Sheryl Crow talking about the most inspirational people she knows:

"And then on a professional level, right now, I guess just from what I know about George Harrison, I am pretty inspired by the way he lived his life, always keeping death in mind as a part of life, and trying to be awake and enlightened."

And a new magazine alert: the January issue of Discoveries has a cover story on George by Robin Platts.

(Thanks to Hofner, Neil Barron.)

Update (12/20/01) The "Where did George die?" story took quite an interesting twist Wednesday: A Los Angeles TV station reported that the house George Harrison died in was actually owned by Paul McCartney. This was the house Paul bought within the last year from Courtney Love. The station reported he had offered George the use of the house during their final meeting in Staten Island. The house, in Coldwater Canyon though not the address on the death certificate, reportedly isn't far from the UCLA Medical Center where George received some of his last medical care. E! Online reported investigation into attorney Gloria Allred's complaint about the false address is being given low priority, according to District Attorney spokeswoman Jane Robison. "An investigation could take up to year and with the holidays coming, it's just not a priority," she said.

Here's another great George memory, a more recent encounter by Beatle reporter Rip Rense.

Meanwhile, the Baltimore City Council passed a resolution honoring George. Here's the wording, thanks to Frank C. Branchini:

CITY OF BALTIMORE
COUNCIL BILL 01-0629
(Resolution)

_______________________________________________________________________
Introduced by: Councilmember Curran, President Dixon, Councilmembers Young, 
Houlton, Abayomi, Mitchell, Welch, Cain, Reisinger, Carter, Branch, 
Rawlings, Blake, Pugh, Stukes
Introduced and adopted: December 6, 2001
_______________________________________________________________________

A COUNCIL RESOLUTION CONCERNING

Condolences to the Family of George Harrison

For the purpose of offering our sincere condolences to the family of George Harrison and his many admirers.

WHEREAS, George Harrison was born on February 25, 1943, in Liverpool, England, a port city much like Baltimore; and

WHEREAS, As a member of the Beatles, along with John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and Ringo Starr, Mr. Harrison performed at the Baltimore Civic Center on Sunday, September 13, 1964, an event that placed Baltimore in a prominent position in the history of the development of popular music; and

WHEREAS, In August of 1971, George Harrison organized the first relief concert by musical performers to aid the humanitarian efforts in Bangladesh; and

WHEREAS, In 1981, Mr. Harrison recorded the song entitled "Baltimore Oriole" for his "Somewhere In England" musical album; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Harrison composed numerous songs as a member of the Beatles and thereafter in his solo career that brought much pleasure and enjoyment to fans throughout the world; and

WHEREAS, George Harrison died on Thursday, November 29, 2001, at the age of 58, and his passing has saddened many citizens of the Baltimore area; and

WHEREAS, Many of our citizens participated in the Moment of Silence and prayerful remembrance as requested by the Harrison family on Monday, December 3, 2001.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF BALTIMORE, that sincere condolences are extended to the family of the late George Harrison and his many admirers in the Baltimore area.

AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be presented to the family of George Harrison, the Lord Mayor and City Council of Liverpool, England, and The Beatles' Museum in Liverpool, England.

Steve Dirkx tells us the Henley Standard (George's hometown paper) with tributes to George is available for sale. To get it, the cost will be £1.09, by credit or debit card. Please telephone Kim or reply by email to adverts@higgsgroup.co.uk with your card number. Phone: 01491 419 419.

(Thanks to Rip Rense, Steve Frank, Steve Dirkx, Frank C. Branchini, Leslye Allen, Paula, Ian Swan, Joe Caldwell, fowzy, Jody Denberg, Michael Nelson.)

Michael Steele of the Bangles has put up a tribute to George with pictures on the Bangles web site.. (She says he was her first love.)

(Thanks to Kevin Hendryx, Panic15394.)

(Thanks to Adam Powell.)

Update (12/18/01) Natalie Merchant has a poignant tribute to George on her website. She says that at a recent show, she opened it with four songs by George, and ended it with another.

Speaking of George tributes, we attended a nice one in Palo Alto, Ca., Sunday night that featured Cyril Jordan (of the Flamin' Groovies) and "the New Moondogs." Our picks for the best numbers: a version of "All Things Must Pass" that sounded more like the Twickenham version than the Spectorized one, plus two very rough but rockin' versions of "Piggies" and "Roll Over Beethoven" that ended the show. (Thanks to Compact Disc Land for putting on the show.)

Martin Lewis and Gloria Allred faced off on Monday's edition of CNN's "Talkback Live." You'll find a transcript on CNN's site. (It's about one-third of the way down the page.) During the segment, it was revealed Allred filed her complaint in the wrong jurisdiction.

Journalist Al Aronowitz writes about his memories of George on his website.

And Beatle journalist Rip Rense has a well-written rebuttal to the Allred incident at this link.

And The Economist has an obituary of George that's sounds like it was written by some stuffy old codger who still looks down his nose at the Fabs. (You'll need to subscribe to see it online. It's also in the print editon.)

And we're getting down to the bottom of the barrel in tribute magazines. The latest: A Gold Collectors' Series tribute to George, and one called "The Life and Times of the Beatles." Both have mostly familiar pictures and nothing but rehashed history. Easy to pass on.

For those in the Anaheim, CA., area, there will be a George tribute show with the excellent tribute band the Fab Four Jan. 11 at the Sun Theatre in Anaheim.

(Thanks to Rip Rense, Martin Lewis, Karen Dyson, Christopher Chardi, Geoff Hickey, David Fitzhugh.)

One of the most influential and respected creative artists and pioneering philanthropists of the last century - has just died after a prolonged and courageous battle with cancer. It is alleged that someone perhaps seeking to protect his grieving family from the vultures of the tabloid media MAY have provided an incorrect address on a death certificate on which every other detail was correct.

This is a minor matter of utterly minimal consequence - and no consequence whatsoever to Gloria Allred. The L.A. District Attorney would not even consider any action unless a formal complaint was filed. And for a complaint to be filed one would assume that there would have to be someone hurt by this alleged matter.

And yet Gloria Allred has chosen to do this. Causing distress to the bereaved family and millions of fans around the world. Miss Allred is notorious for craving publicity and thrusting herself center-stage into legal actions relating to personalities likely to generate media coverage for herself. Her decision to attach herself to this matter makes her a Beatles parasite of the worst order.

In the grand press conference that Miss Allred for some reason felt compelled to call to announce her egregious complaint - she stated that "the integrity of public records is at stake." If the integrity of Los Angeles public records is truly at stake because there might be an erroneous address on a death certificate - then perhaps Miss Allred will reveal the extent of her research into all death certificates filed in Los Angeles County over the past few years. And whether she will now feel compelled to make a formal complaint to the D.A.s office about each and every certificate that contains a single error - however inconsequential.

Alternatively perhaps she can explain why it is only the death certificate of one of the world's most famous entertainers which has caught the attention of her "public-spirited" eye.

The obvious fact is that this is a despicable act by a person who is legendary throughout America for her craven addiction to media attention.

George Harrison's name is synonymous with beauty, creativity, compassion, positive energy, courage and kindness. Neither he nor his family have done anything to deserve such a heinous act. Miss Allred should withdraw her complaint immediately and apologize for her callous insensitivity. She should also apologize to the L.A. District Attorney for wasting the time of this office on such a trivial matter when the department and indeed the entire world has genuinely serious matters to consider.

By the way, Gloria Allred is a KABC Radio (in Los Angeles) talk show host. On the KABC website, she lists her email address as GloriaAllred@kabc.com.

An unusual story in a publication called the Villager: According to the story, two New York State Beatle fans actually visited George in his Staten Island hospital room. George welcomed them. And the two were supposedly there when Paul and Ringo came in shortly thereafter. When they expressed concern about his health, George told them, "I will transcend this body. I will have a new beginning after I leave this shell. I will be amongst the living. I will watch over Olivia and Dhani [his wife and son]. I will live with them and through them." The story sounds too unreal to believe.

From Robert Gille:

Hi Steve,

On Roseanne Cash's hompage http://www.rosannecash.com/column.html, she writes a very moving tribute to George Harrison. There are also two b/w photos of her and George during rehearsal for the Carl Perkins TV show "A Rockabilly Session", which included both Ringo and George. It was recorded at Limehouse TV Studio in London on Oct 22nd 1985.

We bought the current issue of Billboard Saturday. (Thanks for the recommendations,everyone. It's well worth it!) At one point in the Timothy White article, George mentions his amusement at Frank Sinatra's re-working of the lyrics to add "Stick around, Jack, it may show!" Wonder how he'd feel if he knew that Elvis, as featured on the new "Elvis in Vegas" boxed set, adds his own little similar touch with "Hot damn!"

Another tribute from Monty Python's Flying Circus on their website.

A poll of 156 listeners at radio station WFMU in New York found "Taxman" and "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" as their favorite Harrison songs. "Blue Jay Way" and "Here Comes the Sun" were tied for second.

More mag alerts: The Dec. 11 issue of Hello has a 15-page tribute to George. Guitar Magazine December 2001 also features George (pre-his passing.). Also, the February 2002 issue of Guitar World features George on the cover, and a nice somewhat-lengthy article inside, as well.

(Thanks to Geoff Hickey, Robert Gille, Seth Atlas, Jennifer Randles, Kevin O'Hare, Karen Dyson, Steve Dirkx, Kelly Kuwabara.)

Meanwhile, a lawyer has filed a complaint in Los Angeles over the alleged inaccuracy of the death certificate for George Harrison, reports Reuters. Gloria Allred, known for headline-grabbing trials, commenting on the filing, said, ``All things must pass, but not this,'' saying the ``integrity of public records is at stake ... Celebrities and/or their supporters are not above the law, even if they are acting with good intentions, e.g. to protect the privacy of loved ones." A Los Angeles police spokesman said Wednesday no one had been charged with any offense over the alleged misinformation, saying the practice is not uncommon in deaths involving celebrities. The spokesman said it was not a crime to give a different address as the place of death unless there was an intent to defraud.

A note passed to us from Gary Wright (thanks to Matt Hurwitz):

Dear Friends,

Over the past few weeks I have received so many beautiful emails from you all that I have been overwhelmed by your kindness. George was very dear to my heart as many of you know and I miss him dearly. His memorial service was of the most profoundly beautiful days of my entire life-so much love in the room, so much joy, that you knew he was there. He did so much for the world in his own silent way…he was by far one of the kindest and most thoughtful people that walked the planet. He was the only friend I had who like me wrote lyrics about God. We had so much in common. What is there to say in words about such a rich friendship; only that he will live on in my heart for the rest of my life as a beautiful memory that can only grow richer with years. Thanks again for your concern and kind words. In Light and Love,
Gary

Lou Harrison, George's older sister, is working on plans for a "Come Together Day" to promote peace around the world, Launch.com reports. She said she's had the idea for some time and feels now is especially appropriate. She says she hopes it will become an annual event.

Here's something special: a 1987 audio interview by WNEW's Dave Herman can be accessed through the Musicradio77 message board.

In the Democratic Underground's list of Top 10 Idiots of the Week, a somewhat bizarre tribute to George by Senate Minority Leader Trent Lott (R-Miss.) (see item #10)

(Thanks to Elizabeth Ann, Allen Sniffen, Jeff Jacomowitz and Steve Berg.)

Update (12/12/01) California officials are reportedly investigating the discrepancy in the address listed on George's death certificate, reports the Liverpool Echo. The state is looking at why both the post office and the city's land registrar confirmed they did not have any record of the address in Beverly Hills that was listed on George's death certificate as where he died.

Meanwhile, Ananova reports the spreading of George's ashes may be delayed until next month. A Hare Krishna official said, ""The programme has been postponed. They will come with ashes and scatter them in the sacred Ganges river, secretly." Jan. 14 was mentioned as the possible date.

Paul Weller and Noel Gallagher performed "All You Need Is Love" as a tribute to George this week at Royal Albert Hall, reports Ananova. Orthodox Hindus believe ashes must be sprinkled in one of India's holy rivers within 13 days of death. Wednesday is the 13th day after George's death. The AP reports the paparazzi have already packed up and gone home. (Not a bad thing, we say!)

Paul told NRK television in Norway on Monday that he held hands with George Harrison for two hours at their last meeting shortly before George died, reports Reuters.

In the new issue of Daytrippin', Martin Lewis (in an article written before George's death) arguest thast George should be knighted. for his groundbreaking Bangla Desh concert that led the way for Live Aid and a whole wave of benefit concerts. We heartily agree. You can write to The Right Hon. Tony Blair MP, 10 Downing Street, London, SW1A 2AA England. (How about Ringo, too?)

Capitol Records has put up a nice little tribute to George on their website. It includes his ATMP interview and a video montage.

Here's a link to a great portrait of George by William Coupon from 1987. (This link has a portrait of Yoko Ono by the same photographer.)

From Leonard Haddad:

Ron Sexsmith, the great Canadian singer-songwriter, paid tribute to George during his concert in Paris. At the end of his electric set, he played a moving version of "I Need You". The audience was raved but, a little later, some folks screamed, "We want a George Harrison song". It was a bit ridiculous, of course, to make such a request but not being able to recognize "I Need You". Ron said "but we did one, didn't we ? ", then went into the intro of "Here Comes the Sun" and carried on with his show.

In France, the daily press was very concerned with George's death, but there has been no TV tribute, and the weekly and monthly press did the minimum (1 small article each), except for the "people" magazines such as "Paris Match". Take care,
Leonard

And if you're in the San Francisco Bay Area, Cyril Jordan (of the Flaming Groovies) and the New Moondogs will celebrate the music of George and the Beatles Sunday (Dec. 16) at Compact Disc Land, 477 University Ave., Palo Alto. An acoustic set begins at 5 p.m., an electric set begins at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free, but canned food donations for Second Harvest are requested. Information: (650) 324-3563.

From Laura Theobald:

Hi Steve,

Just wanted to let you know that George is on the front page of Billboard Magazine (dated 12-15-01)

We also hear NME has a George tribute. And make sure you get the Rolling Stone tribute. It's absolutely Georgeous...I mean gorgeous.

(Thanks to Karen Dyson, Matthew Snyder, Leonard Haddad, Adam Powell, Pablo, Claudio Dirani, Steve Frank, Jeff Jacomowitz and Janice.)

Local residents recall George in a collection of sweet memory pieces in his hometown paper, the Henley Standard.

And here's George's astrology chart.

Peter Frampton paid tribute to George at a Sunday benefit concert for the victims of the Sept. 11 attacks by playing "While My Guitar Gently Weeps," reports the Associated Press. Frampton, now living in Cincinnati, credits George for kicking off his solo career by recruiting him to play the album sessions on "All Things Must Pass."

From Susan Gagne:

Hi Steve!

You were looking for a link a different Time magazine George Harrison cover. Time Canada showed the same cover as we have in the US, but Time Europe's cover is indeed different. This is a link to the current issue: http://www.time.com/time/europe/magazine/current/. This is a link to Time Europe: http://www.time.com/time/europe/ Both pages have the same graphic of the cover.

Yours truly,
Sue Gagne

Note: Time Europe has moved the issue into its archive.

Pro wrestler Bret "The Hitman" Hart paid tribute to George in his newspaper column.

(Thanks to Jody Denberg, Karen Dyson, Bob Dunn and Kelly Kuwabara.)

Hi Steve,

Just been browsing your page and I see you have a notice for a memorial in Liverpool on 13 December. I had an email from the Canon at the Cathedral to say that he didn't know where the rumour started but it's not true. The Cathedral is booked, and has been for 12 months in advance, for the Christmas Carol Service on 13 December. He is not aware that the Cathedral has been approached about such a service. Just thought I'd let you know so you can update the page. I know that the Harrison family have requested no fuss and so it's likely this will not happen anyway. Also the Vigil in Liverpool was the City's tribute to George and there is unlikely to be anything else more formal.

Our comment: Jean, we've removed the listing for it. The date came out of a wire story. We apologize for the error.

We received a very nice email from musician Larry Hosford. George fans will recognize the name: George played on two songs, "Direct Me" and "Wishing I Could," on Hosford's 1976 "Crosswords" album. In an essay he wrote about his work with George, he said,

"I, clearly, feel very good about my opportunity to meet, work, and engage in advanced conviviality with a musician-person I so legitimately admired; still do, though our paths have as yet to cross again. Too, I thought/think it a bonus that I was the first recording artist, since certain of George's prior contractual restrictions had lapsed, to use his actual name in the LP credits instead of his former sideman spoonerism/pseudonym: Hari Georgison. Don't know specially why, just find it specially so. In sooth, he didn't need no steeenking credits - that guitar line on "Direct Me" is manifest, indelible, George Harrison."

Another tribute to George from Delaney Bramlett's website:

"George was not only a great musical talent, but a friend who will be remembered for his gentle ways and kind heart. A person who affected many lives, more by his soul and kindness than anything else. Please pray for George's family in these difficult times."

The full two-hour version of the "Tribute to George Harrison" we first mentioned a couple of days ago is now available on the programmer's site.

From tonyc63:

Just a note.... Natalie Merchant opened her show here in Memphis last night (12-8) with a very nice version of "Something". Very classy.

From Kelly Kuwabara:

If you haven't seen the print version of the Sunday NY Times, thought you might enjoy knowing that the two articles you've linked (Ravi's memories and Philip Glass' article) were printed side by side on the front page of the arts section, under a large, wonderful headline: "George Harrison: World Music Catalyst and Great-Souled Man," and a huge picture of George with his sitar.

(Thanks to Larry Hosford, Karen Dyson, Kelly Kuwabara, Patti Murawski, Paul Ingles, tonyc63.)

Update (12/9/01) As we all know, George was a huge racing fan. Here's a website tribute to George from Speedvision, a U.S. cable channel devoted to racing. The site includes a rare pic of George himself driving an ex-Stirling Moss/Rob Walker Lotus 18 F1 in 1979.

And more magazines: Rolling Stone has a special edition on George. There's a nice cover story (and nice cover pic) on Entertainment Weekly, plus article inside the Globe. They also have a tribute up online. Also, the cover of Time is apparently different outside the U.S. The alternate pic is from the early '60s. (Can anyone point us to a scan that's up online?)

Meanwhile, Genesis Publications has suspended sales of the books "Live In Japan" and "Songs By George Harrison" "for the time being," according to their website.

Also, Hitdailydouble.com, an industry site, has an interesting article by rock critic Bud Scoppa on a meeting with George at Friar Park in the mid-'70s. (You need to register to read it.)

(Thanks to Mark Carter, sarah m., William McMartin, Jody Denberg, Stephen Garfinkel.)

Hi, Steve--

I just spoke with someone at EMI regarding the Reuters story on a "My Sweet Lord" reissue. They're apparently still in talks with the family, so it's not really announced yet. There will be a press release next week if it happens.
Matt

Another message from Paul about George, posted Dec. 5 in a "Message From London" on the forum on his website:

First of all, thank you for your beautiful thoughts and condolences about my dear mate George, we had all known he was ill for sometime but were hoping for a miracle that would bring us good news, unfortunately this was not to be and we all send our deepest sympathy to Olivia, Dhani and all George’s relatives and friends.

I myself am very saddened to lose such a great man who was so important to my life and always will be. He was my mate before either of us joined The Beatles and was like a brother to me.

I will always remember the beautiful times we had together and will always carry the warmest memories of my dear mate George.

Bernadette Byrne, who dated George in 1963, told the BBC she thought the label "quiet Beatle" was inaccurate. "He was perhaps a bit quieter when you first met him but as soon as he got to know you he was like most other Liverpudlians, with a wonderful dry sense of humour." She also said, "He was part of such a happy period of my life and he was a special person."

An unconfirmed report says "I Me Mine," long out of print and going for hefty amounts on ebay, is being reprinted.

The UK Mirror says George died at a Beverly Hills home owned by his wife Olivia and not at a mansion owned by security guru Gavin de Becker.

And a Hare Krishna press release regarding the "missing ashes" reports:

December 5, 2001 Dear Maharajas, Prabhus, and Friends,

Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

Several days ago, media reports appeared in major media sources worldwide stating that George Harrison's family was already on their way to India to put George's ashes in the sacred rivers. Now we know from the same media sources that those stories were untrue, and that his family is still in California.

We are not sure what was the source of this misinformation, but it seems the media frenzy for newer and newer information about George led to rumors turning into "facts" that the press popularized worldwide. Such rumor mills are not uncommon when something this important occurs. (Remember the game you played a child whispering into the ear of your neighbor until the story that started out is completely distorted by the time it crosses the room.)

The last day or two, similar rumors have been spread on TV and in the press saying that George Harrison's estate will donate 10% of his money, future record profits, etc, to Hare Krishnas. Unfortunately, these stories, too, are products of the media frenzy, and rumors turning into "facts."

I spent many hours today trying to track down the source of this "estate story." I spoke with reporters from the London Times, the New York Post, the Daily Telegraph, and others to find out, "Where did you get this story?--What are your sources?--and How do you know this is true?

As I suspected, one by one each paper referred me to another news report and yet another and another until no one knew where the story started except from an unattributed source in India. Frankly, some of the reporters were embarrassed that their paper had repeated the story without checking the facts.

Reuters News Agency has today retracted some of its earlier claims. The New York Post pulled a story it was ready to print about George's estate today when it understood it had no reasonable basis in fact.

I have been in contact with Shyamasundar Prabhu and Mukunda Goswami. Both of them are in regular contact with the family of George. Both are upset that such unfounded rumors are being spread.

Let me unequivocally state, there is NO evidence whatsoever to support the reports that George's estate is donating to the Hare Krishna society. We have no advance notice, we have not been informed by the family, or by any legal entity, etc. In fact, the family is very unhappy that such rumors are being spread.

As we know, George was a dear friend of our society. Many devotees, including myself, feel a great, great debt for all that George did for us in our spiritual lives. We also know that he was a very private person, and we should respect that.

His family is trying very hard to maintain a level of privacy and civility in the manner in which his passing is addressed, despite the pressures of the media and the rumormongers.

Below I have attached a copy of a media release that was sent out yesterday from my office with some official information about ISKCON response to George's passing away. Other things you may be hearing about the nature of his passing, the details of his family's plans, his estate, etc., are the private matters of the family.

I pray the media will respect his family's privacy more in the future. And, I pray that no ISKCON devotees or friends will fall victim to aiding the rumor mill that misdirects us from our remembrance and mourning of our friend and fellow devotee of the Lord, George Harrison.

Your servant, Anuttama Dasa.

Media Release

Living in the Material World No More

For Immediate Release
Date: December 3, 2001
Contact: Anuttama Dasa

Washington, D.C.---Hare Krishna communities around the world observed memorial services over the weekend for George Harrison, the former Beatle whose personal spiritual search and devotionally inspired rock music helped to introduce millions of young people to Indian spirituality.

"George Harrison has probably done more that any single popular cultural figure during these past few decades to spread spiritual consciousness around the world," said Shyamasundar dasa, a Krishna devotee and personal friend who was with Harrison in Los Angeles during his last few days.

A long time friend of the Hare Krishnas, George was inspired to do his part to spread spiritual consciousness. His 1970 song, "My Sweet Lord" introduced millions to the Hare Krishna mantra, which he gently interspersed between choruses of the Biblical praise, Hallelujah.

"Hare Krishna has a mystical side to it," Harrison said in a 1982 interview published in the book, Chant and Be Happy. "It's more than glorifying God; it's asking to become His servant."

Harrison first met His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the founder-acarya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in 1969, in England. They developed a close and affectionate relationship and their association influenced George's music and spirituality.

In a 1982 interview, Harrison said that his song, "The Lord Loves the One that Loves the Lord," from the Living in the Material World Album, was written about Srila Prabhupada.

Harrison also made significant contributions to support Prabhupada's work. In 1969, he financed the first hard bound printing of the "Krishna Book," an English translation by Srila Prabhupada of the Srimad Bhagavatam, Tenth Canto, that describes Lord Krishna's lila, or pastimes on earth 5,000 years ago.

In 1973, George Harrison donated Bhaktivedanta Manor, a 23-acre estate outside of London, to the Krishna society. The Manor has since become one of the most important Hindu shrines in Europe.

"When George gave us the Manor, he gave us more than a few buildings," said Varshana devi dasi, ISKCON's UK spokesperson. "He provided a facility for many thousands of people to come for spiritual instruction and to worship God. Each year, over 15,000 British public school students visit the Manor to learn about Vaishnava Hinduism," she said.

For many individual Krishna devotees, the music and lyrics of George Harrison opened the door to a spiritual experience, and the monotheistic philosophy of Vaishnava Hinduism.

"I remember looking at the picture of Krishna and Arjuna on the cover of the "Living in the Material World" album, and wondering who are these divine beings?" said Bhaktimarga Swami, of ISKCON Toronto. "That led me to Krishna devotees, and for that I am eternally grateful to George." "He was an inspirational figure for many of our generation," said Anuttama Dasa, ISKCON Communications Director. "Knowing that a Beatle was saying publicly that fame and money do not bring happiness gave my search into eastern mysticism more validity," he said.

Weekend services at ISKCON temples included readings about Harrison's meetings with Prabhupada and excerpts from his lyrics glorifying Lord Krishna. Many temples put aside their traditional bhajans for the day to listen to George's rock renditions of the Hare Krishna mantra and other devotional songs.

"If you open up your heart
You will know what I mean
We've been polluted so long
But here's a way for you to get clean

By chanting the names of the Lord and you'll be free
The Lord is awaiting on you all to awaken and see"
--"Awaiting On You All" from the album All Things Must Pass

From Frank C. Branchini:

Sheila Dixon, the Chair of the Baltimore City Council, has introduced a memorial resolution for George Harrison, to be sent to his family and to Paul and Ringo.

(Thanks to Matt Hurwitz, Patti Murawski, Claudio Dirani, Leah, Frank C. Branchini, John Johnson and anyone we've forgotten.)

Reporters have been frustrated in their efforts to see George's ashes scattered on the River Ganges, reports Ananova. But local officials said they didn't know anything about Olivia and Dhani planning to come to the city to scatter his ashes. A local police inspector was quoted as saying, "We have no information about the ashes being brought here. We play a role when those immersing ashes demand security. So far we haven't received any such request." Given the Harrisons' insistence on privacy, it wouldn't be completely surprising to us if Olivia and Dhani have thrown the reporters off the track.

The Smoking Gun website has a copy of George's death certificate. A promo email sent by the site says, "Turns out George Harrison's remains were handled by a firm calling itself Cremation Specialists of L.A. (just another reason to love Tinseltown). But as for where the ex-Beatle actually died, well, that's a mystery even his death certificate can't clear up." The certificate lists George's "place of death" (also Olivia's home) as a residence at 1971 Coldwater Canyon in Beverly Hills, 90210. A check with the L.A. tax assessor's office by the Smoking Gun revealed that address doesn't appear in county records. Meanwhile, TSG says the new issue of Us Weekly reports that George died in a rented villa on Laurel Canyon Boulevard in Studio City. The New York Daily News has also picked this one up. (By the way, the Smoking Gun has other Beatle documents there, too, including one very interesting one about the Fabs' '66 Japan tour.)

And while we're down in the grime a bit, more magazines and tabloids are on the stands with George stories in them. None as nice as Time, though People's cover (from the "Cloud 9" period) is nice. The worst is the Star, which has a cover box with "Amazing Secret George Took to His Grave," a story taken from Alistair Taylor's book, which sinks to the level of Peter Brown's book "The Love You Make." (If you must know the secret, it's a "love child." There. Now don't buy it.)

On a more uplifting note, "My Sweet Lord" will be re-released in response to a campaign started by the UK Sun tabloid, reports Reuters. The Sun said George's family had agreed to the idea with the proceeds going to charity.

And no surprise: Beatles and George Harrison CDs have been in demand since his death, reports Reuters.

Here's a different version of Paul's statement about George, taken from his website:

"We are all devastated by this news, its deeply sad to lose such a beautiful guy. Luckily Heather and I saw George a couple of weeks ago and true to form he was laughing and joking.

George was a very brave man with a heart of gold but also someone who didn't suffer fools gladly. I'll always remember that without George it all wouldn't have been possible.

I'll miss him dearly and I'll always love him - he's my baby brother."

Paul

From Jean Garello in France:

Dear Steve, I thought you might be interested in the coverage of George's death in the French press. On friday last week every newspaper had a front page article on George."Libération" carried the 1967 psychedelic picture of George on its entire front page with the title "George in the sky with Lennon". The overall tone of newspapers here has been one of deep respect for the man and his achievements, and particular emphasis was put on the work George has done for charities.Journalists have tried hard to express their sincere sadness at George's passing. "Libération" can be ordered at libération.fr.

Today French weeklies have just been sent to shops and many have made special issues about George. "Paris Match" devoted its front cover to George and has a 14 pages article with lots of photos.The article is called:"George Harrison,Goodbye to the romantic Beatle" (don't ask me why "romantic").You can check it at parismatch.com

"Télérama" has a tribute to George but its front page is devoted to Paul...because they have an exclusive interview with him about his new album.Go to télérama.fr

"Gala" has a photo somewhere at the top of its cover and has a 10 pages article.Go to prisma-press.com.

"VSD" also pays tribute to George in a long article:"George Harrison,documents and cult photos".Go to vsd.fr "Le Point" devoted its front cover to French writer Victor Hugo(!) but has a two pages article "George Harrison:the spirit of the Beatles".

Strangely enough both "L'Express" and "Le nouvel observateur", two major weeklies did not even have an article! Shame on them! And last,Libération had a short article yesterday (5/12/2001) about George's ashes having already been scattered in India, but it seems untrue according to what I read on your site. Thanks for all your good work.

Jean Garello
France

We noticed something in a Sky News report about George's new album we hadn't seen elsewhere: It said he played the album to family and friends the weekend before his death while in the hospital in Los Angeles.

Reuters reports that an mp3 of what they term the last publicly performed George Harrison song is on a British website. The song, ``If You Don't Know Where You're Going,'' was, the report said, played for an audience at music studios in Michigan in 1997. But Reuters later reported that VH1 says it had aired the song. VH1 said George had recorded the song in 1997 during a visit to a VH1 studio in the United States with Indian musician Ravi Shankar and his wife. Footage from that visit made up the best tribute to the former Beatle that was aired after he died. (Maybe they'll release it on video.)

Hare Krishna officials are saying George planned to give them £700,000 to build a temple in a holy Indian city, reports Ananova. They say George had visited Varanasi quietly for several days to discuss the temple plan. Now all they need is the money, they say.

Bill Nelson, formerly of Be-Bop Deluxe, has a tribute to George in the latest diary entry on his website.

Per Gessle (of Roxette) speaks of George as his favorite Beatle (in Swedish) at http://www.aftonbladet.se/vss/nyheter/story/0,2789,110606,00.html.

And for those wondering about Eric Clapton, unconfirmed reports say he's dedicating "Badge" to George at recent shows.

(Thanks to Karen Dyson, Nora Chau, Ingrid McNamara, Craig Pospisil, Adam Powell, Rubbersole, Urban Andersson, Rob Leonard, Rick Holland and anyone else we forgot.)

"Tonight we are gathered here in memory of George Harrison, a true son of Liverpool, whose music reached out to the whole world and shaped a generation. George was a truly gifted musician. But he was much more than that. His ideals and his love of peace inspired countless thousands. His loss will be deeply felt but his vision will live on.

When George wrote the words for "My Sweet Lord" you get the feeling that it was more than a song - it was a genuine prayer. George was a person who seemed to have achieved his own inner peace and I'm sure, if he was able to ask for a lasting memorial it would be for everyone to pray for lasting peace for the whole world. Tonight's tribute has been spritual and moving - in keeping with the spirit of the man. It has been very simple, for George was never one for pomp and circumstance.

Earlier on I was joined by the children from George's former school, Dovedale Primary, in planting a sturdy English oak in the grounds of the Peace Garden in St John's Garden behind us here. As it grows over the years it's branches will reach out towards the tree we planted last year in memory of John Lennon.

The city of Liverpool has lost two of its brightest stars - but we shall forever be grateful for the music and the memories which The Beatles gave us.

I will shortly ask you to take part in a minute's silence and meditation. After that there will be an opportunity to sign the books of condolences which are in St George's Hall. Now if we can all join together in a minute's silence."

Also, here is the statement from Councillor Gerry Scott, Lord Mayor of Liverpool, before the planting of a 'tree of life' in the city's Peace Garden, behind St George's Hall, Liverpool. The tree was planted by children from George Harrison's old school - Dovedale Junior School:

"Firstly, I would like to thank the pupils from George Harrison's former school, Dovedale Primary for joining us here tonight. They are here today to help us plant this English Oak tree in memory of George and it is very appropriate that we should do so. George had an interest in horticulture and gardening. He made a significant donation to the Palm House in Sefton Park, for example.

And it is appropriate that we should plant this tree near to one that was planted in memory of John Lennon. It is, perhaps, not too fanciful to think that over the years their branches might reach out towards each other.

And George's tree is also between an Indian bean tree and the Tree of Heaven - given George's interest in India and spiritual matters I am sure you would agree that this is a very fine place for a permanent memorial to him. And as it grows over the years our memories of George will live on. So, it is in memory of George Harrison that we now dedicate this tree to him."

The tree is a Fastigiate columnar habit English Oak (Quercus robur 'Fastigiata Koster'). Thanks to Damian Richards-Clarke, Matt Finnegan and Tom Farrel from the Liverpool City Council Newscentre.)

There are tribute lines to George in two upcoming movies. Ananova reports that "Vanilla Sky," which stars Tom Cruise and includes a song by Paul McCartney, has a line spoken by Cruise's character that Harrison was his favorite Beatle. We've also been told there is a similar line in Sean Penn's new film "I Am Sam," which features a Beatle-related story. One critic who saw the film at an advance screening told us he thought Penn's performance was Oscar-worthy.

Reporters have been disappointed that they haven't been able to see George's ashes scattered, reports Ananova. Local officials say they aren't aware of any plans. Hare Krishna officials are unhappy about the publicity, but haven't denied the reports of the plans.

Ananova reports that Bono is backing the campaign to re-release "My Sweet Lord." "Put me on top of the list of people backing you. It would be an apt send-off and the money should be given to charity," the singer said.

Update (12/5/01) Reuters carried a story about the "secrecy" regarding the scattering of George's ashes. The so-called "big mystery" is that the Harrisons wanted it private! It was thought, however, that George's ashes would be scattered both at Varanasi and Allahabad, site of the recent Kumbha Mela. But here's a link of a high-res satellite photo of the area taken in January.

Here's a press release with statements from Jim Horn and Mark Farner (thanks to Alison Auerbach):

Hi. I've been keeping up with your info on George and really appreciate all the info you are providing. I did want to pass along a couple of artists' quotes...my business partner, Jim Della Croce, represents Jim Horn and Mark Farner and I thought you might like to read what they said. Peace, Alison Auerbach/Alison Auerbach Public Relations

For Immediate Release

JIM HORN GRIEVED ON DEATH OF GEORGE HARRISON

Nashville, TN (11/30/01) -- Sax legend Jim Horn is unique as one of history's most recorded musicians and as the only sax musician to have performed or recorded with all four Beatles. Horn has prepared the following statement from his office/studio in Nashville. As his performances and recordings with George Harrsion go, Horn is best known for: The Concert For Bangladesh record and concert, the Dark Horse tour, the records All Things Must Pass, Material World, Cloud Nine and The Traveling Wilburys Volumes 1 and 2. Horn and Jim Keltner were dubbed the Sideburys. Horn's blistering sax solo on "Got My Mind Set On You," stands out on Harrison's 1987 hit.

"While I'm certainly grieved, I fondly remember him as being kind and mystical. He was kind to his friends and fellow musicians. George made you feel at home, in is home, and I'd see him at breakfast, discuss the day's news, have tea in the garden and go up to his studio whenever we felt like working.

"He once had me sit on the toilet and play my soprano sax, and they miked it at the end of the hall for a distant sound and I thought they were kidding--we all had a good laugh on that one. I remember him describing my multi-sax part as being stung by saxophones. He stopped me in the middle of a sax solo and brought my 3:00 tea -again I thought he was kidding.

"I always felt at peace with him. To have peace with myself and make no task too hard to accomplish. On the Dark Horse tour in particular, I really learned to be more humble from George and the Indian musicians.

"He played guitar on my Warner Bros. solo record "Take Away The Sadness" and he was always there with encouragement whenever I needed him."

---

GRAND FUNK'S MARK FARNER REMEMBERS GEORGE HARRISON

"I believe that George Harrison has left an indelible mark in this life that will be left and heard as long as people inhabit this place and listen to music. George is gone but when we hear his recorded contributions to what we value so dearly, he is here. God rest your soul, brother George, I'll see you in Heaven."

Mark Farner
November 30, 2001

You can see some wonderful editorial newspaper cartoons that paid tribute to George on MSN.

We linked to Gary Wright's statement on the web, but we didn't mention that Wright also has the lyrics to an unreleased George Harrison song, "To Discover Your Self," on his site. Here's the info from Glenn Smith:

Dear Steve,

I’m a friend of Gary Wright’s and he asked me to pass along a link to a song that George Harrison and Gary wrote years ago that Gary posted in memory of George. The song is entitled “To Discover Your Self” and the posting has the blessing of Olivia. Here’s a link to share with your friends and fans of George: http://www.thedreamweaver.com/in_memory.html.

All the best,
Glenn Smith

From Wibo Dijksma:

Concerning the passing of George, I thought this might be interesting for your site. It's from a Dutch source and I tried to translate it to English.

"Not long before his death George Harrison paid a visit to the Maharishi in Vlodrop, Holland. During this last visit Maharishi tried to give George courage and hope. This was confirmed by a spokesman for the Maharishi movement in Holland. " Maharishi compared the sick body of Harrison with an old coat with holes. He said he was glad that Harrison would soon take off that coat and put on a new one". The spokesman also said that Paul McCartney is a regular visitor at Maharishi's. "Maharishi has always had a special place in his heart for the Beatles since their first meeting in 1967. That friendship has never ceased".

Mike Moser sent us this link of pictures taken at the Beatles' Hollywood star over the last couple of days.

As a tribute to George, the group badge has covered Dylan's "I Don't Want To Do It." "It's tragic," said Jeff Slate, the leader of the badge, of the death of George Harrison. "I grew up with his music and it is because of him that I am a musician."

From Sam Favate Jr.:

I was at the Bruce Springsteen holiday show in Asbury Park, NJ last night (12/3) and Bruce opened the show with "Something," then did "My Sweet Lord." (Both were done with the Max Weinberg 7, Soosie Tyrell on violin and Patti Scialfa and Lisa Lowell singing backup.) After the second song, Bruce said "God Bless George... we'll miss you." Later in the show, Bobby Bandiera (longtime Jersey shore musician and a member of Southside Johnny's band) did "Here Comes the Sun." The set is described in detail on http://www.backstreets.com/news.html.

Some comments from Tom Petty were published on http://www.gonegator.com/news_122001.asp. The comments were made to the magazine MoJo. Tom tells a great story about a gift George gave him.

Lastly, Little Steven put up a simple, yet appropriate tribute on his web site: http://www.littlesteven.com/news.html. Steven expressed profound gratitude to George Harrison and the Beatles in the liner notes of his Born Again Savage album (1999).

Hope this information is helpful. Thanks for the wonderful coverage on your web site.

Sam

From Roger Beaulieu:

Hi Steve,

Last friday night, french television talkshow 'Le Point' invited two great fans of George Harrison. Pierre Marchand, director of Musique Plus and Pierre Huet musician of the former great local band 'Beau Dommage'. Huet talked about the party that was organized by Guy Laliberté of 'Cirque du Soleil' last year during which George Harrison jammed with the musicians of well-known singer Garou. It was also during that night that Guy Laliberté had discussed with George the possibility of organizing a show for 'Cirque du Soleil' by using the theme of 'Yellow Submarine'.

But Pierre Marchand made some corrections yesterday saying that the jam session was actually the night before at another private party. George sang Here Comes The Sun with Garou who told Marchand he has still not recovered from that event! Pierre Marchand also recalled that he had a ten minute discussion with George that night.

(Thanks to Claudio Dirani, Glenn Smith, Mike Moser, Gary Stevason, Elizabeth Ann, Debbie Glienke, Sam Favate Jr., Matt Hurwitz, Jeff Slate, Adam Powell, yangyang9, Jeff Jacomowitz and anyone else we forgot.)

Ananova reports, not surprisingly, that George left the bulk of his £200 million estate to his wife and son, plus some money to various charities.

Dr. Gil Lederman, George's doctor at Staten Island University Hospital, has finally broken his silence somewhat on his treatment of George's cancer. In an interview with MSNBC, when asked how George was facing the prospect of his own death, he said, "He (George) believed that death is part of life, and had no fear of death. None whatsoever. Sometimes it made those around him uncomfortable. But he was totally fearless about it. He viewed death as a natural process of life. He faced the end with great humor and courage." When asked to compare his attitude with others he has treated, he said, "He was much more spiritual than most people. He was very special. This was a man adored by millions, and yet he craved the solitude of a quiet day. He could be happy in a little apartment by himself with a guitar. He didn’t need great toys to amuse himself. He was very happy within his skin."

Magazine alert: The new Time magazine (Dec. 10, 2001) has a fantastic picture of George on the cover. The pic, which we're guessing is from the '80s, shows George holding a sunflower. You can see it right here. The magazine has six pages on George alone, a look back at the Beatles on the cover of Time on page 29, and a review of Paul's album on page 110. The first of several special magazines devoted to George (we've heard Rolling Stone will also have one soon.) No cover, but there's also an article in Newsweek.

Elton John paid tribute to George over the weekend by dedicating "Your Song" to him, reports Reuters.

More tributes, first from drummer Alan White:

I am deeply saddened to hear the news of George Harrison's passing. I have always had tremendous respect for George, for his amazing talent and for the person he was.

Early in my career, I had the good fortune to work with him on his first solo project 'All Things Must Pass'. This experience was very inspirational to me as a young musician and songwriter. I am grateful to him for allowing me to be a part of that legendary moment in time.

George was gracious and kind. He was deeply spiritual and I valued his faith, his creativity, and his dedication to the things that he loved and believed in.

In my life, he was truly one of the most beautiful people that I have known. My heart goes out to his family and to all those who were close to him. He has left a giant imprint on the world and will be greatly missed by all of us.

— Alan White
Brighton, England
November 30, 2001

There's also a tribute on XTC's site.

From author Keith Badman:

"It wasn't just Paul who was devastated by George's death, it was the whole world. We've lost someone who was known to be extremely generous, kind, loyal and talented. People called him 'The Quiet Beatle', but as his close friend, Michael Palin, affectionately remarked, 'When I was with him, I couldn't get a word in.' He was also someone who was not afraid to speak about God. George said what he thought and laughed when he saw that some people didn't understand a word he was saying. There'll be millions of words said about him over the next few days, weeks, months, years, but let's remember that he's now out of pain and with God. Most importantly, he's now found out why he was put on this Earth. I suspect to give love, spread peace and make millions of people very happy...

Our thoughts go to Olivia and Dhani.

Keith Badman

From Craig Pospisil:

Steve,

I thought you might be interested in a report from Strawberry Fields in Central Park. That, of course, is the section of the park across the street from the Dakota, which was named for Lennon's song after his death. There's a large circular mosaic in the center of the area with the word Imagine in the middle. It's always the site of gatherings on October 9 and December 8 to honor John.

The George Harrison memorial at Central Park's Strawberry Fields (© 2001 Craig Pospisil)

And for the last three days it has been a site where New Yorkers and others have gathered to honor George. When I first heard the news on Friday morning, I went straight there. It was still a little early. There weren't many flowers or ntoes, and the photographers and camera crews outnumbered the mourners. I placed a green apple that I had brought on the mosaic, sent out good thoughts and left.

By that night when I returned the scene was completely different. The park was jammed with people and the pile of flowers, poems, pictures, apples was quite high and ringed with scores of candles. People sang late into the night. Yesterday was very sunny and mild and again there were a crush of people, still singing and paying tribute. And the pile of flowers was even higher.

Today I went back with a camera (I'd forgotten yesterday). There were three guys, two guitars and a bass, playing one song after another, both Beatles and George's solo work. They took requests and we all sang along. I don't know how long they'd been there, but I stood there singing full volume for over an hour. They only quit because the bass player's amp had drained its battery.

The mood each day was not somber. People were obviously affected and sad at George's passing, but there was a great deal of joy in the way people sang and interacted. Any sorrow was offset by the happiness that George's life and music had brought to us. It was wonderful to be there.

Best,
Craig Pospisil

Apple Computer has a tribute to George.

Mark Lapidos of Beatlefest has this on his website, which he's allowed us to reprint here:

7:00AM, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30TH. I am sitting here trying to put into words my feelings and it's not easy. Our worst fears have happened. One of the world's greatest and brightest beacons has died. George Harrison passed away yesterday due to complications from cancer. Olivia and Dhani were at his side at a friend's house in Los Angeles. We are all so saddened. George gave us so much joy through his music and his life's journey. His last message was for everybody to love one another. His musical legacy is unmatched, except for those of his former band mates. I remember trying to play "Here Comes the Sun" on guitar from the day Abbey Road came out. It took 22 months almost to the day that George organized the very first All Star benefit concert (for Bangla Desh). All the others followed in George's enormous and modest footsteps (from Live Aid, Farm Aid right up to last month's Concert for New York). To this day, that was my all time favorite concert. I will never forget when he came onstage with just an acoustic guitar, accompanied by Badfinger's Pete Ham and proceeded to play "Here Comes the Sun." He had a capo on the 7th fret. I said, IS THAT HOW HE GOT THAT SOUND!. When I met with George in 1976, before the first Los Angeles BEATLEFEST, I talked with him about it and he already knew about the convention as was planning to send things down to the show, which he did. He had a way of making those around him comfortable and he had no objections talking about The Beatles. There are those very few people who pass through this life and truly make a difference. George was certainly one of them. He can NEVER be replaced. Let's all try to reflect on the positive force that was George Harrison. Listen to his music, have a good cry and hope that Olivia and Dhani know that he was so loved by so many. Peace and love, Mark

From Hey Jude:

I'm sure you're being swamped with George info/reports, but a few things I've noticed that haven't been mentioned on the site yet: On this past Friday's "Tonight Show", Jay Leno mentioned George Harrison at the very end of the show. After the musical guest played and all of the other guests came on the screen, Jay shushed the guests and the audience and said something along the lines of "God Bless George Harrison". Also on Friday, "Late Night" with Conan O'Brien also made mention of George. The |"Max Weinberg 7" played "What Is Life" as their opening song (I've heard them play this before, and they often play Beatles/Solo-Beatles songs to open the show, and of course Max is a big fan/friend of Ringo). When Conan O'Brien reached his desk he noted that it was nice for the band to play that song and mentioned that of course everybody loves the Beatles, but that many on his staff are really dedicated Beatles fans, and Conan sent his condolences to George's family. It's interesting to note that Conan O'Brian has interviewed both Paul and Ringo in the past (Ringo in 1995, Paul in 1997).

Also, on Sunday, "The Simpsons" dedicated their episode to George Harrison. As the credits started rolling, they showed a still picture from the episode that George voiced back around 1992 or so (the "Be-Sharps" episode) and it said below the picture "Dedicated to the Memory of George Harrison." I caught the beginning of the "My VH1 Awards" (or something along those lines), and it opened with Bon Jovi performing "Here Comes the Sun" with a video screen showing images of George through the years. After they finished the song, Bon Jovi said "We'll miss you George."

On the not as pleasant side, I caught a bit of the "Shop At Home" cable TV channel (a sort of cheaper version of "QVC" or the "Home Shopping Network"), and they were shamelessly selling all sorts of Beatles memerobilia during what appeared to be their Sports Memorabilia time slot. Their prices actually weren't terrible (as in at or a bit below what the items are listed in price guides for), but were claiming that the items were worth much more than they were (hence, they claimed they were giving such a great deal), and were selling only a few older items, and were usually packaging them up with the more recent trading card sets. It was all pretty distasteful, although not really unexpected. But in general, the media is paying tribute to George about as well as I could possibly expect.

From Roger Beaulieu:

Just want to tell you that our Musimax television channel ran a round the clock special on George both friday and saturday here in the Montreal area. Clips of George at the Montreal Grand Prix from June 2000 plus a short interview with him at a party before the race were shown. All things must pass but the answer's at the end. Roger Beaulieu

Finally, this weekend's edition of "The Beatle Years" radio program is a tribute to George.

(Thanks to Keith Badman, Adam Powell, Ian Swan, Jeff Jacomowitz, Elizabeth Ann, Wendy Starr, Stephen and Lori Bruun, Jean Catharell, Karen Dyson, Roger Beaulieu, tonyc63, CD Harper, Mark Lapidos, Craig Pospisil and anyone we neglected to mention.)

Hi Steve,

Ananova has just amended the time of the vigil to 21.30 GMT - as I thought, it seemed someone didn't know the time difference between PST and GMT. However I hear Liverpool are still having their vigil at 18.30 - apparently it's too late to change it to the correct time!

All the best, Richard Porter
http://www.beatlesnews.com

We've heard Liverpool will hold a candlelight vigil at St. George's Plateau in Liverpool (where the vigil for John was held) at 21.30 GMT.

And from Wiseguides UK:

George Harrison 1943 - 2001

George's family have requested that the most appropriate tribute to his passing should be a minute's meditation tomorrow, at 18.30h UK time. There will also be a memorial service at Liverpool's Anglican Cathedral on Thursday evening, 13th December.

If you're in the UK, please check locally to insure you don't miss it.

In a story on MSN, Annette Lloyd, production director of undertakers Hollywood Forever, said her staff was called out 20 minutes after Harrison's death, without knowing who they were attending. "Before the body was taken from the home to the doctor's office, the family, our staff and the security staff joined hands and said a prayer around him." George's body was cremated shortly thereafter without any ceremony. Lloyd says the family plans to place their own biography of Harrison on the Internet as part of an on-line archive maintained by the funeral firm. George's ashes will be scattered in India, not in the Far East we wrote earlier.

There have been scattered tributes to George all over TV. "Saturday Night Live" showed clips of George's memorable appearance on the show and his "encounter" with producer Lorne Michaels over the show's reunion offer to the Beatles (which John and Paul also reportedly considered while watching in the Dakota). The VH1 Music Awards featured Jon Bon Jovi doing "Here Comes the Sun."

Jeff Lynne's statement (special thanks to The Official ELO Showdown mailing list for providing this to us):

""You always knew where you stood with George, he was totally honest. I feel blessed to have been so close to him. He was a great friend. He wrote brilliantly original songs, played the greatest slide guitar and had the most amazing sense of humor. He really had the 'Inner Light,' and always will. Some of the happiest days of my life were spent in the studio with George."

Jeff Lynne
30 November 2001

Jools Holland, quoted in The Sun:

“I’m deeply saddened. We’ve lost one of the most important figures in popular music. But more importantly we’ve lost one of the friendliest, most generous and funniest of people I’ve ever met.”

Regarding Philip Norman's "tribute" (and we use that sarcastically) to George, Rip Rense, contributing editor of Beatlefan sent this letter today to the Sunday Times editor and Mr. Norman:

Letter to Mr. Philip Norman, and for publication consideration:

Dear Mr. Norman,
I interviewed you years ago for the Los Angeles Herald-Examiner when you were promoting "Shout: The Beatles in their Generation." It was clear from our talk, and from your book, that you had appraised George Harrison as, and I believe these were your words, "the ultimate passenger" in The Beatles. I was taken aback, but assumed that this was an angle contrived in order to have a "fresh" point of view on Beatles history, seeing as you were endeavoring to become the biographer of record.

Between that assertion, however, and your anecdote in the Dec. 2 Sunday Times article ("Sweet George") in which Mr. Harrison impressed you as a "miserable git" in your first meeting, it seems obvious that you were not favorably disposed toward the man from the start.

However intense your dislike of Mr. Harrison, and your near-dismissal of his worth as a musician, did this warrant the snide, venomous assault posed as an expert post-mortem that you authored in the Sunday Times? Mere days after his passing, with family and friends in mourning?

I know a thing or two of The Beatles' story, and it is plain that you have deliberately sought to distort Mr. Harrison's character and record---seeking to put a bitter, sleazy "spin" on every aspect of his life that you could squeeze into your allotted commentary. Why such vitriol? Do you imagine that you are the lone voice of reason, debunking a myth?

I will not debate Mr. Harrison's life or character here. It is obvious that I disagree with you, while finding him no more a saint than he would have found himself. I suggest that if there is an "ultimate passenger" in The Beatles' story, you are a respectable candidate.

Allow me to close with a verse from Mr. Harrison's "Wreck of the Hesperus:"

"Brainless writers gossip nonsenses/ To others heads as dense as they is/ It's the same old malady/ What they see is faulty. . ."

Sincerely,
Rip Rense
Contributing Editor, Beatlefan Magazine
Los Angeles, California

Our comment: Thanks, Rip, on behalf of all of us!

This seems to be miscategorized, but the UK Sun's Bizarre column wants to get George's "My Sweet Lord" re-released. If you agree, email bizarre@the-sun.co.uk

Capitol Records has a nice tribute to George on their website.

And you can order a copy of the Liverpool Echo's special tribute to George here.

And U2 paid tribute to George at their concert on Friday in Atlanta with a cover of "My Sweet Lord" and dedicated their song "Kite" to him.

(Thanks to Jean Catharell, Jeff Jacomowitz, Rip Rense, Michael Shea, John and Monica, Adam Powell, Lynn Hoskins, Ian Swan, Eric Swedberg, Nahid Shafiei and anyone we may have missed.)

Probably the last picture of George, from the Jools Holland CD

"Olivia and Dhani invite you to join them in a minute of meditation in honour of George's journey, wherever you are on Monday at 1:30pm PST (1830 GMT)."

"We are deeply touched by the outpouring of love and compassion from people around the world. The profound beauty of the moment of George's passing - of his awakening from this dream - was no surprise to those of us who knew how he longed to be with God. In that pursuit, he was relentless."

Ananova also reported earlier there was no word about a public "funeral" for George, though the minute of mediation seems to fulfill that.

More tributes to George: First, from Jack Bruce:

30 November 2001

I am really shocked and saddened to hear of the death of George Harrison. Along with the all of his contemporaries as well as millions throughout the world, I mourn the passing of a musician whose sensitivity and spirituality touched all of us. Apart from his work with the Beatles and his important solo recordings, George was one of the first in the sixties to bring the influence of Indian culture to the attention of the world thus changing the direction of western music for all time. He was also almost single handedly responsible for the resurgence of the British film industry in recent times through his Hand Made Films production company. Without his input it is unlikely that films such as "The Life of Brian," "Brazil," "Withnail and I," "Mona Lisa," "A Private Function" and many others would ever have been made.

I first had the privilege of working with him on the Cream "Goodbye" sessions and his wonderful rhythm guitar work on "Badge" prompted me to ask him to play on "Never Tell Your Mother She's Out of Tune" on my first solo album, "Songs For a Tailor." This he did superbly using the name L'Angelo Misterioso for contractual reasons. He took the session so seriously that he arrived at the studio an hour before anyone else in order to be prepared for the live recording!

I always felt a special empathy with him, the "Quiet Beatle" as I guess I was also the "Quiet Cream!"

Farewell George. I will miss you.

Jack Bruce

Also, from Brian Wilson:

"I am horribly saddened by the death of George Harrison. While we were not personal friends, I think that just like everybody in the world, I have always considered all the Beatles to be my friends. Their arrival in America in 1964 was electrifying, one of the most exciting things that ever happened in my life, and their music has always and will always mean so much to me. The world is terribly diminished by the loss of George, and today, I say a prayer for George, and wish him and his family Love and Mercy."

And from President Badruddoza Chowdhury of Bangladesh, as reported by AP:

``The people of Bangladesh consider Harrison as their beloved man, who felt for them in 1971 during their days of agony and distress.

Also, Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia:

"George Harrison will be remembered forever by the people of Bangladesh."

We're also told that, during rehearsals this week for upcoming holiday shows, Bruce Springsteen rehearsed both "My Sweet Lord" and "Something."

And a press release from ISKCON (aka devotees of Hare Krishna):

George Harrisons death a great loss to the Krishna Community

For Immediate Release
Date: November 30, 2001

Hare Krishna devotees mourn the passing of George Harrison and extend their deep symphathy and affection to his family.

George Harrison met Srila Prabhupada, the founder of ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) in 1969, in England. George Harrison developed a close and affectionate relationship with Srila Prabhupada and their association certainly influenced his music and his spirituality.

George Harrison donated Bhaktivedanta Manor, Hertfordshire, UK to the Hare Krishna devotees in 1973 and ISKCON feels greatly indebted to him for his generosity. The Manor has since served as one of the most important Hindu temples in Europe.

George was an intensely private person in all aspects of his life, including his spirituality but he was loved and admired by many devotees of Krishna who respected his attitude of humility and service.

There will be a memorial services for George Harrison to be held at Bhaktivedanta Manor and temples around the world during over the next week.

And from Terry Ott:

"So the youngest Beatle died of natural causes at age 58 last week, and a whole new sense of mortality reigns upon the blessed Baby Boomers. George Harrison, who comedy man Eric idle once told me in an interview was far from "the quiet one," succumbed to cancer in Los Angeles with his family at his side.

While it was a shock that fellow Beatle John Lennon was gunned down on a New York City street 21 years ago this week, George's passing may in fact become a more emotionally profound event in the Love Generation's book of life. George, a gentle, religious, caring man and artist is dispatched by The Big C caused, as admitted by George, by smoking, which is a habit far too many Boomers still indulge. And while it would automatically seem that 58 years on this earth was far too short a time for a soul as talented and gifted as Harrison, George acknowleged in song 30 years ago that "all things must pass."

When I heard the news out of L,A., I thought of the joy that George brought to my 1970 Christmas when his smash single, "My Sweet Lord," was playing on just about every radio and turntable in North America, 24 hours a day, or so it seemed. And then I recalled how George never really was forgiven for not making a record a great again. His 1973 album "Living In The Material World," was panned by Rolling Stone magazine with the headline "Give him dope, Give him hope," because RS felt the LP too preachy and maudlin, despite having a #1 charted single.

Harrison was even picked on when he organized the first rock music benefit, The Concert For Bangla Desh in 1971 because the critics just couldn't quite accept rock alltrusim. But the concept was soon to catch on. George's only solo tour in 1974 to back the album, "Dark Horse," was ridiculed as the "dark hoarse," journey because George had problems with his voice.The tour landed in Toronto and unfortunately, I passed on a chance to go.

And finally, I thought of how I was forced in 1995 to sell my autographed copy of the limited edition book "Songs By George Harrison," when I had been bit by the taxman, and needed filthy lucre, fast. The fancy leather bound book from Genesis Publications of England, had the only Beatle signature I had captured, despite almost a lifetime of Fab Four following and I am really missing it now. But most of all, I will miss surely the most sincere of all the larger than life Beatles and his understated, but immense, contribution to our world."

And if you haven't checked out the Gary Wright link we posted earlier, you'll find it has lyrics to an unreleased song as well as a pic of George and Gary.

Amazingly enough, we heard a report that fans in one country thought George's death was a hoax.

One more comment: It's clear, after reading the News of the World piece, that it wasn't just George's humor at work with "Horse to the Water" and RIP Ltd. 2001. George was serious about his arrangements. We're glad it worked out the way he wanted it.

(Thanks to nunki, Cristiano, Faith Cohen, Rock Stamberg, Terry Ott, Arno Guzek, Eran Levy, John Johnson, JSM, Nothimagen, Wendy Starr, Karen Dyson and anyone else we may have forgotten.)

Update (12/2/01) Lots of details, all of them from British tabloids, of George's last days. The UK tabloid News of the World has a lengthy report on how supposedly George arranged for his final days to be in relative privacy. The complicated plan, says the tabloid, involved keeping him away from his homes at Friar Park and Maui or in a hospital. Gavin de Becker, who was quoted in the earliest stories on George's death, offered the use of his Beverly Hills estate and help devise the plan, which turned out successful. George's body was cremated nine hours after his death in Los Angeles. His ashes will be spread in the Far East. The paper also said that Paul broke into tears when George told him, "I won't be here for Christmas."

Sunday People also has a story on the final reunion between George, Paul and Ringo. They joked, laughed and reminisced about their years together. The paper said they were all in great humor, especially George.

The Sunday Times reports that, before his passing, George had pretty much finished the album he'd revealed some time back that he'd been working on. Drummer Jim Keltner said, "The CD is very close to finishing. There is a certain soulfulness about George’s music that doesn’t need a lot once he has put that voice on. There will be people who argue that it is underproduced and maybe there should be more on it. Knowing George, I have a feeling he would rather it be as simple and as direct as possible." Keltner also said, “I last saw him on Sunday night. It was a great gift to us that he was so beautiful. He looked fantastic. He looked like a prince. He didn’t look like a person suffering from cancer. His skin was shining and he was smiling.” The Times also says 25 unreleased tracks, some dating back to the '80s, remain in his vaults.

George and his long-estranged sister, Louise, met and patched up their differences before his passing, according to several tabloid reports, though the tabloid details don't match what really happened, a source told us.

George Martin's statement, as shown on Undercover Music News:

"George was a wonderful musician and a fine human being. They (Lennon and McCartney) collaborated and kind of also rivaled each other in their writing. George didn't have anybody. George had to do it by himself, so he worked away at it. He had tremendous determination and application. He would craft his music meticulously with every little stitch in the canvas, and gradually built up his songwriting technique to a point where he became a great writer. He wasn't at the beginning, but then he started writing great songs. I've said 'Something' is one of the greatest love songs ever written. George was a true friend, intensely loyal, caring deeply for those he loved, and he inspired much love in return. Now I believe, as he did, that he has entered a higher state. God give him peace." (Note: Undercover Music News was the source of the rare George interview that we've had on the site for some time. We'd like to take this opportunity to thank Paul Cashmere for allowing us to use it.)

The following statements by Julian and Cynthia Lennon come from Julian's website:

Julian Lennon: It is a sad day for all of us, I loved George very much. He was the kindest of men. Our time together, though little, was always memorable. He was a man to be inspired by and he certainly touched my heart and millions of others. He will be missed, but I believe that after all the pain he has endured, he is finally at peace. My heart goes out to Olivia and Dhani, but I know that George is still with them in spirit and will be guarding them every day of their lives until they meet again. George you are beautiful.
Luv Ya Always,
Julian x

Cynthia Lennon: This is a very sad day for myself and everyone who knew and loved George. He was part of my teenage years, he was part of my marriage to John, in fact, a very important and unforgettable part of my life. He was part of my family.

George may have departed from this world that we all know, but his generosity of talent and spirit he bequeathed to all he left behind. A spirit that searched for the truth and I'm sure has finally found peace.

My love and condolences to Olivia and Dhani. I know his memory will give them immense strength and courage, the memory of a very special human being.

Cynthia Lennon

Ravi Shankar, quoted in a San Diego paper:

'It was my sitar and Indian music which connected me to George in the beginning, but very soon our relationship went beyond that. He was a friend, disciple and son to me...We spent the day before (yesterday) with him and even then he looked so peaceful, surrounded by love.'

'Uncle George was inexpressibily close to my father, and because of this I grew up viewing him as another father. From the time I was a child, he has been there for me, spoiling me with presents, listening to me talk about anything and everything, and always being very protective of me in my career....He had and will continue to have a huge impact on my life."

George's first wife, Patti Boyd, quoted by the Sunday Mirror:

"I had tried to get through to him on the phone but I couldn't. No one realised just how ill he was. I am so, so shocked. I can't even think straight at the moment."

Keith Richards:

"George was, always will be, above all, a real gentle man, in the full meaning of the word...let's hope he's jamming with John (Lennon)."

Mick Jagger:

"He was the first musician I knew who developed a truly spiritual side, and he was generous with his time to both charity and to friends."

Bob Dylan's, on his website:

"He was a giant, a great, great soul, with all of the humanity, all of the wit and humor, all the wisdom, the spirituality, the common sense of a man and compassion for people. He inspired love and had the strength of a hundred men. He was like the sun, the flowers and the moon and we will miss him enormously. The world is a profoundly emptier place without him.

Pete Townshend's statement, short and sweet, on his website home page:

"Goodbye sweet man. ATMP."

Elton John and U2 also paid tribute to George at public appearances Friday night.

Finally, from Lamit540:

Has anyone else noticed that George's death occured 9 days before (the anniversary of) John Lennon's death? ...I'm sure this fact will end up in many a Beatle lore list from now on. It's just a little lighthearted (thing) of interest to add to the present sad days.

(Thanks to Jim Laasko, Darren Moss, Claudio Dirani, Wendy Starr, Karen Dyson, Rob Leonard, Nahid Shafiei, John W. Leys, Apple Scruff44. In the turmoil of the last couple of days, we've probably neglected to thank several others who sent us links and info. Thanks to all of you.)

U.S. TV (and I'm sure everywhere else) was full of George reports Friday. We caught VH1's great tribute and some good clips on CNBC and MSNBC, including a nice interview with Billy Preston. From Richard Porter in London:

Hi Steve

I spent most of the day outside Abbey Road Studios. Fans kept on coming to lay flowers and other tributes. Media people from all over the world were there too.

Allan Rouse, who is the official Beatles co-ordinator at Abbey Road, supervised in the moving of a huge speaker into the doorway of the studio so 'All Things Must Pass' could play to those outside. The studios did the same when John died.

BBC TV did a very nice tribute to John at 7pm and ITV are doing one later. There was also blanket coverage on news channels Sky News and BBC News 24.

Tomorrow I'm attending the Bootleg Beatles concert at the Albert Hall. Of course it was booked long before George passed away - but it is going to be very emotional - I saw George live there in 1992.

all the best
Richard Porter http://www.beatlesnews.com

Here's something from Karen Dyson:

I just caught a live/camera interview with Dr. Lederson....I hope you all can see it. He mentioned that he and his family were guests at George's home just two weeks ago. He played guitar, listened to the docs son play...and played some new songs including one called Brain Wash which is apparently about politics...

Ananova reported U.S. President George W Bush said he was saddened by the death of George Harrison. Bush said he considered The Beatles "one of the greatest groups of any time in music".

Travis paid tribute to George with "Here Comes the Sun" at the TOTP Awards tonight, Ananova also reports.

Fans gathered at the Beatles star on the Walk of Fame in Hollywood, reported AP.

Jools Holland's statement on his website:

"I'm deeply saddened to hear of the loss of my dear friend George. We've lost one of the most important figures of popular music but more importantly one of the kindest, most generous and funny people that I have ever met. All of my sympathy goes to his wife and son, and would ask that their privacy and feelings are respected."

Gerry Marsden (of Gerry and the Pacemakers),quoted by Ananova:

"A great musician has gone to heaven. George was just a nice guy and a gentleman, in a way his at least through his death he will have been released from all the pain he has been going through."

And maybe ... there's a message in all this: George's All Things Must Pass website now has only an opening screen with these words from the album's title song:

"Sunrise doesn't last all morning; A cloudburst doesn't last all day; Seems my love is up and left you with no warning...but it's not always been that way; All things must pass...all things must pass away."

It was something in the way he moved us... (Thanks to everyone for the links.)

Update V (11/30/01) There was a tribute today on NPR's "Fresh Air," which should be archived on the National Public Radio website. Also, we're told CNN will air a tribute tomorrow. From VH1:

VH1 marks the passing of George Harrison, former Beatle and inspiration to millions of fans worldwide, with the exclusive VH1 News special "Remembering George Harrison," to be presented tonight, Friday, November 30, at 6:00 p.m. (ET/PT), followed by a half-hour VH1 special featuring Beatles and George Harrison music videos (at 6:30 p.m.), and the one-hour interview/performance show "George Harrison: The Last Performance" (at 7:00 p.m.).

(This two-hour special George Harrison programming lineup will also air again later tonight at 8:00 p.m. and midnight, and tomorrow at noon.)

The half-hour VH1 News special "Remembering George Harrison," hosted by VH1 News correspondent Rebecca Rankin, includes touching tributes by friends and fans across the globe. The show also takes a look at Harrison's musical and spiritual journey, from his youth in Liverpool through the Beatles years, to his solo projects, the death of John Lennon, the Traveling Wilburys supergroup and beyond.

"George Harrison: The Last Performance" features a 1997 studio interview with George Harrison and Indian sitar master Ravi Shankar, hosted by John Fugelsang. Harrison discusses the Beatles, the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, the Concert for Bangla Desh, Bob Dylan, the Traveling Wilburys, spirituality, progress, and human evolution, among other things. And in an impromptu musical performance - which turned out to be his last public performance ever - Harrison plays the unreleased song "If You Don't Know Where You're Going," the Traveling Wilburys song "If You Belonged to Me" (originally sung by Bob Dylan), and his masterpiece, "All Things Must Pass."

VH1 Classic will join with VH1 in celebrating the life and music of George Harrison. Throughout this weekend, VH1 Classic will air "George Harrison: The Last Performance," the VH1 News special "Remembering George Harrison," and a George Harrision video retrospective. Go to VH1.com for complete coverage of George Harrison's passing.

Update III (11/30/01)

Update II (11/30/01) First, some media news: First, BBC Radio is streaming BBC Radio Merseyside live all day featuring phone-ins, discussions and tributes to George. Here's the link: http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsa/n5ctrl/live/now3.ram. (Thanks to Tim Matthews.)

Also, MJI Broadcasting is producing a 2-hour special, "George Harrison: Remembering a Legend," which is now being distributed to radio stations. The show has a wide range of music from through George's career, including rare acoustic material, including his "Rockline" duet with Jeff Lynne doing such songs as "Here Comes the Sun," "Mr. Tambourine Man" and "The Bells of Rhymney." Also included are quotes from George, Paul, Ringo and Eric Clapton. We're hoping to get a list of stations, but, in the meantime, check your local radio station. (Thanks to Sal Cirrincione.)

Also, in a repeat of an item we had elsewhere, here are links to excerpts of radio shows on George Harrison (5 min.) and John Lennon (29 min.). The full 2-hour-long Harrison show, an appreciation of George's music, was done by producer Paul Ingles for U.S. public radio stations. The program features fans talking about George's work along with music from his career. Again, check your local station. (Thanks to Paul Ingles.)

Also, we're told VH1 has a one-hour news special that not only rebroadcasts the 1997 "Chants" appearance with Ravi Shankar but apparently features outtakes from the interview and two George acoustic songs, one new and one never released, plus George's solo take of a Dylan song from Wilburys Vol. 3. Tom tells us it's the uncut taping of the George Harrison-Ravi Shankar interview. It includes George performing the magnificent "If You Don't Know Where You're Going Any Road Will Take You There," followed by a song he introduced as "half mine," "If You Belonged to Me." No times available, but apparently it'll be repeated. (Thanks to Frank McGuire.)

Also, BBC1 is showing a special tribute to George at 7 p.m. UK time, reports Ananova, which also says Radio Five Live will also broadcast a Brief Lives special at the same time to be presented by Simon Mayo.

.

``George was a best friend of mine. I loved him very much and I will miss him greatly. Both (wife) Barbara and I send our love and light to Olivia and Dhani. We will miss George for his sense of love, his sense of music and his sense of laughter.''

Paul has been in contact with Harrison's wife, Olivia, reports Ananova, telling her his death was a "great blessing" and a "very peaceful golden moment" and adding, :

"He was a lovely, lovely man. We know he's been ill for a while and we've just praying been for some kind of miracle. It wasn't to be, but I understand from his wife that he went peacefully which is a great blessing and it was a very peaceful golden moment apparently. I will just miss him but rather than just dwell on the sadness, I'm tending to start remembering all the silly little stories of where we went, all the things we did, and the laughs we had together. He was a very lovely man who didn't suffer fools gladly and didn't like interferences in his private life. He was a great man, a loving man, and I would like to ask people, particularly the media, to be very kind to Olivia and Dhani at the moment and to try and support them this time, because they need support."

Queen Elizabeth is "saddened" by George's death and British Conservative Party leader Iain Duncan Smith has also paid tribute to him, reports Ananova.

In the U.S., fans are gathering at Strawberry Fields in New York to honor George, reports Ananova.

There's been no decision by officials at a British record company that released "Horse to the Water" by George Harrison recently to release George's new song with Jools Holland, "Horse to the Water," as a single, reports Reuters, though they reported that could change.

From Cilla Black, as reported by Ananova:

I am deeply saddened and shocked to hear the news about George. My sympathies are with Olivia and Dhani and the rest of the family at this very sad time."

Fans have gathered outside Friar Park in Henley-On-Thames to pay tribute to George, leaving bouquets of flowers outside the estate, reports Ananova.
Ananova also reports that Liverpool will hold a memorial for George.

Also, Paul McCartney has cancelled his appearance at tonight's Top Of The Pops Awards ceremony. Host Jamie Theakston will read a statement from McCartney paying tribute to George Harrison. A video tribute to Harrison will also be shown during the ceremony in Manchester, reports Ananova. (Thanks to everyone for the links and notes. )

Update (11/30/01) The Associated Press reports that, according to a longtime friend, George Harrison passed away Thursday afternoon at a friend's home in Los Angeles. Olivia, George's wife, and Dhani, his son, were with him when he died. The Harrison family issued a statement: ``He left this world as he lived in it, conscious of God, fearless of death, and at peace, surrounded by family and friends. He often said, `Everything else can wait but the search for God cannot wait, and love one another.'''

A private ceremony has already taken place. A public memorial has yet to be announced.

Ananova reported that, in London, Paul McCartney told reporters:

"I am devastated and very very sad. We knew he'd been ill for a long time. He was a lovely guy and a very brave man and had a wonderful sense of humour. He is really just my baby brother. I've known George forever and he's a really beautiful guy who I love dearly. I remember all the beautiful times we had together and I'd like to remember him like that because I know he would like to be remembered like that. He was a great guy, full of love for humanity but he didn't suffer fools gladly. He's a great man. He'll be sorely missed by everyone."

Ananova reported that Yoko Ono said:

"My deep love and concern goes to Olivia and Dhani. The three of them (the Harrisons) were the closest, most loving family you can imagine. George has given so much to us in his lifetime and continues to do so even after his passing, with his music, his wit and his wisdom. His life was magical and we all felt we had shared a little bit of it by knowing him. Thank-you George, it was grand knowing you."

Alan Williams, the Beatles' first manager, said:

"He was the baby of the group. He was a very loveable person. I would say he was the major cog in The Beatles at that time. He kept them together probably because of the calming effect he had. It is very sad. I have seen three of them go now. First there was Stuart Sutcliffe who died tragically and then John Lennon who also died tragically and now George. He proved that he was a very talented songwriter. I have such fond memories of him and know he will be happy wherever he is. It is a honour to talk about such a great person."

George biographer, Alan Clayson, quoted by Ananova:

"I think his most far reaching effect on both pop music and culture in general was the fact that he introduced the idea that it was possible to take aspects of other cultures and insert them in Western pop. He was somebody who took the sitar, for example, seriously rather than treating it as some sort of fancy guitar. He went to India and studied it ... and absorbed Indian culture while he was there."

If John was the tough one, Paul the cute one, and Ringo the happy-go-lucky one, George was the spiritual one. George, we love you, now and forever.

Update (11/26/01) We had the opportunity to talk briefly Sunday to Lou Harrison, George's sister. She asked us to ...

... "thank all of the Beatle people for all their prayers and support for George. The family is grateful for their love and concern."

Update (11/21/01) Columnists Rush and Molloy in the New York Daily News reported that Paul's reunion with George last week on Staten Island was a tearful one for Paul, though they quoted a source as saying, "George is in pretty good spirits. Paul was amazed that George was able to sit up the whole time." The columnists also described George's cancer as "widespread" and wrote that George knows the seriousness of the situation. And unconfirmed reports say George's plane trip was to the West Coast. (Thanks to Ingrid McNamara.)

"I spoke to George immediately after that. He said, "I suppose you're ringing about [the newspaper reports]." I said, "Not really, but I'm concerned." He said, "I just got an e-mail from George Martin, who said, 'I promise you, George, I really didn't say that. I wouldn't ever.' " I don't really like to talk about [George's health] because I don't know enough about it. I don't really like to pry. Obviously he's had problems, and I'm not sure of the current stage of things. But every time I ring him, he's very upbeat. So I just cross my fingers and pray that things will be all right.

"Whisked here in limousines, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, the other surviving lads from Liverpool who comprised what many consider the greatest band in the history of rock 'n' roll, spent several hours with Harrison Monday. "Paul was tearful and sad about seeing George sick," the source said. "George's passing would be a major blow to all of them. There are very few people who shared what these men shared while they were making music together."

I was in NYC in October and on Sat. Oct. 13, I saw George and Olivia walking. I was walking and looking at a map near Greenwich Village when my wife said "Jerry, I think that was George Harrison that just walked by." I quickly turned and sure enough, it was him! Being a huge fan, I made a feeble attempt to shake his hand, but it was obvious (understandably) that he did not want any attention drawn his way. I patted him on the back and said "Sorry man, didn't mean to bother you!" I am happy to report that I thought he looked fantastic. He was very well-dressed (with shades on) with a long gray hair and a beard and didn't not look thin or gaunt at all. I was hoping (convinced)he was going to make a surprise appearance at the Paul concert. I personally feel that he is tired of the media scrutiny and is probably in much better shape than the media is describing. I pray that he makes a recovery and puts out the new material we have been waiting for! GOD BLESS YOU, GEORGE!!!

And, as several people kindly pointed out, George can't be staying with Dylan, since Dylan's currently on tour. Duh!

"I know many many people care and that is great. We should harness that energy of genuine love and affection and send it over as one giant prayer."

Hi Steve,

Just wanted to include a link for further information on sterotactic radiosurgery if visitors want to learn more about this type of treatment. I found a good page listed below: http://www.med.jhu.edu/radiosurgery/questions/ Don't know about it being criticised by other doctors though! The link you mentioned states that sterotactic is used for "large and advanced" tumours - this is not the case. This type of treatment is a highly specialised and labour-intensive procedure, the aim is to cure the patient (indicated by the 88% survival of patients one year later). So if these rumours *are* true - it means they're still trying!

Update (8/10/01) In an interview with the Cox newspapers, when asked about George, Ringo told writer Charles Passy, ""I am concerned. I saw George two weeks ago. . . and his spirits are high. That's all there is to say. I love the man. Godspeed his recovery.''

Lewis appeared on CNN's "Talkback Live" on Friday and blasted the British tabloid The Mail On Sunday for circulating a false story. Calling them "wicked" he revealed that he had just completed an in-depth investigation of the entire affair which exposes exactly how the story was created. Lewis' expose - with full evidence of how the dirty deed was done - will be published this coming Monday (July 30th) exclusively on the website of Time Magazine - TIME.com http://www.time.com With a nod to a well-known George Harrison song - and a clear indictment of the offending British tabloid - he has called the article "The Art Of Lying."

A "rush" (i.e. imperfect) transcript of the CNN show featuring Lewis' comments on the Harrison story - is available at http://www.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0107/27/tl.00.html (Search for Harrison in the transcript)

Lewis is known to be especially upset that Sir George Martin (who he has known and worked with on several projects over the years) was exploited by the tabloid in its efforts to spread its false story about Harrison. Lewis is appearing on Fox News Channel's program about the media - "Fox News Watch" this Saturday (10:30pm EDT) - repeated Sunday (11:00am EDT) - to express his anger and level his accusations at the tabloid.

Lewis also appeared on last Wednesday morning's "Today Show" (July 25th) on NBC in a taped segment which also featured Ringo Starr. Both of them decried the Harrison tabloid story.

Joel Siegel, ABC-TV's Entertainment Editor, himself a recent survivor of cancer surgery, is a great fan of the Fabs who shared dinner with George Harrison last February. The two men swapped treatment anecdotes at the time, but Siegel tells me "the attack [in December of 1999], George said, really traumatized him, much more than the cancer. He still had nightmares about that and rarely gave the cancer a second thought." (Courtesy of Francie Schwartz)

Next, another tribute idea to George, this from Beatlefan contributing editor (and well-known Beatle author) Rip Rense:

"GET WELL, GEORGE: A 'HARE KRISHNA' TO HARRISON."
Sunday, Aug. 5, at noon:
All fans and friends of the great George Harrison, as charitable a soul as ever to strap on a guitar, are encouraged to gather in parks and "send happy thoughts" to Mr. Harrison, as the Maharishi once advised the Beatles.

At noon sharp, please get in a group and yell "Hare Krishna!" (Even if it isn't your first choice in religious liturgy.)

Then play "My Sweet Lord"---original or new version. (Bring boom boxes.)

If you can't join friends in parks, then shout out a "Hare Krishna!" wherever you are, and pop "My Sweet Lord" into your stereo, at home or in the car.

It's a small gesture, but a display of affection and vote of good health is certainly in order, given Mr. Harrison's musical efforts to further cooperation and charity among human beings for the past 40 years.

    "That is all I have to say

    Our love could save the day."

    ---George Harrison 

Rip Rense,
Contributing Editor, Beatlefan

And from Terry Ott:

"I have heard from a number of people regarding George Harrison's reported health problems. I feel that some still have too much invested in the Beatles myth almost to the point of morbidness.

Due to the cult of celebrity, many people feel they even "know" George on a personal basis. Nothing could be further from the truth as the quiet one may not have been very quiet, but he sure is private.

When I interviewed Eric Idle last year regarding the re-release of the Rutles on DVD, Idle did not even mention the word "cancer" in our conversation because I'm sure he knew it would only be plucked out of context and possibly used to stir up more hysteria.

George has had an incredibly full life and we should celebrate this fact only instead of speculating on his death.

When I was 9 years old, I saw the Beatles in Toronto in 1964.It was always my dream to actually have a Beatle autograph, but I was to wait until 1988 before my dream was realized. The autograph-more properly a formal signature- was George's, from the limited edition, "Songs By George Harrison" book and CD set, which I purchased from a local record store for about $500.

In a perfect world, I could tell you that this artifact sits on my shelf in a hallowed Beatle place. But just like the randomness of the illness that has befallen George, circumstances dictated that I sold my treasure in 1995, during a moment of financial weakness.

But it is not the money I miss, it is the piece of George's fabulous legacy which so turned on the world. Here comes the sun, always."

Update (7/25/01) On Tuesday in an interview with "Access Hollywood," Ringo refuted rumors that George is near death. "I did see George three weeks ago and he was fine," he said. "If he had been bad he would have told me. I didn't panic because I will wait until it becomes a reality. The news is real when either George tells me or Paul tells me. We do that to each other. We say, 'Watch out, something's happened and they will be calling you'. The thing is people still think we're one body with three heads." And in an additional quote from Reuters, he said, "And all these years we've been around, you have to watch what's in the press."
And in this version, taken from Yahoo chat (thanks to Crane), he said, "The problem with George Harrison's situation is that the press went crazy over the weekend, and printed a whole deal supposedly said by George Martin, and we had to wait till Monday for George Martin to deny he said it. As we all know, George has had an operation, I saw him three weeks ago, he was in great spirits, but of course he is recovering. End of story." Another version, reported by JamMusic, quoted Ringo as saying, "It (the report) didn't look good to me really. It was a slow day, wasn't it, Sunday? ... As you know, it's been retracted in England now ... George Martin came out and said he didn't actually say it. ... That's the problem sometimes with the media, they take some craziness -- it's not their fault -- and they blow it up." (Thanks to Wendy Starr, Steve Frank and Chris Radcliff, among many others.)
And a suggestion from Steve Dirkx:

Hi - I'm normally not a praying type of guy, but the last two nights I've been chanting the Hare Krishna and imagining it flying over to Friar Park. Perhaps you could ask your readers to do the same? Let's see if it helps the George-man.

Update (7/24/01) As is now well known, both George Harrison and Sir George Martin both denied the statement quoted by the Mail. Here's a longer version of the statement issued by George and Olivia, from Undercover:

"We are disappointed and disgusted by the report. It was unsubstantiated, untrue and totally uncalled for, when in fact Mr. Harrison is active and feeling very well. It has caused untold distress amongst our family and friends. The original 'story' was conjured up by the National Enquirer, the Globe and the Daily Mail."

Update (7/23/01)

Update (7/22/01) In an interview with the UK Mail, Sir George Martin was quoted as saying that George Harrison says he's losing his battle with cancer. Quoting Sir George, "He is taking it easy and still hoping that the thing will go away. He has an indomitable spirit but he knows that he is going to die soon and he is accepting of that." He says, however, that George has maintained a positive attitude. "George is very philosophical. He does realise that everybody has got to die some time. ... He has been near death many times and he's been rescued many times as well. But he knows he is going to die soon and he's accepting it perfectly happily." (Thanks to everyone for the many emails with links and alerts, including Brad Howard, Terry Ott, Robert Fontenot, Peter Hodgson and Bob Dunn.)

The word this week from overseas is that George Harrison, the so-called quiet Beatle, has suffered another setback in his fight against cancer. Mr. Harrison is 58. He is said to be frail and fatigued from the disease and the treatment.

He is also, apparently, indomitable. "I am feeling fine," he said in a prepared statement. And he apologized for any grief he may have caused his fans. "I am really sorry," he said, "for the unnecessary worry."

Update (7/11/01) George's "All Things Must Pass" website now has a splash page with a message from George. It reads:

"Dear Friends and Fans, George Harrison would like it to be known that he is feeling fine, is not in the hospital and is sorry for any disturbance the press may have caused. Please do not worry."

As has been pointed out by wire service reports, nowhere did George confirm or deny he has a brain tumor. One news story also had George recuperating in Maui. (Thanks to Peter Dugan and Sarah Jones.)

Update II (7/9/01) George Harrison says he is "feeling fine" after successfully undergoing a course of radiotherapy at the Bellinzona Hospital in Switzerland, reports Ananova. In a statement to his fans, George said: "I am feeling fine and I am really sorry for the unnecessary worry which has been caused by the reports appearing in today's press. Please do not worry." The statement released by his lawyers also said doctors do not see any need for further treatment at the hospital, Ananova reported. Swiss cancer specialist Franco Cavalli, quoted by the Associated Press, said "Mr. George Harrison was referred to the hospital to undergo a course of radiotherapy. Harrison successfully completed this course more than a month ago and we foresee no need for further treatment here," Cavalli said in a statement.
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Update (7/9/01) This Is London quoted one source as saying, "Mr Harrison did not come under my jurisdiction. But I understand he has been receiving cobalt ray treatment for a brain tumour." And another said: 'When I saw him, he was always wearing a hat and I had the impression he had lost all his hair.'

From a Babelfish translation of the original Sonntagszeitung report (note: this is a very rough translation):

As was reported from the surrounding field of the hospital personnel, the ex-Beatle was to have been illuminated in Bellinzona because of a brain tumor with cobalt. Which could refer to a dramatic degradation of its state of health. " the patient has a cancer suffering, which forms folders, as for instance in the brain, must one assume the life expectancy is clearly reduced, says " Daniel Zwahlen, Assistenzarzt at the hospital for radio Onkologie of the university hospital in Zurich.

During his interview with Larry King in June, Paul may have alluded to George's condition during this exchange with King (note the underlined quote):

KING: How's George doing with the cancer?
MCCARTNEY: He's good. He's excellent.
KING: He did surgery, right?
MCCARTNEY: Yeah. So I understand. I don't know really much about it. I just know he's (UNINTELLIGIBLE) well and he had some surgery. But...
KING: Do you talk frequently?
MCCARTNEY: Yeah, I saw him a couple of weeks ago.
KING: You don't ask about the cancer or anything?
MCCARTNEY: Well, I do, but I let him tell me and then I don't tell people on nationwide television in case he wants to keep it private.
KING: Is he OK, though?
MCCARTNEY: Yeah. He's great. He's gorgeous, yeah.

(Thanks to Alli and Rob Nieuwveld.)
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This news item copyright Abbeyrd's Beatles Page