Concert For George

 

Concert For George Releases and Comparison


Concert For George Billboard reviewJeff Lynne at Concert For GeorgeOn November 29, 2002, at the Royal Albert Hall, friends and family of George Harrison came together to perform a concert in his honor. The concert was one year to the day after George's death. The format of the concert honored George's life and songs. It starts with an Indian music segment that includes Arpan written by George's friend Ravi Shankar speficially for this concert and a Jeff Lynne and Anoushka Shankar cover of the George-written Beatles era song The Inner Light. This was followed by a short Monty Python section, honoring George's love of the comedy group. This was then followed by a Western music section that honored George's pop music, including his solo work and his Beatles era work. George's friend and fellow musician, Eric Clapton served as musical director.

Concert For George ticketThe full concert was professionally filmed as well as much of the rehearsals. This footage was combined along with interview segments to create a 100 minute theatrical movie as well as a "complete" version of the concert running 146 minutes. These films were directed by David Leland (previously the director of the Handle With Care music video), with production by Ray Cooper, Olivia Harrison, Jon Kamen and Brian Roylance. The concert was recorded by engineers Paul Nickson and Will Shapland. Once recording was completed, all audio was produced by Jeff Lynne with mixing by Jeff and Ryan Ulyate and final mastering by Marc Mann, all done to both stereo and 5.1 audio. This movie was released to theaters on October 10, 2003 in limited release. On November 17, 2003, nearly a year after the concert, this theatrical movie, and the complete concert were released on DVD and audio CD.

Graphic for the theatrical rereleaseThe 2018 Deluxe box set showing all contentsThe 2018 Deluxe box set front coverThe original 2003 releases on the Warner label include the complete concert from the Concert For George DVD, the theatrical movie version from the DVD (which excluded several songs and had others interspersed with interviews and rehearsal takes), and the audio CD version, which was edited in several ways. There was also a 4-track sampler CD promo, entitled Concert For George: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Sampler released only to the music industry. Then, of course, there is the bootleg audio of the original concert, which shows that while the supposed complete concert from the DVD contains the complete music track, several interesting bits of dialog with the audience was cut, including a running gag when Eric Clapton mistakenly refers to Olivia Harrison as "Dhani" at the start of the concert. A blu-ray version of the complete and theatrical films was released by Rhino Records in 2011. Then all this was deleted and everything was reissued on February 23, 2018 under the Concord label on DVD, blu-ray, CD and digital audio, although all content is exactly the same as before. Also released by Concord in 2018 was a 4-LP vinyl set that contains the audio from the complete concert (with a few interesting edits). The digital audio release features the same tracks as the CD (which is missing some songs). There is no digital video release at all. With all of this Concord release was a very special deluxe set produced by GeorgeHarrison.com that featured the LPs, CDs, DVD, blu-ray, and special 60 page book, all in a unique box; also release at the same time was a limited release of 350 sets that contains a swatch of fabric from the curtain that hung behind the stage during the concert. The theatrical film was again released on February 20, 2018 in limited release to theaters to promote the rerelease of the album.

The concert had its television premiere on America's PBS on March 3, 2004 under the Great Performances program. The broadcast was reported as the complete concert (not the theatrical version), although the broadcast was two hours, whereas the complete concert was just under two and a half hours. It remain unclear exactly what was broadcast, but it is believed the PBS broadcast was edited in some form. The theatrical version runs one hour and 40 minutes, so perhaps, with the typical PBS break, the theatrical version was broadcast. The concert (unknown version) was also initially broadcast on BBC1 on April 2, 2004 at 11:35PM following Friday Night with Jonathan Ross. There were likely rebroadcasts on PBS and BBC in the following weeks and months, but details are unknown.

The concert won the Grammy Award in 2005 in the category of Best Long Form Music Video. The song Something as performed by Eric Clapton and Paul McCartney was nominated for a Grammy in the Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals category, but it lost out to Here We Go Again by Ray Charles and Norah Jones.

On the concert's 10th anniversary in 2012, the full concert was available for streaming for free on the official George Harrison YouTube channel. It was only available for 24 hours.

To promote the rerelease of the Concert For George set on Concord in 2018, it was rereleased theatrically in limited release on February 20, 2018, and the full concert (reportedly) was featured again on PBS in the USA on March 3, 2018.

On the intial release, the concert release had several American Billboard successes. On the Billboard Top 200 album charts, it premiered at a peak of #97 on December 6, 2003, spending six weeks on the chart. It also had good runs on several specialty charts in late 2003 and early 2004. The full Billboard charts (with a few missing gaps) as known currently is shown below. It appears that the concert had no impact at all on the UK charts. It has been certified ten times platinum for sales of over a million copies.

Billboard Top 200 Albums
Week
1 2 3 4 5 6
Chart Entry Date: December 6, 2003
97
(December 6, 2003)
166
139
176
175
147
Billboard Top Soundtracks (Top 25)
Week
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
Chart Entry Date: December 6, 2003
6
(December 6, 2003)
10
9
12
12
8
16
18
21
23
-
-
24
-
-
19
22
Billboard Top Internet Album Sales (Top 25)
Week
1
Chart Entry Date: January 10, 2004
25
(January 10, 2004)
Billboard Top Music Videos (Top 40)
Week
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
Chart Entry Date: December 6, 2003
6
?
?
?
?
4
(January 10, 2004)
5
7
6
11
11
14
11
17
26
8
9
12
16
22
24
27
33
34
34

Below is a comparison chart of the various releases. The standard is the complete concert as released on the DVD/blu-ray. The original bootleg audio is also listed to show what was excluded from the complete concert on the DVD. Of particular interest are a few interesting edits: (1) the theatrical version of Horse To The Water edits out the second chorus and verse, (2) the theatrical version of Isn't It A Pity which merges the first part of the rehearsal take with the actual concert version, (3) the closing credits of the concert video has an edit of Give Me Love (Give Me Peace On Earth) where the entire last chorus is cut (the version of Old Brown Shoe is the same as the regular concert version), and finally (4) the radio edit of While My Guitar Gently Weeps on the 4-song promo CD edits out 1 minute and 25 seconds worth of the song's repeated chorus ending. Also of interest is the fact that some of the rehearsal was recorded and released in a documentary on the DVD. Unfortunately, only portions of the rehearsal have been released, none of them as complete takes because the DVD producers inserted band interviews into the recording.

Note that in almost all cases, several very short and insignificant pauses were edited out from between the songs in almost every release, consisting of simple waits while the band members came or went on stage. These are not listed in the chart below, except where they were significantly edited, such as song warm-ups or song count-ins. In the case of the theatrical version, because the songs are mixed up in order and interrupted, often it is impossible to tell where the cuts were done, if any at all.

Song Title Complete Concert (from DVD/blu-ray) Concert from CD Concert from Theatrical Release (from DVD/blu-ray) Concert For George: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Sampler Concert from vinyl LP     Bootleg of original concert
Sarve Shaam
YES
YES
YES
-
YES
   
YES, includes about 30 seconds from song intro and 30 more seconds from the song end.
Eric Clapton's Concert For George Introduction
YES
YES, but attached to the end of Sarve Shaam on the CD; also cuts Eric talking about the grieving process and the introduction to the format of the concert
YES, but cuts Eric's apology for not practicing enough and the introduction to the format of the concert
-
YES, but cuts Eric talking about the grieving process and the introduction to the format of the concert
   
YES, includes a flub where Eric refers to Olivia Harrison as "his wife, Dhani"
Ravi Shankar's Concert For George Introduction
YES
YES, but attached to the end of Sarve Shaam on the CD; also cuts Ravi's explanation of the meaning of Arpan and intro to Your Eyes and The Inner Light; it also cuts most all the pauses in Ravi's speech
YES, but cuts Ravi's intro to Your Eyes and The Inner Light
-
YES, but cuts Ravi's explanation of the meaning of Arpan and intro to Your Eyes and The Inner Light; it also cuts most all the pauses in Ravi's speech
   
YES
Your Eyes
YES
YES
-
-
YES
   
YES
The Inner Light
YES
YES, but some crowd cheering cut at the song's beginning
YES
-
YES, but some crowd cheering cut at the song's beginning
   
YES, includes some band instrument tuning and someone in the audience shouting "We love you Jeff!"
Arpan
YES, but cuts Eric Clapton saying after the song that there will be a short intermission before the Western music section; this additional part can be heard on the CD version of the soundtrack
YES
YES, but fades at the 1:20 mark to interject interviews; fades in and out for more interviews several more times before fading in and including Eric Clapton's guitar at the end of the song; several parts in the middle are cut out, making the song much shorter
-
YES
   
YES, includes at the song's end Eric telling the audience, "Ravi wants me to tell you that this is our debut. Anoushka's conducting. So now there will be a short intermission and we'll see you for the next part of the show. Thank you."
Sit On My Face
YES
-
YES
-
YES, but the introduction of Monty Python is a completely different voice than that heard on the DVD and it only says "Ladies and gentlemen, It's..." leaving off the "Monty Python" heard on the DVD.
   
YES
Michael Palin's Concert For George Introduction
YES
-
YES, but cuts some jokes about the "specialness" of the night and a joke about the Royal Albert Hall
-
YES
   
YES
The Lumberjack Song
YES
-
YES
-
YES
   
YES
I Want To Tell You
YES
YES
YES
-
YES
   
YES, includes someone in the audience shouting "Play [unintelligible]!" before the song starts
If I Needed Someone
YES
YES
YES
-
YES
   
YES
Old Brown Shoe
YES
YES
-
-
YES
   
YES
Give Me Love (Give Me Peace On Earth)
YES
YES
-
-
YES
   
YES
Here Comes The Sun
YES
YES, but cuts instrument tuning and a long pause after Joe asks, "How we doin', lads?"
YES, but song is interrupted by an interview with Joe Brown
-
YES, but cuts instrument tuning and a long pause after Joe asks, "How we doin', lads?"
   
YES, includes Joe asking the audience if they are having a good time and a comment about coming in from across the street
That's The Way It Goes
YES
YES
-
-
YES
   
YES, includes Joe's introduction to the song, explaining that it is from the Gone Troppo album and how much he likes it
Horse To The Water
YES
-
YES, but cuts the second chorus and second verse
-
YES
   
YES, includes the band instrument tuning and song count-in
Taxman
YES
YES, but the introduction to Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers is attached to the end of That's The Way It Goes on the CD
YES
-
YES
   
YES, includes the band instrument tuning (including several dramatic drum rolls) and song count-in
I Need You
YES
YES, but cuts the band instrument tuning and song count-in
-
YES, but with Eric Clapton's introduction to Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers from before Taxman attached at the song's beginning
YES, but cuts the band instrument tuning and song count-in
   
YES, includes even more of the band instrument tuning
Handle With Care
YES
YES, but cuts the band instrument tuning and song count-in
YES, but the song is interrupted by interviews with Tom Petty and Jeff Lynne; also cuts some of the repeated chorus at the song's end
YES
YES
   
YES
Isn't It A Pity
YES
YES
YES, but merges the first part of the rehearsal take with the actual concert take
-
YES
   
YES, includes some instrument tuning
Ringo Starr's Concert For George Introduction
YES
YES, but cuts several of Ringo's "thank you"'s to the audience and his joke about wondering why everyone else is taller; also is attached to the end of Isn't It A Pity on the CD
YES
-
YES
   
YES
Photograph
YES
YES
YES, but song is interrupted by an interview with Ringo; also some of the repeated chorus at the song's end is cut
YES
YES
   
YES
Honey Don't
YES
YES, but cuts Ringo's shout of "Hey!" to the audience at the song's beginning
YES
-
YES, but cuts Ringo's shout of "Hey!" to the audience at the song's beginning
   
YES
For You Blue
YES
YES, but Ringo's introduction of Paul McCartney is attached to the end of Honey Don't on the CD
YES
-
YES
   
YES
Something
YES
YES, but Paul's introduction of Something is attached to the end of For You Blue on the CD
YES
-
YES
   
YES, includes Paul teasing Eric about referring to George's wife as "Dhani" and cuts the audience hand clapping in the song's beginning after the drums start but before Eric's guitar joins in.
All Things Must Pass
YES
YES
YES
-
YES
   
YES
While My Guitar Gently Weeps
YES
YES, but cuts instrument tuning and song count-in
YES
YES, but cuts 1:25 of the repeated chorus ending
YES, but cuts instrument tuning and song count-in
   
YES
My Sweet Lord
YES
YES
YES
-
YES
   
YES
Wah Wah
YES
YES
-
-
YES
   
YES, includes instrument tuning and song count-in
Thanks And Goodnight
YES
YES, but attached to the end of Wah Wah on the CD; also cuts Paul McCartney's comment about everyone looking old but Dhani
YES, but cuts Paul McCartney's comment about everyone looking old but Dhani
-
YES, but Paul McCartney's comment about everyone looking old but Dhani
   
YES, includes Dhani teasing Eric by introducing himself as "Dhani, George's wife"
I'll See You In My Dreams
YES
YES
YES
-
YES
   
YES, includes Joe's lengthy introduction to the song
Old Brown Shoe (Closing Credits)
YES, this is the same as the complete concert version
-
YES, cuts a small bit of the song's repeated ending
-
-
   
-
Give Me Love (Give Me Peace On Earth) (Closing Credits)
YES, but it cuts the song's last chorus from the complete concert version
-
YES, but fades early to add George Harrison's comments about a tribute concert
-
-
   
-


Concert For George Genesis book and box Concert For George Genesis setlist and more Concert For George Genesis programme fascimile and passes
Programme front cover Programme page 1 & 2 Programme page 3 & 4 Programme page 5 & 6 Programme page 7 & 8
Programme page 9 & 10 Programme page 11 & 12 Programme page 13 & 14 Programme page 15 & 16
Programme page 17 & 18 Programme page 19 & 20 Programme page 21 & 22 Programme page 23 & 24
Programme page 25 & 26 Programme page 27 & 28 Programme page 29 & 30 Programme front cover
Show programme
Programme insert front cover Programme insert inside Programme insert back cover
Show programme insert

Ravi Shankar - Sarve Shaam

Eric Clapton - Eric Clapton's Concert For George Introduction

Ravi Shankar - Ravi Shankar's Concert For George Introduction

Anoushka Shankar, Ravi Shankar and Band - Your Eyes
"Anoushka was the featured artist of the 'Indian' half of the Concert for George on 29 November 2002, a posthumous homage to George Harrison s life and music, held in London s Royal Albert Hall. She launched the show with an instrumental solo sitar called Your Eyes. "
Unknown (September 2, 2019 - IWMBuzz)

Jeff Lynne and Anoushka Shankar - The Inner Light
"This [Indian music] recital, incorporating many long flurries of distinctively wobbly notes, mixed with drones and tabla beats was broken only by Lynne singing The Inner Light, one of the Indian-style songs that Harrison managed to smuggle on to a Beatles B-side."
David Sinclair (November 30, 2002 - The Times)

"George was a great friend and a hero to me, and the evening was a fantastic celebration of his life, and what a line-up! It really was brilliant to be playing with this lot. I even got to sing one of my favourite George songs, The Inner Light. This was a big honour for me, to sing with Anoushka Shankar playing sitar, and Ravi Shankar conducting!"
Jeff Lynne (March 10, 2003 - Showdown mailing list)

"Musical highlights [of the Concert For George DVD] include a brilliant version of Harrison's rarely played wonderwork The Inner Light, performed by Lynne and Anoushka Shankar, daughter of Ravi Shankar..."
Kevin O'Hare (November 14, 2003 - Tribute to Beatle Harrison Ranks Among Rock's Greatest Films article from Newhouse News Service)

"As on the concert night, we Jeff Lynne fans were very highly rewarded because Jeff was the only western musician who sang lead vocals on the Indian part, by singing The Beatles' song The Inner Light (was 1968 the B-side of Lady Madonna). [...] Jeff Lynne sang lead vocals on the aforementioned The Inner Light, I Want To Tell You (1966 from the album Revolver), and Give Me Love."
Patrik Guttenbacher (December 2003 - Face The Music Germany newsletter #121)

"Ravi Shankar and his daughter Anoushka began the Indian section [of Concert For George] with a prayer, with Jeff Lynne taking over on vocals for The Inner Light, which was followed by Jairaj."
Bill Harry (2003 - The George Harrison Encyclopedia)

"Performance highlights include 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."
Author Unknown (March 2, 2004 - georgeharrison.com)

"Oh yeah, [The Inner Light] was a scary one! You know, I mean with Ravi standing right there."
Jeff Lynne (November 1, 2012 - The Morton Report)

"This [Indian music] section [of Concert For George] featured Jeff s first appearance on the bill, when he sang the Indian-flavoured The Inner Light, the song which in 1968 had been his first Beatles B-side (coupled with Lady Madonna)."
John Van der Kiste (August 2015 - Jeff Lynne: Electric Light Orchestra - Before and After)

"The [Concert For George] movie... includes performances of 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 Lynne and Anoushka Shankar). Lynne produced the audio elements of the concert, while Clapton oversaw the entire proceedings as musical director."
Dave McNary (February 8, 2018 - Variety website)

"The Inner Light was re-interpreted by Jeff Lynne and Anoushka Shankar."
Unknown (February 18, 2018 - RT website)

"[Concert For George includes...] The Inner Light, sung by Jeff Lynne, with Anoushka Shankar on sitar."
Steve Prokopy (February 26, 2018 - Third Coast Review website)

"Eric Clapton led the band with Jeff Lynne singing I Want To Tell You, Inner Light [sic] and Give Me Love [sic]."
Esmerelda (March 7, 2018 - Danbury's HamletHub website)

"[Anoushka] also conducted The Inner Light by George Harrison with Jeff Lynne on the sitar."
Unknown (September 2, 2019 - IWMBuzz)

"A testament to Harrison's profound love of Indian music, The Concert for George opens with a mini-set led by sitar player Anoushka Shankar, daughter of Ravi and half-sister of Norah Jones. Shankar teams with Jeff Lynne and Dhani Harrison for a spellbinding version of The Inner Light, originally issued in 1968 as the Lady Madonna B-side."
Ryan Reed (March 27, 2020 - Ultimate Classic Rock website article entitled The 100 Best Beatles Covers)

Anoushka Shankar and Band - Arpan
"I used to call him 'jay-rad' instead of 'George,' so I made the whole composure [of Arpan] on that 'jay-rad ha-ree-san'-- George Harrison. 'Jay-rad ha-ree-san-ah pre-fet-kiya.' That means 'jay-rad loved Krishna'. 'Hari...' [unintelligible] Krishna. And [more Indian language which sounds nothing like 'George Harrison'] which means, 'He gave the world so many beautiful songs. That great soul we are remembering today and that great soul we are paying our homage to."
Ravi Shankar (November 29, 2002 - Concert For George movie interview)

"The first half of the show was Ravi Shankar's composition, a musical offering named Arpan, conducted by Anoushka Shankar. Each movement is about George, either in mood or in the homage paid to him. The orchestra consisted of musicians, some who were George's friends, playing George's favourite instruments. There is no one but the Maestro Ravi Shankar who could compose, arrange and perform in a place like this. I don't think we will see anything like it for a long time, if ever."
Olivia Harrison (July 31, 2003 - Message From Olivia Harrison posted on www.georgeharrison.com)

"The show also pointed to Harrison's spiritual side with Anoushka Shankar and a 16-piece orchestra of Indian musicians performing a special composition by her father and Harrison's mentor, Ravi Shankar. The piece was entitled Arpan, meaning offering."
Unknown (September 9, 2003 - Press release for Concert For George)

"In another memorable segment, Anoushka Shankar conducts a full orchestra performing a special composition by her father and Harrison s mentor, Ravi Shankar, celebrating Harrison s love of Indian classical music. The piece, entitled Arpan, means 'offering.'"
Author Unknown (March 2, 2004 - georgeharrison.com)

"In one memorable segment, Anoushka Shankar conducted a full orchestra of musicians performing a special composition by her father and Harrison's mentor, Ravi Shankar, celebrating Harrison's love of Indian classical music. The piece, entitled Arpan, means 'offering.'"
Author Unknown (February 16, 2005 - Warner Strategic Marketing Press Release)

"Ravi Shankar could not be there but his daughter Amoushka came to conduct some Indian music that Harrison loved like Arpan, and to perform in other numbers."
Baby A. Gil (September 3, 2018 - The Philippine Star)
Editor's Note: This writer has made several errors in this statement. First, Ravi Shankar was at the concert. Second, Harrison could not have loved Arpan as it was written by Ravi Shankar especially for this concert, after George was dead.

"[Anoushka] finally performed a fresh composition written by her dad, Arpan. A complete orchestra of Indian and Western musicians playing acoustic guitar."
Unknown (September 2, 2019 - IWMBuzz)

Monty Python - Sit On My Face
"Opening the second half [of Concert For George] were the members of Monty Python's Flying Circus, with the exception of John Cleese, who performed Sit On My Face (And Tell Me That You Love Me), followed by The Lumberjack Song-- George had produced their record of the number."
Bill Harry (2003 - The George Harrison Encyclopedia)

Michael Palin - Michael Palin's Concert For George Introduction

Monty Python - The Lumberjack Song
"Highlights include Clapton's towering rendition of While My Guitar Gently Weeps, Petty's jaunty version of Taxman, and the Monty Python crew (plus [Tom] Hanks wearing Canadian Mountie gear) performing I'm A Lumberjack."
Neil Smith (October 6, 2003 - Online BBC Concert For George movie review)

"There's even a riotous rendition of The Lumberjack Song performed by Harrison's buddies from Monty Python with their rather awestruck guest Tom Hanks."
Kevin O'Hare (November 14, 2003 - Tribute to Beatle Harrison Ranks Among Rock's Greatest Films article from Newhouse News Service)

"Opening the second half [of Concert For George] were the members of Monty Python's Flying Circus, with the exception of John Cleese, who performed Sit On My Face (And Tell Me That You Love Me), followed by The Lumberjack Song-- George had produced their record of the number."
Bill Harry (2003 - The George Harrison Encyclopedia)

"Other high points are McCartney and Clapton duetting on Something, with Starr on drums; Starr performing his #1 hit Photograph (co-written by Harrison); and Tom Hanks sitting in with Monty Python (featuring Eric Idle, Michael Palin, Terry Gilliam, and Neil Innes) for a rip-roaring version of The Lumberjack Song."
Author Unknown (March 2, 2004 - georgeharrison.com)

"Among the other high points are... Oscar -winner Tom Hanks sitting in with Monty Python (featuring Eric Idle, Michael Palin, Terry Gilliam, and Neil Innes) for a hysterical version of The Lumberjack Song, one of Harrison's favorites."
Author Unknown (February 16, 2005 - Warner Strategic Marketing Press Release)

"The inclusion of a pair of bits courtesy of most of the surviving Monty Python members (as well as Tom Hanks, who slips on stage as one of the singing mounties for a rendition of The Lumberjack Song) seems unnecessary, but knowing Harrison s absolute adoration for the Pythons (a troupe that began the same year the Beatles broke up), it makes sense that they should be a part of this."
Steve Prokopy (February 26, 2018 - Third Coast Review website)

"Tom Hanks came to perform The Lumberjack Song with Monty Python."
Baby A. Gil (September 3, 2018 - The Philippine Star)

"[Concert For George] even saw a Monty Python comedy break introduce Academy Award-winner Tom Hanks singing The Lumberjack Song but the real party began when George s Band rolled into town."
Unknown (March 20, 2020 - Far Out website)

Jeff Lynne - I Want To Tell You
"Jeff Lynne sang lead vocals on the aforementioned The Inner Light, I Want To Tell You (1966 from the album Revolver), and Give Me Love."
Patrik Guttenbacher (December 2003 - Face The Music Germany newsletter #121)

"Then there's George's friend, Jeff Lynne, of the Electric Light Orchestra, singing I Want to Tell You and Give Me Love [sic]. "
Adam Buckman (February 27, 2004 - New York Post)

"Jeff sang lead vocal on I Want To Tell You and Give Me Love (Give Me Peace On Earth), and shared lead vocal with Tom Petty, backed by The Heartbreakers, on Handle With Care."
John Van der Kiste (August 2015 - Jeff Lynne: Electric Light Orchestra - Before and After)

"Eric Clapton led the band with Jeff Lynne singing I Want To Tell You, Inner Light [sic] and Give Me Love [sic]."
Esmerelda (March 7, 2018 - Danbury's HamletHub website)

Eric Clapton - If I Needed Someone
"On backing vocals, we could hear Jeff on If I Needed Someone (released 1965 on the Beatles album Rubber Soul), Something (1969 from Abbey Road), All Things Must Pass and My Sweet Lord."
Patrik Guttenbacher (December 2003 - Face The Music Germany newsletter #121)

"How can one compare Eric Clapton singing his late friend's song about love and friendship, If I Needed Someone, to Billy Preston in a black-and-white-checked suit seated at his organ joyously singing My Sweet Lord?"
Adam Buckman (February 27, 2004 - New York Post)

Gary Brooker - Old Brown Shoe

Jeff Lynne - Give Me Love (Give Me Peace On Earth)
"...on Give Me Love. [Jeff Lynne] had rehearsed that and Jim Keltner had played and Jeff didn't carry it off like George had sung that. He simply wasn't capable. Quite plain and simple he couldn't sing it. And then they sent Jim Keltner offstage. And he said he wants another drummer. And then the other drummer played it more aligned to his singing style. Then it's needless for me to say, I don't want to play on that anymore. Sometime later I addressed that with Jeff Lynne, asked how can we wangle that. Then he said, oh no, we've just rehearsed it already this way, and we want to play it in that way. And that's the bad thing about it, that is a song by George. If he can't sing it properly, he had to let it alone. He should have let Billy Preston sing it or somebody else who can sing. And these are things that I don't understand. And I find that wrong. That wasn't the right moment for an ego trip."
Klaus Voorman (November 2003 - translated from a German language interview in Beatlefan magazine)

"Jeff Lynne sang lead vocals on the aforementioned The Inner Light, I Want To Tell You (1966 from the album Revolver), and Give Me Love."
Patrik Guttenbacher (December 2003 - Face The Music Germany newsletter #121)

"Then there's George's friend, Jeff Lynne, of the Electric Light Orchestra, singing I Want to Tell You and Give Me Love."
Adam Buckman (February 27, 2004 - New York Post)

"Jeff sang lead vocal on I Want To Tell You and Give Me Love (Give Me Peace On Earth), and shared lead vocal with Tom Petty, backed by The Heartbreakers, on Handle With Care."
John Van der Kiste (August 2015 - Jeff Lynne: Electric Light Orchestra - Before and After)

"Jeff Lynne paid tribute to his friend and frequent collaborator by performing the track [Give Me Love (Give Me Peace On Earth)] during the Concert for George."
Kit O'Toole (December 16, 2015 - Something Else! website)

"Eric Clapton led the band with Jeff Lynne singing I Want To Tell You, Inner Light [sic] and Give Me Love [sic]."
Esmerelda (March 7, 2018 - Danbury's HamletHub website)

Eric Clapton - Beware Of Darkness
"[Highlights include] Clapton's powerful performances on While My Guitar Gently Weeps and Beware Of Darkness. He seems to have real empathy with Harrison's hits."
Paul Cole (November 23, 2003 - Sunday Mercury)

Joe Brown - Here Comes The Sun
"[Highlights include] Joe Brown, who should have been a disaster, turns in a surprisingly good performance of Here Comes The Sun."
Paul Cole (November 23, 2003 - Sunday Mercury)

Joe Brown - That's The Way It Goes

Jools Holland and Sam Brown - Horse To The Water
"Blues-belting singer Sam Brown brings the house down with her version of what was likely the last song Harrison ever recorded, Horse to Water..."
Kevin O'Hare (November 14, 2003 - Tribute to Beatle Harrison Ranks Among Rock's Greatest Films article from Newhouse News Service)

"The performances of the Monty Pythons and Sam Brown and Jools Holland's version of Horse To The Water are dropped from thedouble-CD, but apart from that the concert was complete on the album."
Patrik Guttenbacher (December 2003 - Face The Music Germany newsletter #121)

Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers - Taxman
"Highlights include Clapton's towering rendition of While My Guitar Gently Weeps, Petty's jaunty version of Taxman, and the Monty Python crew (plus Hanks wearing Canadian Mountie gear) performing I'm A Lumberjack."
Neil Smith (October 6, 2003 - Online BBC Concert For George movie review)

"Performance highlights include 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."
Author Unknown (March 2, 2004 - georgeharrison.com)

"The [Concert For George] movie... includes performances of 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 Lynne and Anoushka Shankar). Lynne produced the audio elements of the concert, while Clapton oversaw the entire proceedings as musical director."
Dave McNary (February 8, 2018 - Variety website)

"Taxman is performed by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers"
Unknown (February 18, 2018 - RT website)

"[Concert For George includes...] Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers 'cover' of the Wilburys Handle With Care as well as the Beatles Taxman"
Steve Prokopy (February 26, 2018 - Third Coast Review website)

"Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers gave a particularly resounding performance of Taxman as well as I Need You."
Esmerelda (March 7, 2018 - Danbury's HamletHub website)

Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers - I Need You
SEE IT ON
I Need You at Concert For George.
"Petty slays on his and the Heartbreakers' poignant take on I Need You."
W.O. (December 6, 2003 - Billboard)

"In a moment of deep retrospection, Petty admitted that he missed Harrison 'terribly,' but there he was, honoring his memory in fine style, just as he had done at the Concert for George, when Petty delivered a heartrending version of I Need You."
Ken Womack (October 10, 2017 - Huffington Post)

"Covers of While My Guitar Gently Weeps by McCartney and Clapton and I Need You by Petty will be available as instant downloads with all digital pre-orders [of the Concert For George reissue] and on streaming services."
Nick Deriso (January 17, 2018 - Ultimate Classic Rock online magazine)

"Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers gave a particularly resounding performance of Taxman as well as I Need You."
Esmerelda (March 7, 2018 - Danbury's HamletHub website)

"To mark the one-year anniversary of Harrison's death, the late Beatle's widow and son, Olivia and Dhani, arranged an all-star benefit concert featuring the guitarist's many collaborators and admirers. Tom Petty, Harrison's former bandmate in the Traveling Wilburys, fronted a handful of songs during Concert for George, including a breezy version of Help!'s I Need You, with lovesick lyrics rendered twice as heartbreaking in this context."
Ryan Reed (March 27, 2020 - Ultimate Classic Rock website article entitled The 100 Best Beatles Covers)

Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers with Jeff Lynne and Dhani Harrison - Handle With Care
SEE IT ON
Handle With Care at Concert For George.
Tom Petty sings all vocals, except the Roy Orbison parts, which Jeff Lynne sings.

"[Highlights include] Tom Petty's recreation of The Travelling [sic] Wilburys, bringing in Jeff Lynne and George's son Dhani for Handle With Care."
Paul Cole (November 23, 2003 - Sunday Mercury)

"Jeff did co-lead vocals on Handle With Care (1988 on The Traveling Wilburys album Volume One), and Wah Wah."
Patrik Guttenbacher (December 2003 - Face The Music Germany newsletter #121)

"We had performed Handle With Care in London at the Concert For George. We did three songs, with Jeff Lynne, and Dhani [George Harrison's son]. We've done it on the road from time to time."
Tom Petty (March 31, 2004 - interview on tompetty.com)

"So there never was a live Wilbury's performance. But it could have been done. When we played the Royal Albert Hall in London [November 29, 2002] for the concert For George, and Jeff and I did the Wilburys' song [Handle With Car] with the Heartbreakers and Dhani Harrison, George's son. We saw that it could be done."
Tom Petty (November 1, 2005 - Conversations With Tom Petty)

"[Tom Petty] also played [Handle With Care] at the request of the ex-Beatle's widow at 'The Concert for George,' [sic] an all-star tribute to the music legend."
DJRadiohead (June 14, 2006 - Blogcritics magazine)

"[Concert For George includes...] Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers 'cover' of the Wilburys Handle With Care as well as the Beatles Taxman"
Steve Prokopy (February 26, 2018 - Third Coast Review website)

Billy Preston and Eric Clapton - Isn't It A Pity
"I love all his songs, but the ones like I'm attracted to most of all are the ones that are just innocent. And that are just, um, really songs from the heart. Y'know, Give Me Love and Isn't It A Pity are the ones are the songs of that ilk that I love the most because they're just straight forward love songs-- spiritual loves songs. Isn't It A Pity I think is probably the... one of his finest."
Eric Clapton (November 29, 2002 - Concert For George movie interview)

"[Highlights include] Billy Preston's soulful takes on both My Sweet Lord and Isn't It A Pity, the latter including a joyful play-out interwoven with the fade from Beatles classic Hey Jude."
Paul Cole (November 23, 2003 - Sunday Mercury)

"The highlights of the show [Concert For George] include Preston s gospel-infused Isn t it a Pity..."
Hunter Lanier (February 28, 2018 - Film Threat website)

"The talented singer, writer, and blogger, Ruth Clapton, has taken Instagram Stories to pay respect to the late legends of the music industry. She reposted the latest video of the Instagram page dedicated to George Harrison, which displayed a section from Billy Preston s Isn t It A Pity performance at Concert For George, featuring Eric Clapton, Jeff Lynne, and Dhani Harrison. While sharing the video on her stories, Ruth admitted that she counts herself very lucky that she was there to witness this moment."
Dilara Onen (December 12, 2020 - Metalhead Zone website)

Ringo Starr - Ringo Starr's Concert For George Introduction

Ringo Starr - Photograph
"Ringo Starr brought the crowd to an emotional peak with Photograph, a song he co-wrote with Harrison."
Unknown (September 9, 2003 - Press release for Concert For George)

"You want a good cry? Listen to Ringo Starr sing Photograph, the song he wrote with Harrison, with its lyrics, 'Everytime I see your face, it reminds me of the places we used to go . . .' 'The meaning's changed now, of course,' says Ringo plainly to introduce the song, while Harrison's 25-year-old son, Dhani, who calls Ringo 'uncle,' stands at centerstage playing a guitar and looking every bit like his father at his age."
Adam Buckman (February 27, 2004 - New York Post)

"Other high points are McCartney and Clapton duetting on Something, with Starr on drums; Starr performing his #1 hit Photograph (co-written by Harrison); and Tom Hanks sitting in with Monty Python (featuring Eric Idle, Michael Palin, Terry Gilliam, and Neil Innes) for a rip-roaring version of The Lumberjack Song."
Author Unknown (March 2, 2004 - georgeharrison.com)

"Among the other high points... Starr performing his #1 hit Photograph (which was cowritten by Harrison)..."
Author Unknown (February 16, 2005 - Warner Strategic Marketing Press Release)

"Far more amusing is Ringo Starr singing Photograph (co-written with Harrison, and a song whose lyrics take on a much sadder meaning in the context of this show) and the Carl Perkins hit Honey Don t!, said to be a Harrison favorite."
Steve Prokopy (February 26, 2018 - Third Coast Review website)

"Ringo Starr caught everyone with a tear in their eye with a rendition of Photograph, a composition he wrote with George, which seemed to sum up how everyone felt."
Esmerelda (March 7, 2018 - Danbury's HamletHub website)

Ringo Starr - Honey Don't
"From Ringo and Dhani we learn that George loved ukeleles and Carl Perkins. Ringo then sings Perkins' Honey, Don't."
Adam Buckman (February 27, 2004 - New York Post)

"Far more amusing is Ringo Starr singing Photograph (co-written with Harrison, and a song whose lyrics take on a much sadder meaning in the context of this show) and the Carl Perkins hit Honey Don t!, said to be a Harrison favorite."
Steve Prokopy (February 26, 2018 - Third Coast Review website)

Paul McCartney - For You Blue
"Ringo was part of the 'super group' of artists [at Concert For George] that performed George Harrison penned Beatles songs For You Blue, Something and While My Guitar Gently Weeps, in addition to his solo track All Things Must Pass."
Henry Roberts (April 26, 2016 - Bdaily.com)

"Paul McCartney, fresh from his world tour, treated everyone to a little bit of Ukulele one of George s favorite instruments and joined Eric and band for While My Guitar Gently Weeps and For You Blue."
Esmerelda (March 7, 2018 - Danbury's HamletHub website)

Paul McCartney and Eric Clapton - Something
The first third of this song features Paul McCartney solo on ukelele. After this part, the full band comes in with Eric Clapton playing lead guitar and singing lead vocals and Jeff Lynne playing guitar and backing vocals.

"[Lowlights include] just about everything McCartney does, especially the horrible ukulele half of Something - even if he and George did once mess around like George Formby."
Paul Cole (November 23, 2003 - Sunday Mercury)

"McCartney and Clapton's ukulele-led version of Something, more than any ofher of the 23 tracks here, will break your heart."
W.O. (December 6, 2003 - Billboard)

"On backing vocals, we could hear Jeff on If I Needed Someone (released 1965 on the Beatles album Rubber Soul), Something (1969 from Abbey Road), All Things Must Pass and My Sweet Lord."
Patrik Guttenbacher (December 2003 - Face The Music Germany newsletter #121)

"Ringo... introduces his friend, Paul McCartney, who strums a uke while singing Something."
Adam Buckman (February 27, 2004 - New York Post)

"Other high points are McCartney and Clapton duetting on Something, with Starr on drums; Starr performing his #1 hit Photograph (co-written by Harrison); and Tom Hanks sitting in with Monty Python (featuring Eric Idle, Michael Palin, Terry Gilliam, and Neil Innes) for a rip-roaring version of The Lumberjack Song."
Author Unknown (March 2, 2004 - georgeharrison.com)

"...the song Something from Concert For George with Eric Clapton and Paul McCartney was nominated for a Grammy as Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals. [...] Among the other high points are McCartney and Clapton performing a duet of Something, with Starr on drums."
Author Unknown (February 16, 2005 - Warner Strategic Marketing Press Release)
Editor's Note: The song did not win the Grammy for which is was nominated.

"Ringo was part of the 'super group' of artists [at Concert For George] that performed George Harrison penned Beatles songs For You Blue, Something and While My Guitar Gently Weeps, in addition to his solo track All Things Must Pass."
Henry Roberts (April 26, 2016 - Bdaily.com)

"On November 29, 2002, the first anniversary of George Harrison's death, an impressive assemblage of the former Beatle's band mates, family members and buddies gathered at London's Royal Albert Hall to pay tribute to his life and music. That event which was released in 2003 as The Concert for George featured performances by Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Eric Clapton, Tom Petty, Jeff Lynne and many others. One of the Harrison-penned tunes tackled that night was Something, which originally appeared on the Beatles' Abbey Road album in 1969. The performance, which you can watch below, is something of a two-parter. It starts off with McCartney singing and playing a ukulele. 'Sometimes if you d go round to George s house, after you d have dinner, the ukuleles would come out,' McCartney said as he introduced Something that night. 'And one time not so long ago, we were playing and I said, There s a song I do on the ukulele. I played it for him [I'll] play it for you now. It s a tribute to our beautiful friend.' At the 1:50 mark, the arrangement shifts to the original Beatles version, with guitarist Marc Mann playing Harrison's solo pretty much note for note. At this point, McCartney grabs an acoustic guitar and Clapton takes over on lead vocals. There are a few cool moments in this section of the song, including 3:13, when McCartney sings backing vocals just as he did on the Beatles' recording as Ringo Starr plays drums behind him. It's also a nice touch that Billy Preston, who played keyboards on Abbey Road and Let It Be, is part of the band. As I've written before, it was as close to a Beatles reunion as you could get in 2002. Other musicians on stage in this clip include Jeff Lynne, percussionist Ray Cooper and ace guitarist Albert Lee, not to mention George Harrison's son, Dhani."
Damian Fanelli (April 26, 2017 - Guitar World)

"Highlights [of the Concert For George] include some obvious choices such as Paul McCartney s lovely ukulele-led rendition of Something..."
Steve Prokopy (February 26, 2018 - Third Coast Review website)

"The highlights of the show [Concert For George] include... McCartney s ukulele rendition of Something..."
Hunter Lanier (February 28, 2018 - Film Threat website)

"The group s singers took turns on some of the notable tunes in Harrison s catalogue with notable moments coming with Clapton and McCartney s touching performance of Something, which Macca opened with a ukelele solo..."
Unknown (March 20, 2020 - Far Out website)

Paul McCartney - All Things Must Pass
"When a visibly emotional McCartney arrives for a set highlighted by a stunning take on All Things Must Pass, the spiritual power of Harrison's beautiful songs is palpable."
Jeff Miers (November 30, 2003 - Buffalo News)

"On backing vocals, we could hear Jeff on If I Needed Someone (released 1965 on the Beatles album Rubber Soul), Something (1969 from Abbey Road), All Things Must Pass and My Sweet Lord."
Patrik Guttenbacher (December 2003 - Face The Music Germany newsletter #121)

"Ringo was part of the 'super group' of artists [at Concert For George] that performed George Harrison penned Beatles songs For You Blue, Something and While My Guitar Gently Weeps, in addition to his solo track All Things Must Pass."
Henry Roberts (April 26, 2016 - Bdaily.com)

"Highlights [of the Concert For George] include some obvious choices such as... All Things Must Pass..."
Steve Prokopy (February 26, 2018 - Third Coast Review website)

"And Sir Paul himself in a bittersweet moment took on Harrison s All Things Must Pass, a song that he did not allow the Beatles to record. So George sang it solo. It became a huge hit and is now proof that all things do pass."
Baby A. Gil (September 3, 2018 - The Philippine Star)

"As part of the Concert for George in 2002, Paul McCartney led an all-star band in a touching rendition of his Beatles bandmate George Harrison s iconic hit All Things Must Pass The song is sung in memory of Harrison a year after his passing and its message still rings true today. [...] The group s singers took turns on some of the notable tunes in Harrison s catalogue... but it was McCartney s command of All Things Must Pass that caught our eye. Not only is this a wonderful performance that McCartney leads but it's the song itself that feels particularly poignant in the audience in 2002. While the reason the audience and the artists were in the room together at all was, of course, a sad and painful one but with Harrison s triumphant All Things Must Pass, McCartney enacts his former bandmates vision. McCartney sings the track beautifully, adding his own delicacy to proceedings. As the song s subject matter deals with the transience of human existence and the need for optimism over fatalism, McCartney and George s Band package it all up on soothing and soulful music. It's a beautiful rendition for all involved and sees the artists on stage and the audience in their seats connect for one cherishable moment."
Unknown (March 20, 2020 - Far Out website)

Paul McCartney and Eric Clapton - While My Guitar Gently Weeps
SEE IT ON
While My Guitar Gently Weep at Concert For George.
"Highlights include Clapton's towering rendition of While My Guitar Gently Weeps, Petty's jaunty version of Taxman, and the Monty Python crew (plus Hanks wearing Canadian Mountie gear) performing I'm A Lumberjack."
Neil Smith (October 6, 2003 - Online BBC Concert For George movie review)

"Musical highlights [of the Concert For George DVD] include... While My Guitar Gently Weeps, which showcases Clapton, McCartney and Starr reprising their roles from the Beatles' original recording."
Kevin O'Hare (November 14, 2003 - Tribute to Beatle Harrison Ranks Among Rock's Greatest Films article from Newhouse News Service)

"[Highlights include] Clapton's powerful performances on While My Guitar Gently Weeps and Beware Of Darkness. He seems to have real empathy with Harrison's hits."
Paul Cole (November 23, 2003 - Sunday Mercury)

"Performance highlights include 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."
Author Unknown (March 2, 2004 - georgeharrison.com)

"Paul McCartney, another one of the five original musicians who appeared on the original Beatles recording [of While My Guitar Gently Weeps], would later perform the song with Clapton and Starr in November 2002 at the Concert For George."
Damian Fanelli (July 29, 2015 - Guitar World)

"Ringo was part of the 'super group' of artists [at Concert For George] that performed George Harrison penned Beatles songs For You Blue, Something and While My Guitar Gently Weeps, in addition to his solo track All Things Must Pass."
Henry Roberts (April 26, 2016 - Bdaily.com)

"Covers of While My Guitar Gently Weeps by McCartney and Clapton and I Need You by Petty will be available as instant downloads with all digital pre-orders [of the Concert For George reissue] and on streaming services."
Nick Deriso (January 17, 2018 - Ultimate Classic Rock online magazine)

"Among the many highlights of the show was a version of While My Guitar Gently Weeps featuring McCartney and Clapton, plus Starr on drums."
Unknown (January 18, 2018 - ABC Radio)

"The [Concert For George] movie... includes performances of 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 Lynne and Anoushka Shankar). Lynne produced the audio elements of the concert, while Clapton oversaw the entire proceedings as musical director."
Dave McNary (February 8, 2018 - Variety website)

"David Leland (Band Of Brothers) directed the [Concert For George] documentary which includes performances of While My Guitar Gently Weeps, featuring Clapton on guitar, McCartney on piano and Starr on drums."
Unknown (February 18, 2018 - RT website)

"Highlights [of the Concert For George] include some obvious choices such as... Eric Clapton s essential While My Guitar Gently Weeps..."
Steve Prokopy (February 26, 2018 - Third Coast Review website)

"The highlights of the show [Concert For George] include... Clapton s While My Guitar Gently Weeps (which fans will appreciate, considering the fact that Clapton played lead guitar on the original recording)."
Hunter Lanier (February 28, 2018 - Film Threat website)

"Paul McCartney, fresh from his world tour, treated everyone to a little bit of Ukulele one of George s favorite instruments and joined Eric and band for While My Guitar Gently Weeps and For You Blue."
Esmerelda (March 7, 2018 - Danbury's HamletHub website)

"Truly emotion-filled was the moment when McCartney and Clapton were joined by Ringo on drums and Harrison s look-alike son, Dhani to do Harrison s beautiful composition While My Guitar Gently Weeps. This alone is enough to send fans in a faint, to shed some tears or at the very least raise goosebumps all over. And that is just one number."
Baby A. Gil (September 3, 2018 - The Philippine Star)

"The group s singers took turns on some of the notable tunes in Harrison s catalogue with notable moments coming with... Ringo Starr joining the pair [Clapton and McCartney] for a gorgeous While My Guitar Gently Weeps..."
Unknown (March 20, 2020 - Far Out website)

"The closest possible thing to a Beatles reunion occurred toward the end of Concert for George, with Eric Clapton who played the studio guitar solo on While My Guitar Gently Weeps recruiting McCartney and Starr (along with Beatles contributor Billy Preston, Jeff Lynne, Dhani Harrison and a stage full of other musicians) for the White Album track."
Ryan Reed (March 27, 2020 - Ultimate Classic Rock website article entitled The 100 Best Beatles Covers)

Billy Preston - My Sweet Lord
"[Highlights include] Billy Preston's soulful takes on both My Sweet Lord and Isn't It A Pity..."
Paul Cole (November 23, 2003 - Sunday Mercury)

"Preston pours Southern soul into My Sweet Lord, turning it into a rapturous hand-clapper."
W.O. (December 6, 2003 - Billboard)

"On backing vocals, we could hear Jeff on If I Needed Someone (released 1965 on the Beatles album Rubber Soul), Something (1969 from Abbey Road), All Things Must Pass and My Sweet Lord."
Patrik Guttenbacher (December 2003 - Face The Music Germany newsletter #121)

"How can one compare Eric Clapton singing his late friend's song about love and friendship, If I Needed Someone, to Billy Preston in a black-and-white-checked suit seated at his organ joyously singing My Sweet Lord?"
Adam Buckman (February 27, 2004 - New York Post)

"[Concert For George includes] some hidden gems like Billy Preston s stirring version of My Sweet Lord."
Steve Prokopy (February 26, 2018 - Third Coast Review website)

"Billy Preston had everyone out of their seats and singing along with My Sweet Lord."
Esmerelda (March 7, 2018 - Danbury's HamletHub website)

"Billy Preston, also a pop legend known as the Fifth Beatle, came up with a soulful My Sweet Lord."
Baby A. Gil (September 3, 2018 - The Philippine Star)

Eric Clapton and Band - Wah Wah
"On Wha Wha [sic] there are three drummers, two bass players, seven guitarists, three keyboard players, ten piece string section, two sax players, two percussionists, two female backing singers, with Eric Clapton, Gary Brooker, Andy Fairweather-Low, Paul McCartney, Billy Preston, Dhani Harrison, Tom Petty & me all singing. At the same time! It takes some mixing, I can tell you."
Jeff Lynne (March 10, 2003 - Showdown mailing list)

"As I mentioned in Newsletter #110, I was a visitor of the concert, I sat in the centre of the stereo panorama and can say to you all, that Jeff had only separated and cleared the channels and cleaned the sound mess for example on Wah Wah where all musicians played together. [...] Jeff did co-lead vocals on Handle With Care (1988 on The Traveling Wilburys album Volume One), and Wah Wah."
Patrik Guttenbacher (December 2003 - Face The Music Germany newsletter #121)

Dhani Harrison - Thanks And Goodnight

Joe Brown - I'll See You In My Dreams
"Joe Brown closed the evening with the old standard, I'll See You In My Dreams, a loving and appropriate sentiment."
Unknown (September 9, 2003 - Press release for Concert For George)

"1960s British rocker and Harrison confidant Joe Brown delivers a deeply touching See You in My Dreams [sic], which closes the show."
Kevin O'Hare (November 14, 2003 - Tribute to Beatle Harrison Ranks Among Rock's Greatest Films article from Newhouse News Service)

"Closing the evening is Harrison s old friend Joe Brown singing one of Harrison s favorite standards, I ll See You in My Dreams, as thousands of flower petals gently shower the audience from above."
Author Unknown (March 2, 2004 - georgeharrison.com)

"Harrison's friend Joe Brown played the old standard I'll See You In My Dreams to close the emotional evening."
Author Unknown (February 16, 2005 - Warner Strategic Marketing Press Release)

"Joe Brown closed the evening with the old standard; I ll See You In My Dreams, a loving and appropriate sentiment for one of the most loved men of our generation."
Esmerelda (March 7, 2018 - Danbury's HamletHub website)

Gary Brooker - Old Brown Shoe (Closing Credits)

Jeff Lynne - Give Me Love (Give Me Peace On Earth) (Closing Credits)
The version of Give Me Love (Give Me Peace On Earth) that plays over the closing credits of the Concert For George DVD is an edit of the full concert version, cuts the entire last chorus of the song.

Jools Holland and Sam Brown - Horse To The Water (Movie Version)
The movie version of Horse To The Water edits out the second verse and chorus.

Billy Preston and Eric Clapton - Isn't It A Pity (Movie Version)
The first 30 seconds is band warm up, then 56 seconds of the rehearsal take before merging into the last 5 minutes and 29 seconds of the actual concert recording. It cuts to the concert at Eric singing the "Getting to give back" lyric, just before he introduces Billy Preston and Preston takes over the singing.

Paul McCartney and Eric Clapton - While My Guitar Gently Weeps (Edited Promo Version)
Concert For George 4-Song Sampler BackConcert For George 4-Song Sampler FrontThis promo edit version cuts approximately 1:25 out of the song's repeated chorus ending.

Jeff Lynne and Andy Fairweather Low - Handle With Care (Concert For George Rehearsal Version)
In a unique version, Jeff Lynne sings the lead vocals, while Andy Fairweather Low sings the middle Roy Orbison parts. Sadly, the song, which is currently only available on the rehearsals section of the Concert For George DVD, is only of the first verse and chorus before the song is interrupted by a Jeff Lynne interview and faded down.

"Very impressive the rehearsal of Handle With Care, which was held without Tom Petty, and so Jeff Lynne sang all the verses. Here it became clear, that the rehearsals had taken place in a short circle of musicians, and that inner core of members sang the parts of the guest musicians until the guest musicians arrived to the general rehearsals."
Patrik Guttenbacher (December 2003 - Face The Music Germany newsletter #121)

Andy Fairweather Low - Taxman (Concert For George Rehearsal Version)

Eric Clapton - All Things Must Pass (Concert For George Rehearsal Version)

Andy Fairweather Low - For You Blue (Concert For George Rehearsal Version)

Concert For George Band - I'll See You In My Dreams (Concert For George Rehearsal Version)

Monty Python - Sit On My Face (LP Version)
The LP featured a slight edit of this performance, particularly in the introduction of Monty Python. On the standard CD and DVD performances, the introduction is "It's Monty Python!" followed immediately by the start of the song. On the LP, a different (and unique to the LP version) voice says simply, "It's..." and the song starts, leaving off the "Monty Python" part of the introduction.


If you notice any errors or omissions, please contact me at jefflynnesongs@gmail.com and let me know. I strive for accuracy.

Robert Porter
February 2024