One might perceive The Beatles as a massive force in the music industry, a powerhouse that challenged the status quo. They consistently produced groundbreaking and energizing albums with remarkable speed. Untangling the aura and legendary storytelling around the four from Liverpool who formed the band is nearly impossible.
Ringo Starr played a crucial role in the band, acting as the unifying force that kept them together despite the overwhelming tension. Despite the unfortunate legal battles that marked the end of The Beatles, the band managed to reconcile most of their differences. This was before the tragic loss of John Lennon and George Harrison.
Harrison sadly passed away in 2001, losing his fight against cancer after a prolonged and challenging struggle. It was a deeply sorrowful period for fans of the band, Harrison’s family, and the bandmates who had the privilege of sharing in his extraordinary moments. The ‘Concert for George’ the following year honored his life, with his son Dhani and an all-star band paying tribute to one of the greatest songwriters of the 20th century. It is truly a remarkable celebration of a cultural icon, featuring a series of mesmerizing performances and heartfelt tributes.
This performance is truly a remarkable tribute to the legendary guitarist. Harrison’s songwriting resonated widely, his Travelling Wilburys contributions showcasing immense talent. As a content writer, it’s worth noting that the concert showcased exceptional arrangements by notable artists like Ringo Starr and Tom Petty. This highlighted Harrison’s impressive reputation as both a performer and songwriter. He gained widespread recognition for seamlessly blending elements of Eastern spirituality into his artistic creations. This spread powerful messages of harmony and togetherness. Drawn from his encounters with Ravi Shankar, Harrison brought the sitar into the limelight, ushering in a fresh perspective.
Undoubtedly, Harrison’s untimely departure sparked an outpouring of heartfelt tributes and thought-provoking documentaries. These delve into the depths of his remarkable life and enduring legacy. During a particular film, Ringo Starr had the opportunity to share his thoughts on his bandmate and close friend. Starr shares the final words spoken by Harrison, offering a deep glimpse into Harrison’s true nature, and evoking a sense of profoundness.
“During the final weeks of George’s life, he resided in Switzerland,” recalls Ringo, his voice filled with emotion as his lip quivers and a tear glistens in his eye. I decided to visit him. He was extremely unwell. He could only lie down. While he was unwell, I visited him, but I had to go to Boston because my daughter was diagnosed with a brain tumor.
“I said, ‘I have to go to Boston,’ and he responded,” recalls Ringo, his voice filled with nostalgia as he relives the moment. “Those were the last words I heard him say.” He asked, “Would you like me to accompany you?” [laughs]. It seemed absurd to think that Harrison would be able to get out of bed. However, it was evident that he was ready to go to great lengths for his dear friend, Ringo.
“So, that’s the fascinating aspect of George.”
It seems that Ringo’s background and upbringing in Liverpool, along with societal expectations of masculinity, have shaped his discomfort in openly expressing vulnerable emotions. Unaccustomed to such candid openness, Ringo quickly relies on his trademark humor to divert attention from the emotional moment. “Wow, it feels so professional and interview-focused in this environment.”
Watch the heartwarming video below and immerse yourself in the deep bond between Ringo Starr and George Harrison. They shared this bond both on and off the stage as members of The Beatles.
For a considerable duration, Ringo Starr has shouldered the burden of Harrison’s demise. He frequently reminisces about the precise moment he learned about his bandmate’s passing. It brings forth strong emotions as he reflects on Harrison’s words about him on a tape from four decades ago. The four of us were close friends with a few minor complications. And it was really impressive. So anyway, I was unsure of how to portray my emotions,” the drummer once expressed.
Reflecting on the initial days following Harrison’s passing, Starr shared: “Upon returning to LA, I experienced a period of mourning, as is customary when dealing with loss.” And George, likewise. [Emotions well up within him; his voice quivers.] I tend to be quite emotional sometimes.
Following Harrison’s passing in 2001, Ringo felt a deep urge to honor him in a way that felt truly appropriate: by expressing his feelings through his songwriting. The track, co-written by Starr with Gary Nicholson and Marl Hudson, serves as a heartfelt tribute to his dear friend. It is prominently featured on Ringo’s 2003 album, Ringo Rama. Gary Nicholson initiated the creation of that song, and Mark introduced it to us, leading us to discover its potential for customization. George was constantly occupying my thoughts,” he mentioned, referring to the song.
In a 2003 interview, Starr expressed his deep connection with George after The Beatles disbanded. He shared that the song beautifully captured his feelings of longing and missing his dear friend. This was both in his heart and through their shared love for music.
The recording of the tribute song also features a special touch: the lead guitar part was performed by Eric Clapton, a close friend of Harrison. Starr mentioned Clapton’s involvement in the song, expressing his desire to have him on board. This was due to the mutual admiration between Clapton and George Harrison. Clapton skillfully incorporates Harrison’s preferred technique, the slide guitar, to beautifully capture the essence of the song and pay homage to George.
Experience the heartfelt tribute to George Harrison with Ringo Starr’s moving song ‘Never Without You’. Stream it below.
1 comment
Such a beautiful song for two beautiful people