Indian spiritual sounds of the transcendental music on this performance composed by Ravi Shankar. Eric Clapton and friends organized a beautiful gift for their beloved friend. Heartfelt performances, interviews and dialogue in the extras on the DVD encapsulate what transpired that evening of November 29, 2002 at the Royal Albert Hall, London. If I had known about this concert, I would have post-poned my trip to London in the March of 2002 to attend this once in a life time Concert for George.
Aloha & Mahalo George.

Rating:
Summary: Probably the best rock concert ever done.
Review: This definitely ranks up there with Live Aid, Concert for NYC, and others. In a lot of ways, this surpasses them. The photography and lighting are beautiful. The Indian piece sets a nice spiritual beginning. The songs gave me an insight into why George loved Indian music so much.

The musicians were outstanding. Eric Clapton was excellent as musical director/participant. His vocals and guitar playing were in top form. Jeff Lynne did well on the Travelling Willburys and solo George material. Tom Petty singing Taxman and I need You was perfect. Those songs fit his range so well. Billy Preston singing My Sweet Lord gave it a nice gospel feel to it. Ringo did very well singing Photograph and Honey Don't. While some feel these songs were out of place, George co wrote the first one with Ringo and did love Carl Perkins. It should be noted when Carl Perkins (who also died of cancer in 1998) passed away, George sang at his funeral. Some people have stated Paul was trying to "steal the show". I don't know if they saw the same concert that I did. Paul did excellent on For You Blue and All Things Must Pass. He also did great on sharing vocals on While My Guitar Gently Weeps, and blending into Eric Clapton's part on Something. You could tell the grief and celebration was in all performers.

This is a concert to get for anyone who loves George, the Beatles, or music in general. I can't add any more praise to this DVD. I suspect when historians are debating the best concert/DVD of 2000-2010; this will be at the top of the list.

Rating:
Summary: An amazing show
Review: The standout moment is Dhani Harrison holding back the tears during "Isn't It A Pity", but the whole show is an uplifting and moving experience.

Rating:
Summary: The best thing since The Last Waltz.
Review: Words cannot express how great this film is. A must see for all musicians & for anyone who enjoyed George Harrison's music. Eric Clapton is in the best form I've ever seen. Check out Gary Brooker singing 'Old Brown Shoe'-----priceless.

Rating:
Summary: Great Show but 2 stars off because of 2 stars missing
Review: To me this was a surreal George Harrison concert. everything about it just showed George more than it showed any of the miscians up there. I loved it! I wondered why Eric didn't perform "Badge",a song that George wrote for him. And not ALL if his friends were there. What about BOB DYLAN??? He was close to George. And it seems 2 me the only Python the George wasnt close 2 was John Cleese. Whats the story there? What does Tom Hanks have 2 do with them. But all in all in was a VERY moving, spiritual and emotional concert.They say George always wanted 2 have a concert like that. Its a shame it happened after his passing. At least there was the 1971 Bangla Desh concert (which I hope they'll release on DVD) But anyrate great concert but minus 2 stars for Bob Dylan and John Cleese.

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful!
Review: I purchased this at the recommendation of a friend, but waited a couple of weeks to see it. When I finally viewed it, I was very pleasantly surprised at how enjoyable and moving it is. Now I will recommend it to friends as well.

It was great to see all of the different musicians together, some of whom (Joe Brown) I had never heard of before. Some of my favorite performaces were "All Things Must Pass," "Wah Wah," "My Sweet Lord," "Isn't It a Pity," and "Something." I also really enjoyed "Handle With Care," which I haven't really heard since I was in middle school.

As has mentioned in previous posts, it was rather eerie to see how Dhani has the same shy handsomeness as his father.

It is nice to watch the concert both in the movie version and as how the complete concert was orignally staged. One good thing about viewing the complete concert is that you can somewhat sense how the arena built up emotionally during the latter portion of the concert, and that really makes the finale - Joe Brown singing "See You in My Dreams" very touching. I must say that at the end that I shed a couple of tears and -although he will not admit- it my husband's eyes did get glassy.

Really, a fantastic concert DVD!

Rating:
Summary: All things must pass away...
Review: I always liked the Harrison Beatle songs the best, so it was a no-brainer to get this DVD.

Really liked it, although I was not familiar with some of the performers - my bad, I guess.

Don't much care for the Monty Python section in the concert, but because George was apparently a fan (an exec producer of a movie of theirs), there it is. Within that part, however, it was nice to see Tom Hanks involved without fanfare.

Of course George had the heavy east Indian influence, but I liked Ravis Shankar and his daughter's contribution the least - but that's just me.

I've got a few concert DVD's. This ranks right up there with the best. I dinged it one star only because of the 2 mentioned sections.

Rating:
Summary: Moving, magnificent, tearful and haunting
Review: This is a concert that will absolutely break your heart and move you if you love George Harrison or the Beatles. It is lovingly produced, beautifully photographed and as emotional as anything I have ever seen relating to any of the Beatles. I've watched it four times and still am not weary of it, and I doubt any of you will be.

There are so many wonderfully poignant images: how about George's son, Dhani, who looks so much like George it's eerie; he moves likle George, strums his guitar like his father and has that goofy, infectious grin that was so much as part of Harrison. When McCartney is singing "For You Blue" and Dhani is directly behind him, I guarantee you will do a double take. Dhani''s interviews also show his charm and humor.

Clapton is magnificent and understated. He plays lead guitar only once throughout the entire concert, and that is appropriately on "White My Guitar Gently Weeps." He sings lead on a few Beatles tracks, but lays back most of the concert, careful not to overshadow the moment or the memory. Jeff Lynne also does a fine job. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers sing "Taxman" and "I Need You," but one wishes Eric would have taken over both those songs.

The applause when Ringo appears is deafening and the infectious way he sings "Photograph" and "Honey Don't" will have you clapping your hands and smiling all over. It must be impossible not to adore Ringo. The Python "Lumberjack" skit includes a surprise appearence by (of all people) Tom Hanks.

And what about Paul? He took so much needless criticism for his appearence here. Many discussions and reviewers claimed he was petulant that Clapton overshadowed him, that his applause wasn't as loud as Ringo's and countless other nit-pickings. I've watched Paul all my life and rarely have I seen him as moved, teary-eyed and emotional as he was this evening. He packed his ego away and did George and the fans proud. Watch Paul as he strums the ukelele while singing "Something." It's obvious he is struggling not to break down and cry. Clapton later said "Paul was never close to George," but Eric is wrong. From 1957-1967 they were very close and Paul knows this. The scenes with Paul are my favorites, he acquits himself beautifully.

While no fan of Ravi's music, even this Indian segments are moving and move along at a rapid clip. Another highlight is Billy Preston belting out the second chorus of one of George's masterpieces, "Isn't it a Pity."

I can's say enough superlatives about this DVD. All George and Beatles fans will cherish this concert.

Rating:
Summary: All the great songs by all George's friends
Review: This concert organized by Eric Clapton and George's son, Dhani marked the one year anniversary of George Harrison's death. Many songs from the Beatles era are here as well as from George's great All Things Must Pass album. Features an incredible line-up from Paul McCartney, Billy Preston, and Ringo Starr to Jeff Lynne, Eric Clapton, Nora Jones, and Ravi Shankar.
Dhani, who looks just like George, played througout the concert. The only low point was when Tom Petty came out to do 2 songs: Taxman and I Need You. The guy simply can't sing. Anyway Paul came out to do For You Blue and Something on ukelele like he did on his tour, but here the whole band comes in at the end for the original version. Jeff Lynne sings on I Want to Tell You and Give Me Love, Eric Clapton on Beware of Darkness, Isn't it a Pity and If I Needed Someone, and Paul again for All Things Must Pass.
Indian Raga is used for The Inner Light (lyrics taken from the Tao de Jing) as well as Ravi Shankar's tribute to George, his daughter Nora Jones conducting.
Ringo sings Photograph which George wrote with him as well as Honey Don't written by George's hero Carl Perkins; My Sweet Lord sung by Billy Preston. Here Comes the Sun is here of course (sung by Joe Brown who preceded the Beatles) and the finale: While my Guitar Gently Weeps. Short interviews intersperse the concert and it's a great tribute.
Also is Michael Palin and the Monty Python Lumberjack song featuring Tom Hanks. George's wife, Olivia is also there. Conducted at the Royal Albert Hall (yes the one from A Day in the Life), and I think the whole thing captures the true spirit of what George was about.