Concert for George

On 29th November 2001 George Harrison died, a year to the day later his friends and family gathered in the Royal Albert Hall, in London, to play some of his music to a one night audience.

Eric Clapton, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Tom Petty and the Heart Breakers, Jules Holland, Monty Python all performing on the same stage for one night!

David Leland’s film of this amazing concert and the previous week’s rehearsals as these performers prepare for a tribute to the former Beatle captures the emotions and bond these people felt towards him. They are united by a man described as an instigator and ideas man whose music reached millions.

I have to admit that I loved this film. It is not often that a documentary can grab you emotionally but through the music and the anecdotes of the performers the film gives you an intimate insight into what it was like to be a friend of George’s.

The concert encompassed classics from The Taxman on the Beatle’s Revolver Album, My Sweet Lord (a Harrison Classic) to a new composition by Music guru Ravi Shankar. Highlights for me where the Monty Python Sit on my face and Lumberjack songs, even Tom Hanks takes part in this bit!

Ringo Starr’s performance of Photograph a song he and George wrote together which now has an entirely new meaning, translated the experience of what the live concert must have been like, but the film allows you closer to the performances and the performers. (Don’t be too shocked when they first start as what appears to be the ghost of George on stage is actually Danny Harrison, his son, the likeness is uncanny!)

With these performers, music that spans four decades and the direction of David Leland there is something here for everyone. A film which will provide a different experience when seen in the cinema rather than at home on dvd, is getting a limited worldwide release.

If you are a fan of Harrison, The Beatles, Clapton, Monty Python or just Music this is a film which you should try and see in the cinema but if you can’t, get hold of the dvd when it is released as it is a film which captures a moment that will never be repeated.

I would like to give this five stars but first time out and the knowledge that some people prefer garage music four and a half!!!!!

Pip Johnstone