They say ignorance is bliss…but bliss is not ignorance – it’s the opposite of that, which is knowledge. And there’s a lot of people who have fear. Basically I feel fortunate to have realised what the goal is in life. There’s no point in dying having gone through your life without knowing who you are or what the purpose of life is.
That’s a quote from George Harrison, whom Martin Scorsese’s new documentary portrays as equal or superior to his fellow Beatles in musical talent. Mick Brown’s piece on the film and Harrison is well worth your time if you are a fan of Fab Four.
Good read Keith. Thanks for the link.
I look forward to seeing the film.
With respect to Harrison’s place among the Beatles, he was a neophyte musician who improved as a lead guitarist, largely thanks to early tutoring by Eric Clapton (who also stole his first wife). Arguably, the best lead guitar solo on any Beatles record (While My Gutar Gently Weeps) reportedly was actually played by Clapton. Of course, other than Paul’s bass, the other Beatles weren’t especially proficient on their instruments either. And as a singer, George lacked the energy and fire of either John or Paul.
As a songwriter, I agree with the premise. A disproportionate number of the best Beatle songs were written by Harrison, including “Something,” “Here Comes the Sun,” and the aforementioned “While My Guitar…”
“Taxman” was another nice Harrison song for the Beatles. Scorching guitar solo by McCartney, however.
Harrison was reportedly a fantastically nice person (having lots of money must help one to be nice, I suppose), and is responsible for Monty Python’s Life Of Brian actually being made - after other arrangements were made, he funded the production, buying what some member of Monty Python called “the most expensive movie ticket in history”.