Eternally George
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| Pre-Fab George |
It's nearly impossible to contemplate the fact that, had he lived, George Harrison would be celebrating his eightieth birthday on this day. He might have seen thsi day, too. In 1999 he was being treated for cancer when he was attacked by a maniac who broke into his house and stabbed him several times. He was was saved by the quick thinking of his beloved wife, Olivia, who fought off the brute with the well-placed aim of a fire poker. His wounds were so severe that they had to temporarily call off his chemo treatment in order for him to heal properly. It the interum, the cancer metastasized. This undoubtedly hastened his death less than two years later, on November 28, 2001. Think about that: two of the Beatles - the guys who sang "All You Need is Love" are no longer walking this earth because of the mindless violence inflicted on them by others. There's something seriously wrong with that picture.
He was the "quiet Beatle", but as his friends would say, there was nothing quiet about him. He was the one whom - out of the four of them - was the least comfortable with fame. His solo career was the most disjointed among The Beatles. His 1970 LP, All Things Must Pass, was the best of the lot. His 1981 album, Gone Troppo, was the worst. But at least we should give the man credit for trying. His vision was not always in line with what the public wanted from him, but even on his worst days, his devout faith in God sustained him through the turmoil of existence.
This piece is only to take notice of the anniversary of this good and decent man's coming into the world. We didn't have him for very long, but were lucky to have him for as long as we did.
Tom Degan
Goshen, NY
SUGGESTED LISTENING:
My favorite Harrison track of them all is Isn't It A Pity. Here's a rare mix of it with the vocals turned all the way down, with only the gorgeous instrumental track audible.
EPILOGUE:
As I was putting this one together, I got the word that my long-time friend, Paul Smith, had stepped into eternity. Paul was one of the kindest, sweetest guys that ever walked this good earth. In all the years that I knew him (over fifty) I never heard him say an unkind thing about anyone. Few laughed easier than Paul; few embraced life as enthusiastically as he. Please, give me some time to adjust to this new reality.
Isn't it a pity. Isn't it a shame.....
AFTER$THOUGHT, 3/2/23, 4/20:PM
Ten years ago I wrote this piece about Paul's dad, Ernie Smith. At the time it was published in the Los Angeles Progressive:
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Ernie Smith and daughter Stephanie, July 2013 |
posted by Tom Degan @ 1:54 PM
2 comments
2 Comments:
Wonderful post. Thank you Tom.
I cherish all the years I've had to hear all his wonderful music.
Cherish your time with your friend as well. It's rare to find such harmony.
Condolences, Tom.
As we know, "Life of Brian" would never have been made but for George putting up the money. When Eric Idle came to town for a show, he shared a story about his friend George.
Just before Eric traveled to India, George gave him a note, telling him not to open it until he arrived. Eric was imagining George was sharing some secret mystical place or spiritual guru for his stay over there.
As soon as Eric got to India he opened the note. It read, "While you're there, shag a bird for me."
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