The Beatles’ aversion to touring is well-known, and George Harrison’s distaste for live performances extended far into his solo career. While the Fab Four had developed a solid live act in their early days in Hamburg, the overwhelming popularity they achieved in the mid-1960s made touring unbearable.
By 1966, the constant chaos, including John Lennon’s infamous “bigger than Jesus” comment and the deafening screams of fans, led The Beatles to retire from live performances and focus solely on studio work. For Harrison, the discomfort of touring persisted even after the band broke up in 1970.
While Paul McCartney, John Lennon, and Ringo Starr embraced live shows during their solo careers, Harrison remained hesitant. Known for his quiet and reflective nature, the noisy, energetic atmosphere of live concerts never suited him. Still, fans and fellow musicians yearned to see him perform, and in 1991, Harrison’s close friend Eric Clapton finally convinced him to embark on a tour.
Clapton described his pitch to Harrison as simple: all Harrison had to do was play his guitar while Clapton and his band handled the rest. Though reluctant and scared, Harrison agreed. Unfortunately, the American tour quickly turned sour. Harrison lost his voice on the first day, and excessive partying only made matters worse.
Despite the struggles, the tour didn’t completely dampen his spirit for live shows. Later that year, Harrison joined Clapton for a tour in Japan, which went much smoother.
Though the Japan tour was a success, it turned out to be Harrison’s last solo tour before his passing in 2001. His enduring aversion to live performances left a lasting impression on his solo career, highlighting his preference for a quieter, more introspective life.
