Concert For George - Full Review (first posted on the Showdown ELO Mailing List)
Here's my experience of the Concert For George at the Royal Albert Hall on Friday 29th November 2002.
But first, a brief introduction, if I may. I've been a reader of the Showdown list for many years but rarely do I write anything, so I hope you like this. I apologise in advance for any mistakes I make, artists I forget to mention etc. It's been a number of weeks since the concert and I'm writing from memory now. (I promise not to state
that Joe Cocker performed at the concert). I'm just an ordinary (36 year old) fan whose favourite musician is Jeff Lynne. I went to L.A. last year to see Jeff perform and record the Zoom concerts with E.L.O. I was fortunate enough to meet him after both shows, along with Richard Tandy and Eric Idle. They were all really nice people. I'm not sure what I expected of them at the time, but they were pleasant and down to earth. I like that in celebrities (as if I get to meet celebs all the time - not). After being a fan for so many years, that really was a great moment. I didn't think another concert could compare to that one, until the Concert For George.
I wrote an initial, brief response to the concert, for the list, the following day while I was still on a high. Here it is:
"I'm still in a happy daze from being at the most exciting concert I've ever been too. In fact, this wasn't really a concert at all - it was musical history in the making.
My all time favourite musicians playing my all time favourite songs - outstanding! And what musicians they are, each one a legend in their own right. It just doesn't get any better than that.
I'll be producing a full review soon of the concert, as I saw it, for the list. All the funny bits, quirky bits and just plain brilliant bits! I'll try not to leave anything out.
As a fan myself, I truly appreciated being there and I'd like other fans to know what the experience was really like. Ravi Shankar said that the spirit of George was there too. All I can say is, something magical really did happen that night.
In the meantime I'd just like to thank Rob Caiger for the opportunity of being there - cheers Rob!
Full review to follow soon.............."
Well, here's how I got to be there.
Like so many people, I tried in vain to get tickets from the Royal Albert Hall box office. I did get through - once, but with the phone in one hand and credit card in the other I got cut off - ouch. Oh well, c'est la vie. I'd just wait for the DVD next year.
Got an email from Lynn Hoskins - thanks Lynn. I was VERY interested to read that some last minute tickets may be available. I emailed my details and ............ I didn't get picked. Oh well, c'est la vie. I'd just wait for the DVD next year.
The day of the concert arrived, Friday 29th November in the afternoon and I was at work. The phone rang, I answered, the caller said,
"Hi Mike. This is Rob Caiger, I've got one ticket for the concert tonight. You'll be sitting next to me. The seats are quite good, we're with Jeff's management. Are you interested?"
I paused for a minute or two to consider if I had anything better planned for the evening (JOKING). Of course I was interested. That was it, I was on my way!
I arrived early at the RAH. Crowds were gathering in the chilly November evening. Fans, touts, media and Hare Krishna devotees mingled and shuffled about as anticipation grew. TV cameras were strategically placed to cover all angles. Presenters held spontaneous interviews with the public. A couple of people carriers with darkened windows zoomed past and around to the artists entrance. Instinctively, the fans and media closely hunted them. The media were geared up with lights, cameras and sound equipment. It was like a military operation. This only added to the growing buzz. I was starting to enjoy this already.
Rob arrived and off we went to meet up with a few other FTMers and Showdowners: Debbie (from Texas), Andrew Codd and Alexander (FTM Germany).
As I entered the RAH I inadvertently walked straight past a large table stacked high with concert programs and books celebrating the memory of George Harrison. I walked into the hallway that circles the concert hall, noticed everyone carrying one of these books and quickly went back to get mine. And very nice they are too.
Hard-backed, blue in colour and bound with an orange ribbon. They contain some nice photos of George and some of his personal thoughts and philosophies. The program, book and ticket make for nice reminders of the evening.
I quickly found my swivel seat that was located in Stalls H, Row 2 and Seat 22. Basically, this was only a few rows from the stage. I was starting to enjoy this even more. The hum of conversation grew as the hall gradually and steadily filled with people. Concert camera crews waved at the audience, encouraging them to hold up their
banners that read "Our Sweet George" and the like. In front of me was Craig Fruin with his wife and daughter. A couple of rows behind were Richard and Sheila Tandy. Behind me, towards the ceiling, clouds of incense wafted out creating a pleasant fragrance. Behind the stage hung a very large picture portrait of George. The stage itself was curved, stepped, large and filled with eastern and western instruments. Most prominent and symbolic, I felt, was a single guitar placed centre stage. Incidental music played in the background. It may have been from the 1940s, perhaps ragtime, I'm not sure. I can only guess that it was the kind of music that George may have liked.
The hall soon filled to capacity, entrance doors closed, the lights went down and the show was ready to begin.
An ensemble of musicians entered to excited applause and took their places along the raised back of the stage.
A roar from the crowd followed as Eric Clapton entered stage right to introduce the show and to welcome the audience. He was obviously moved by the occasion right from the start. After all, he had lost a good friend. This probably caused him to make a small mistake when he referred to "George's wife Dhani". Emotions were clearly running high. As it happened, both he and the audience saw the funny side and this helped to relieve the tension. Some of the other artists, including Dhani himself, acknowledged this by playfully teasing Eric throughout the show.
Ravi Shankar entered to introduce the first section of the show. This was to be a selection of Indian music. Ravi gave tribute to George saying that he felt the spirit of George was there. He said how could George not be there when so many loved ones were there to sing and play for him. Ravi had given a name to George, "Jairaj". Even at this early point in the show I began to realise just how influential and popular George really was, all over the world. Ravi then sat down stage right to enjoy the show.
A performance of Indian classical and folk music followed, consisting of a choir, a small orchestra and a host of Indian musicians and instruments. Eric Clapton, in a very low profile, sat unassumingly on stage. He appeared to be just sitting, watching and enjoying the experience of the music. Midway through this performance he picked up a guitar and began playing along, but initially it wasn't possible to hear what he was playing. Was this a mistake on the part of the sound technicians or was it an impromptu performance on the part of Eric? I don't know. Perhaps the DVD will include this and we'll find out. Never the less, the sound was turned up and Eric treated us to an Indian "jam".
Ravi Shankar's daughter Anoushka was next. Anoushka had written a special piece for the show. She performed it brilliantly on the sitar. You didn't need to be a musician to see how difficult this instrument was to play. But she played this lengthy solo with apparent ease and delight. Very unique and very exciting.
Anoushka then enthusiastically conducted the musicians through a set piece that was both educational and entertaining. George's musical preferences and influences again becoming ever more present. The audience enjoyed all of the music so far. This may have been the first time that many of them (including myself) had enjoyed live music like this. It had a different kind of beat, almost hypnotic, but very easy to listen to. It was really good. The musicians departed to a hearty applause. A brief pause, then from stage right, Jeff Lynne and Dhani Harrison entered to join Anoushka on stage to perform a three-piece version of The Inner Light.
As Jeff appeared he was instantly popular. Dressed in black, dark glasses and a hat, yep that was Jeff. Amid the cheers came a shout from the audience "We love you Jeff". Jeff leaned forward to a microphone and in a Leslie Phillip's type voice grinned "Hellooooo". This was a nice treat to see Jeff appear so early on and prominently
in the show. Also, to perform a song that would take the audience from the previous eastern style of music into the western style of music that was to follow. It was the perfect choice. Jeff sang and played guitar, accompanied by Anoushka on sitar and Dhani on piano. It's been said before, but Dhani did look exactly like a young
George. A point that Paul McCartney also made later on. This was the first of many unique musical collaborations that we were to enjoy that evening. The version of The Inner Light they performed was excellent. A great arrangement, slightly different from the original, but a definite winner with the audience. Jeff, Dhani and Anoushka occasionally glanced at each other. Sometimes to smile and sometimes, I think, to ensure that it was going well. They wanted to get it right - and they most certainly did. Once they had finished, Jeff bowed his head as he left the stage, clearly emotional. Dhani put his arm around him and gave him a comforting hug and they left together. Another reminder that this was more than just a concert for these artists. This was also their way of offering a respectful farewell. Anoushka and Ravi also left, both very happy and grateful for the audience's appreciation. Craig was very pleased, he jumped up and disappeared off somewhere. Perhaps to tell Jeff how well it was going, who knows? Everyone was moved and excited.
The lights came up. Was it half time already? They say time flies when you're having fun. It certainly had, but little did we know that the second half would go supersonic! The buzz was immense. Everyone was talking about the events so far. I took a moment just to gaze around the packed hall. It really was something to see, a fantastic venue, so many people and a great atmosphere. Roadies on stage prepared the instruments for the next section. One of them was tuning a guitar and doing a sound check. Hang on a minute, is that, no, yes it is, he's playing the intro to "10538 Overture". Excellent, even the intermission was entertaining!
Once everyone was back in the hall, entrances closed again and the stage was set for part two. The concert program didn't list anything specific for this section. What would happen next? Who would sing next? What would they sing? Well, what happened next surprised everyone.
In a complete contrast to the first half, four members of Monty Python (Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Neil Innes and Terry Jones) walked seriously and in single file onto the stage. They were dressed as professional waiters complete with long aprons and a small hand towel folded over one arm. They hadn't done anything yet, but already
people were laughing. Here were members of classic British comedy, on stage, ready to perform only as they could. Without further ado, they gave a formal rendition of "Sit On My Face (And Tell Me That You Love Me)". The first line alone was enough to send the hall into hysterics. It was hilarious. When they had finished they turned around to face the picture of George behind them and bowed respectfully to it. At this point they revealed that they had nothing on behind their aprons and were mooning the RAH and everyone in it. Very funny. And with whistles, applause and an air of dignity, the four pairs of cheeks exited stage right.
The comedy wasn't over yet. A voice yelled "Hello, hello, hello". A spotlight shone stage left somewhere high up above the stalls. A figure in a sparkly white and gold, glitzy showbiz suit was smiling, waving and making his way down to the stage. It was Michael Palin, even more Monty Python. He began a speech that went something like "...Here we are at this special occasion, which is really special. We all feel special in this big place which is really big and we are all really small in this big place which is really special...". At which point he sighed and announced that he would have rather been a lumberjack. He ripped of his suit, revealing a lumberjack's outfit. A
busty young maid appeared and a dozen Mounties came on stage. It was of course "The Lumberjack Song". The RAH erupted with laughter and joined in the chorus. Great stuff.
As Monty Python left the stage, a host of musicians entered to perform a collection George's songs.
The first was "I Want To Tell You" with Jeff Lynne on lead vocals supported by Eric Clapton and Gary Brooker. Jeff's voice was great for this song. He enjoyed singing it too. Afterwards he smiled and gave the "Jeff-two-thumbs-up" to the audience. They continued into the next songs "If I Needed Someone" and "Old Brown Shoe" taking it in turns with lead vocals. Jeff was back on lead for "Give Me Love (Give Me Peace On Earth)". This has a difficult rhythm in parts but Jeff's guitar playing was superb. He got it spot on.
The mood changed when Eric Clapton performed "Beware of Darkness". A dark song that saddened the atmosphere. Don't get me wrong, that wasn't a bad thing. These songs by George were taking the audience on a musical journey of highs and lows. Such was the affect of his music.
After the darkness came the light with Joe Brown and his band performing "Here Comes the Sun". Joe's performance was happy go-lucky, sincere and uplifting. I'd say that the order of songs and performers was carefully deliberated over and worked very well. Somebody in the audience shouted something at the band. But Joe, in
his cheeky but pleasant manner replied "Listen mate, I've performed here before y'know - only it was on the outside, not the inside!". Everybody liked that. They continued with the upbeat "That's the Way It Goes".
Sam Brown appeared, with Jools Holland on piano as they then performed "Horse To Water". I remember Dhani was also on stage playing acoustic guitar at this point. He may have been there a while, I'm not sure because there was so much going on, so much to enjoy. Sam's voice has got power. Her slightly husky vocals boomed
around the hall. She can really sing and she really enjoyed herself.
The applause and cheering seemed never ending. After a short while on came Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Tom's hair was longer than ever and he seemed just as cool as ever. They performed great versions of "Taxman" and the less well known "I Need You". I liked the way Tom turned to the band before each song to start them with "one..two..a-one, two, three, four!...". Mike Campbell played great electric guitar. Whilst playing, he took moments to glance around the hall, taking in this magic event. It was nice to see that even the musicians thought that this was special and didn't want to miss a thing.
Jeff Lynne came back on stage as Tom announced "Well, Jeff and Dhani have joined me on stage - the new Traveling Wilburys!". The crowd went wild as they performed "Handle With Care". Jeff sang Roy Orbison's bit, who else could have? This was the song that got EVERYONE on their feet. I think it might have been this song that had nine guitarists on stage at one time. This was rock 'n' roll at the Royal Albert Hall. The cheering and applause was rapturous.
Eric Clapton and Billy Preston were next to slow the pace with "Isn't It a Pity". A sad song but a nice song. Again the mood of the hall had changed. Although the audience had quietened during this part, they still loved it and gave great applause.
In a stark, (or "Starkey") contrast, appearing from stage right was none other than Ringo Starr. I like Ringo. He never appears at all serious on stage. I saw him a few years back at the Shepherds Bush Empire in London with his All Starr Band. He was just the same then. Music to him seems like fun, he just makes me laugh. To me, he was the funny Beatle and I mean that as a compliment. I also think that he got the biggest welcome from the audience out of all the artists. People like Ringo. Jeff Lynne was on stage at this point. Even his usually professional and cool image collapsed, as he burst out laughing at Ringo, who was busy waving and smiling in all directions. As he turned around, Dhani, who was standing behind him, smiled and gave him the thumbs-up. Ringo gave a few words of remembrance to his dear friend, "... I loved George and George loved me ...". It was a touching sentiment. He performed "Photograph", a nice upbeat song that he wrote with George. The lyrics were befitting of the occasion as he stood below George's portrait. For some reason people started throwing things on stage. Ringo looked at them and said, "Thanks for
the jelly babies". I've no idea what that was all about. He followed this with an old favourite of George, the Carl Perkins song "Honey Don't". Another great foot tapper.
Another standing ovation followed as Paul McCartney entered and took centre stage. He shook hands with as many people as he could. Noticing Jeff across the other side of the stage, he blew him a kiss and waved. Paul then performed the song "For You Blue" brilliantly. This is what I would call a real George song, with high vocals and slide guitar. Paul's voice did the song justice. He then introduced the next song with a brief speech of how the ukuleles would come out after dinner at George's house. He wanted to a play song now, on a ukulele, that he "said" he once played for George. With a slow, boom-ta-ra-ra, plinky-plonk rhythm he began with the words to "Something". The crowd liked this and cheered. Just as it came to the middle bit, the rest of band, noticeably Eric Clapton and Jeff Lynne, joined in to give the complete version with all of the instruments.
At one point during the slide guitar solo, Paul turned around to nod and acknowledge this excellent guitar player. This person was Jeff's musical colleague Marc Mann. To have Paul turn and acknowledge him like that was a real compliment. I have to say that Marc's playing throughout all of the songs was second to none. He played all of the difficult bits perfectly and in my opinion is terribly underrated. He never took centre stage and just did his thing somewhere at the back. He may not have as recognisable a face as some of the other musicians, but his playing was right up there with the best of them. Paul finished with the prophetic "All Things Must Pass". Another George classic, melancholic in tune but somehow optimistic in lyric. This was yet another song to capture the moment, mood and atmosphere of the hall.
One of George's most popular songs "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" followed with Eric Clapton on lead vocal and amazing electric guitar. His "weeping" guitar solo was fantastic. He seemed to lose himself in its sound. The rest of the band could only play along until he decided that it was over. This was a very powerful performance from Eric.
Billy Preston performed the most popular song by George "My Sweet Lord". Billy sat stage left, keyboards facing the audience. During one section the spotlight was placed on somebody else by mistake. He kept on playing like nothing happened. He probably didn't even notice. The song itself was great.
With everyone on stage now, the last of George's songs was performed, "Wah Wah", or should that be "Wow Wow!"? The volume was turned up full volume and everyone belted out this one across the hall. Jeff Lynne and Eric Clapton provided lead vocals along with Dhanni as backup. A great final performance by this amazing and unique all star line-up.
With eardrums still ringing and the audience still cheering, Dhani approached the microphone. "Okay, okay calm down" he said, gesturing with hands to quieten the hall. He gave sincere thanks to the artists as "... my dad's best friends ..." and to the audience "... God bless you ...". Joe Brown then took centre stage with his ukulele. He sang a song that he and his band performed at the end of their own concerts "I'll See You in My Dreams". He felt very humbled that he had been asked to
close this event with a nice peaceful song that would "... send you home with a smile on your face and a little bit of love in your heart." A very nice thing to do.
Olivia Harrison had appeared at the back of stage by now. Both her and Dhani hugged each other as Joe sang. The stage quietly emptied of artists. Some of them comforted and hugged each other. Paper petals of red and orange began to fall from the ceiling. A very peaceful and calming way to close this once in a lifetime event. It also offered us a moment of reflection and to remember why we were really there - to say thank you and goodbye to George Harrison.
Mike Scott - December 2002
Here's my experience of the Concert For George at the Royal Albert Hall on Friday 29th November 2002.
But first, a brief introduction, if I may. I've been a reader of the Showdown list for many years but rarely do I write anything, so I hope you like this. I apologise in advance for any mistakes I make, artists I forget to mention etc. It's been a number of weeks since the concert and I'm writing from memory now. (I promise not to state
that Joe Cocker performed at the concert). I'm just an ordinary (36 year old) fan whose favourite musician is Jeff Lynne. I went to L.A. last year to see Jeff perform and record the Zoom concerts with E.L.O. I was fortunate enough to meet him after both shows, along with Richard Tandy and Eric Idle. They were all really nice people. I'm not sure what I expected of them at the time, but they were pleasant and down to earth. I like that in celebrities (as if I get to meet celebs all the time - not). After being a fan for so many years, that really was a great moment. I didn't think another concert could compare to that one, until the Concert For George.
I wrote an initial, brief response to the concert, for the list, the following day while I was still on a high. Here it is:
"I'm still in a happy daze from being at the most exciting concert I've ever been too. In fact, this wasn't really a concert at all - it was musical history in the making.
My all time favourite musicians playing my all time favourite songs - outstanding! And what musicians they are, each one a legend in their own right. It just doesn't get any better than that.
I'll be producing a full review soon of the concert, as I saw it, for the list. All the funny bits, quirky bits and just plain brilliant bits! I'll try not to leave anything out.
As a fan myself, I truly appreciated being there and I'd like other fans to know what the experience was really like. Ravi Shankar said that the spirit of George was there too. All I can say is, something magical really did happen that night.
In the meantime I'd just like to thank Rob Caiger for the opportunity of being there - cheers Rob!
Full review to follow soon.............."
Well, here's how I got to be there.
Like so many people, I tried in vain to get tickets from the Royal Albert Hall box office. I did get through - once, but with the phone in one hand and credit card in the other I got cut off - ouch. Oh well, c'est la vie. I'd just wait for the DVD next year.
Got an email from Lynn Hoskins - thanks Lynn. I was VERY interested to read that some last minute tickets may be available. I emailed my details and ............ I didn't get picked. Oh well, c'est la vie. I'd just wait for the DVD next year.
The day of the concert arrived, Friday 29th November in the afternoon and I was at work. The phone rang, I answered, the caller said,
"Hi Mike. This is Rob Caiger, I've got one ticket for the concert tonight. You'll be sitting next to me. The seats are quite good, we're with Jeff's management. Are you interested?"
I paused for a minute or two to consider if I had anything better planned for the evening (JOKING). Of course I was interested. That was it, I was on my way!
I arrived early at the RAH. Crowds were gathering in the chilly November evening. Fans, touts, media and Hare Krishna devotees mingled and shuffled about as anticipation grew. TV cameras were strategically placed to cover all angles. Presenters held spontaneous interviews with the public. A couple of people carriers with darkened windows zoomed past and around to the artists entrance. Instinctively, the fans and media closely hunted them. The media were geared up with lights, cameras and sound equipment. It was like a military operation. This only added to the growing buzz. I was starting to enjoy this already.
Rob arrived and off we went to meet up with a few other FTMers and Showdowners: Debbie (from Texas), Andrew Codd and Alexander (FTM Germany).
As I entered the RAH I inadvertently walked straight past a large table stacked high with concert programs and books celebrating the memory of George Harrison. I walked into the hallway that circles the concert hall, noticed everyone carrying one of these books and quickly went back to get mine. And very nice they are too.
Hard-backed, blue in colour and bound with an orange ribbon. They contain some nice photos of George and some of his personal thoughts and philosophies. The program, book and ticket make for nice reminders of the evening.
I quickly found my swivel seat that was located in Stalls H, Row 2 and Seat 22. Basically, this was only a few rows from the stage. I was starting to enjoy this even more. The hum of conversation grew as the hall gradually and steadily filled with people. Concert camera crews waved at the audience, encouraging them to hold up their
banners that read "Our Sweet George" and the like. In front of me was Craig Fruin with his wife and daughter. A couple of rows behind were Richard and Sheila Tandy. Behind me, towards the ceiling, clouds of incense wafted out creating a pleasant fragrance. Behind the stage hung a very large picture portrait of George. The stage itself was curved, stepped, large and filled with eastern and western instruments. Most prominent and symbolic, I felt, was a single guitar placed centre stage. Incidental music played in the background. It may have been from the 1940s, perhaps ragtime, I'm not sure. I can only guess that it was the kind of music that George may have liked.
The hall soon filled to capacity, entrance doors closed, the lights went down and the show was ready to begin.
An ensemble of musicians entered to excited applause and took their places along the raised back of the stage.
A roar from the crowd followed as Eric Clapton entered stage right to introduce the show and to welcome the audience. He was obviously moved by the occasion right from the start. After all, he had lost a good friend. This probably caused him to make a small mistake when he referred to "George's wife Dhani". Emotions were clearly running high. As it happened, both he and the audience saw the funny side and this helped to relieve the tension. Some of the other artists, including Dhani himself, acknowledged this by playfully teasing Eric throughout the show.
Ravi Shankar entered to introduce the first section of the show. This was to be a selection of Indian music. Ravi gave tribute to George saying that he felt the spirit of George was there. He said how could George not be there when so many loved ones were there to sing and play for him. Ravi had given a name to George, "Jairaj". Even at this early point in the show I began to realise just how influential and popular George really was, all over the world. Ravi then sat down stage right to enjoy the show.
A performance of Indian classical and folk music followed, consisting of a choir, a small orchestra and a host of Indian musicians and instruments. Eric Clapton, in a very low profile, sat unassumingly on stage. He appeared to be just sitting, watching and enjoying the experience of the music. Midway through this performance he picked up a guitar and began playing along, but initially it wasn't possible to hear what he was playing. Was this a mistake on the part of the sound technicians or was it an impromptu performance on the part of Eric? I don't know. Perhaps the DVD will include this and we'll find out. Never the less, the sound was turned up and Eric treated us to an Indian "jam".
Ravi Shankar's daughter Anoushka was next. Anoushka had written a special piece for the show. She performed it brilliantly on the sitar. You didn't need to be a musician to see how difficult this instrument was to play. But she played this lengthy solo with apparent ease and delight. Very unique and very exciting.
Anoushka then enthusiastically conducted the musicians through a set piece that was both educational and entertaining. George's musical preferences and influences again becoming ever more present. The audience enjoyed all of the music so far. This may have been the first time that many of them (including myself) had enjoyed live music like this. It had a different kind of beat, almost hypnotic, but very easy to listen to. It was really good. The musicians departed to a hearty applause. A brief pause, then from stage right, Jeff Lynne and Dhani Harrison entered to join Anoushka on stage to perform a three-piece version of The Inner Light.
As Jeff appeared he was instantly popular. Dressed in black, dark glasses and a hat, yep that was Jeff. Amid the cheers came a shout from the audience "We love you Jeff". Jeff leaned forward to a microphone and in a Leslie Phillip's type voice grinned "Hellooooo". This was a nice treat to see Jeff appear so early on and prominently
in the show. Also, to perform a song that would take the audience from the previous eastern style of music into the western style of music that was to follow. It was the perfect choice. Jeff sang and played guitar, accompanied by Anoushka on sitar and Dhani on piano. It's been said before, but Dhani did look exactly like a young
George. A point that Paul McCartney also made later on. This was the first of many unique musical collaborations that we were to enjoy that evening. The version of The Inner Light they performed was excellent. A great arrangement, slightly different from the original, but a definite winner with the audience. Jeff, Dhani and Anoushka occasionally glanced at each other. Sometimes to smile and sometimes, I think, to ensure that it was going well. They wanted to get it right - and they most certainly did. Once they had finished, Jeff bowed his head as he left the stage, clearly emotional. Dhani put his arm around him and gave him a comforting hug and they left together. Another reminder that this was more than just a concert for these artists. This was also their way of offering a respectful farewell. Anoushka and Ravi also left, both very happy and grateful for the audience's appreciation. Craig was very pleased, he jumped up and disappeared off somewhere. Perhaps to tell Jeff how well it was going, who knows? Everyone was moved and excited.
The lights came up. Was it half time already? They say time flies when you're having fun. It certainly had, but little did we know that the second half would go supersonic! The buzz was immense. Everyone was talking about the events so far. I took a moment just to gaze around the packed hall. It really was something to see, a fantastic venue, so many people and a great atmosphere. Roadies on stage prepared the instruments for the next section. One of them was tuning a guitar and doing a sound check. Hang on a minute, is that, no, yes it is, he's playing the intro to "10538 Overture". Excellent, even the intermission was entertaining!
Once everyone was back in the hall, entrances closed again and the stage was set for part two. The concert program didn't list anything specific for this section. What would happen next? Who would sing next? What would they sing? Well, what happened next surprised everyone.
In a complete contrast to the first half, four members of Monty Python (Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Neil Innes and Terry Jones) walked seriously and in single file onto the stage. They were dressed as professional waiters complete with long aprons and a small hand towel folded over one arm. They hadn't done anything yet, but already
people were laughing. Here were members of classic British comedy, on stage, ready to perform only as they could. Without further ado, they gave a formal rendition of "Sit On My Face (And Tell Me That You Love Me)". The first line alone was enough to send the hall into hysterics. It was hilarious. When they had finished they turned around to face the picture of George behind them and bowed respectfully to it. At this point they revealed that they had nothing on behind their aprons and were mooning the RAH and everyone in it. Very funny. And with whistles, applause and an air of dignity, the four pairs of cheeks exited stage right.
The comedy wasn't over yet. A voice yelled "Hello, hello, hello". A spotlight shone stage left somewhere high up above the stalls. A figure in a sparkly white and gold, glitzy showbiz suit was smiling, waving and making his way down to the stage. It was Michael Palin, even more Monty Python. He began a speech that went something like "...Here we are at this special occasion, which is really special. We all feel special in this big place which is really big and we are all really small in this big place which is really special...". At which point he sighed and announced that he would have rather been a lumberjack. He ripped of his suit, revealing a lumberjack's outfit. A
busty young maid appeared and a dozen Mounties came on stage. It was of course "The Lumberjack Song". The RAH erupted with laughter and joined in the chorus. Great stuff.
As Monty Python left the stage, a host of musicians entered to perform a collection George's songs.
The first was "I Want To Tell You" with Jeff Lynne on lead vocals supported by Eric Clapton and Gary Brooker. Jeff's voice was great for this song. He enjoyed singing it too. Afterwards he smiled and gave the "Jeff-two-thumbs-up" to the audience. They continued into the next songs "If I Needed Someone" and "Old Brown Shoe" taking it in turns with lead vocals. Jeff was back on lead for "Give Me Love (Give Me Peace On Earth)". This has a difficult rhythm in parts but Jeff's guitar playing was superb. He got it spot on.
The mood changed when Eric Clapton performed "Beware of Darkness". A dark song that saddened the atmosphere. Don't get me wrong, that wasn't a bad thing. These songs by George were taking the audience on a musical journey of highs and lows. Such was the affect of his music.
After the darkness came the light with Joe Brown and his band performing "Here Comes the Sun". Joe's performance was happy go-lucky, sincere and uplifting. I'd say that the order of songs and performers was carefully deliberated over and worked very well. Somebody in the audience shouted something at the band. But Joe, in
his cheeky but pleasant manner replied "Listen mate, I've performed here before y'know - only it was on the outside, not the inside!". Everybody liked that. They continued with the upbeat "That's the Way It Goes".
Sam Brown appeared, with Jools Holland on piano as they then performed "Horse To Water". I remember Dhani was also on stage playing acoustic guitar at this point. He may have been there a while, I'm not sure because there was so much going on, so much to enjoy. Sam's voice has got power. Her slightly husky vocals boomed
around the hall. She can really sing and she really enjoyed herself.
The applause and cheering seemed never ending. After a short while on came Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Tom's hair was longer than ever and he seemed just as cool as ever. They performed great versions of "Taxman" and the less well known "I Need You". I liked the way Tom turned to the band before each song to start them with "one..two..a-one, two, three, four!...". Mike Campbell played great electric guitar. Whilst playing, he took moments to glance around the hall, taking in this magic event. It was nice to see that even the musicians thought that this was special and didn't want to miss a thing.
Jeff Lynne came back on stage as Tom announced "Well, Jeff and Dhani have joined me on stage - the new Traveling Wilburys!". The crowd went wild as they performed "Handle With Care". Jeff sang Roy Orbison's bit, who else could have? This was the song that got EVERYONE on their feet. I think it might have been this song that had nine guitarists on stage at one time. This was rock 'n' roll at the Royal Albert Hall. The cheering and applause was rapturous.
Eric Clapton and Billy Preston were next to slow the pace with "Isn't It a Pity". A sad song but a nice song. Again the mood of the hall had changed. Although the audience had quietened during this part, they still loved it and gave great applause.
In a stark, (or "Starkey") contrast, appearing from stage right was none other than Ringo Starr. I like Ringo. He never appears at all serious on stage. I saw him a few years back at the Shepherds Bush Empire in London with his All Starr Band. He was just the same then. Music to him seems like fun, he just makes me laugh. To me, he was the funny Beatle and I mean that as a compliment. I also think that he got the biggest welcome from the audience out of all the artists. People like Ringo. Jeff Lynne was on stage at this point. Even his usually professional and cool image collapsed, as he burst out laughing at Ringo, who was busy waving and smiling in all directions. As he turned around, Dhani, who was standing behind him, smiled and gave him the thumbs-up. Ringo gave a few words of remembrance to his dear friend, "... I loved George and George loved me ...". It was a touching sentiment. He performed "Photograph", a nice upbeat song that he wrote with George. The lyrics were befitting of the occasion as he stood below George's portrait. For some reason people started throwing things on stage. Ringo looked at them and said, "Thanks for
the jelly babies". I've no idea what that was all about. He followed this with an old favourite of George, the Carl Perkins song "Honey Don't". Another great foot tapper.
Another standing ovation followed as Paul McCartney entered and took centre stage. He shook hands with as many people as he could. Noticing Jeff across the other side of the stage, he blew him a kiss and waved. Paul then performed the song "For You Blue" brilliantly. This is what I would call a real George song, with high vocals and slide guitar. Paul's voice did the song justice. He then introduced the next song with a brief speech of how the ukuleles would come out after dinner at George's house. He wanted to a play song now, on a ukulele, that he "said" he once played for George. With a slow, boom-ta-ra-ra, plinky-plonk rhythm he began with the words to "Something". The crowd liked this and cheered. Just as it came to the middle bit, the rest of band, noticeably Eric Clapton and Jeff Lynne, joined in to give the complete version with all of the instruments.
At one point during the slide guitar solo, Paul turned around to nod and acknowledge this excellent guitar player. This person was Jeff's musical colleague Marc Mann. To have Paul turn and acknowledge him like that was a real compliment. I have to say that Marc's playing throughout all of the songs was second to none. He played all of the difficult bits perfectly and in my opinion is terribly underrated. He never took centre stage and just did his thing somewhere at the back. He may not have as recognisable a face as some of the other musicians, but his playing was right up there with the best of them. Paul finished with the prophetic "All Things Must Pass". Another George classic, melancholic in tune but somehow optimistic in lyric. This was yet another song to capture the moment, mood and atmosphere of the hall.
One of George's most popular songs "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" followed with Eric Clapton on lead vocal and amazing electric guitar. His "weeping" guitar solo was fantastic. He seemed to lose himself in its sound. The rest of the band could only play along until he decided that it was over. This was a very powerful performance from Eric.
Billy Preston performed the most popular song by George "My Sweet Lord". Billy sat stage left, keyboards facing the audience. During one section the spotlight was placed on somebody else by mistake. He kept on playing like nothing happened. He probably didn't even notice. The song itself was great.
With everyone on stage now, the last of George's songs was performed, "Wah Wah", or should that be "Wow Wow!"? The volume was turned up full volume and everyone belted out this one across the hall. Jeff Lynne and Eric Clapton provided lead vocals along with Dhanni as backup. A great final performance by this amazing and unique all star line-up.
With eardrums still ringing and the audience still cheering, Dhani approached the microphone. "Okay, okay calm down" he said, gesturing with hands to quieten the hall. He gave sincere thanks to the artists as "... my dad's best friends ..." and to the audience "... God bless you ...". Joe Brown then took centre stage with his ukulele. He sang a song that he and his band performed at the end of their own concerts "I'll See You in My Dreams". He felt very humbled that he had been asked to
close this event with a nice peaceful song that would "... send you home with a smile on your face and a little bit of love in your heart." A very nice thing to do.
Olivia Harrison had appeared at the back of stage by now. Both her and Dhani hugged each other as Joe sang. The stage quietly emptied of artists. Some of them comforted and hugged each other. Paper petals of red and orange began to fall from the ceiling. A very peaceful and calming way to close this once in a lifetime event. It also offered us a moment of reflection and to remember why we were really there - to say thank you and goodbye to George Harrison.
Mike Scott - December 2002