Concert For George, organised in memory of the late, great George Harrison, impresses by the sheer volume of performers on stage at any one time - from featured artists to several orchestras, three drummers, ten guitarists, and numerous singers, all of whom read like a veritable who's-who of the last fifty years of popular music. Many of the performers looked so 'unstarlike' and unpretentiously attired, they seemed more like the bloke who lives next door than internationally-renowned rock icons - the only person dressed as if it really was a special occasion was Ringo Starr. An onstage appearance by the Monty Python team seems slightly incongruous, however. George Harrison apparently regarded them as taking over where The Beatles left off. That is, they started the year The Beatles stopped - though of course George Harrison also played a major role in producing several Monty Python feature films under the aegis of his film production comapny, Handmade Films.
Some performers seemed completely unconnected to others: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and Paul McCartney spring to mind. This however makes for interesting viewing, as it does say something about George Harrison's diverse collection of friends and collaborators. It is also rather fun to hear all their different interpretations of his songs. Tom Petty's rendition of one song is so eerie that Alice Cooper or Ozzy Osborne couldn't have done it any better. Ringo Starr surprised me with a beautifully silken voice and an utterly adorable performance style. Billy Preston presents the blues/soul versions of George's songs. The duet between Eric Clapton and Paul McCartney on the other hand is more like a screechy shouting competition.
Full marks for style, lighting and sound on this production, though, and the film is skilfully edited and so smooth you often forget how many cameras there were in the hall. Intermittently there are cuts to the pre-concert rehearsals. Here we are given snippets of information about George from several of his friends. The film would perhaps have benefited from more elaborate interviews, but I suspect that this would have turned Concert for George into more of a documentary. Concert films should after all be about music. How pleasant, then, to see one that is short on gimmicky dry ice, flashing lights, pyrotechnics and showy dancing and packed full of good old-fashioned rock and roll. If you loved George Harrison's music, you're going to love these new interpretations of his songs, and undoubtedly love this film as well.
Reader comments about Concert For George
Lou Farace (farace2@cox.net) writes:
My comment is on your review of the Concert For George by Elke de Wit. I had to chuckle when I read that your reviewer "felt sorry" for those who attended the actual concert. I travelled from San Diego, California to London to attend the concert because I knew it would be an historic occasion and an artistic triumph. It's true that I could not see the performers' faces "close-up", but I could smell the incense, hear the music being performed live, share in the spirituality and emotion of the event and be showered in flower petals. Your reviewer undoubtedly loves films but should not mistake the value of viewing an event on film for the value of being a participant in that event. In the end, I got to see the close-ups as well when the film played here recently. I urge everyone who loves George Harrison and The Beatles to see this film. It is a remarkable achievement.
cantona_x (cantona_x@263.net) writes:
It's a big big surprise to see that George's son is like his father so much!
allegrimr@uninetcom.it (Email address withheld) writes:
non ho visto il concerto di George perchè qui in Italia non l'hanno pubblicato,immagino la gioia di tanti ascoltare le sue canzoni ciao a tutti Renato e Imelda
Gil Yslas (Email address withheld) writes:
Undoubtedly the best music film on it's
kind. The integrity and sincerity of
the musicians paying tribute to a
monumental artist of the 20th century
really comes through in flying colors.
The highlight to me was Joe Brown's
excellent interpretation of "Here
Comes the Sun". A must collection for
anyone who loved the Beatles and especially George. Mr. Harrison no
doubt will leave his mark eternally as
on of the greatest musician songwriters
in the past 100 years or so. Buy it,
you won't regret it for one second.
Bob (Email address withheld) writes:
Great job by all on the DVD. Very touching. I wonder why the "media" didn't promote his Brainwashed CD and this DVD more. People need to hear this stuff. His music is so complicated but simple to the ear. I miss his work.
David Ochoa (voolf@aol.com) writes:
I just watched, in awe, the Concert For George and was blown away by the female singer who sang "Horse to Water." She does not receive credit, that i can find, on the dvd material. who is she? reminded me of a young Maggie Bell.
Rene Bouwman (Email address withheld) writes:
I watcht it over and over, it really blows you away!!
I think they all did a great job.
Listen to that guitarist Marc Mann,he's great.
And I like the way Jeff Lynne Singing Give Me Love, what a voice !
customfrank (Email address withheld) writes:
My family loves this DVD. The music is awesome.The camerawork im my opiion could have been better in respect to Marc Mann and Andy Fairweather Low. These guys were lights out and the cameras didn`t catch them enough. Especially when Marc Mann was playing slide and almost all the lead parts and also when Andy got to play Georges psychadelic Stratocaster. You had to really look to see these guys light it up but all in all it is a fantastic show that will almost bring you to tears. The Indian music performed by Ravi Shankars daughter and the orchestra is beautiful and all the players were great. You won`t find many music DVDs better than this. Great job by Clapton & Lynne putting this show together.
EddieJMack (Email address withheld) writes:
The music, the sound, the lighting, the camera work..all excellent. I was also struck by the understated, classy atmosphere. It was so consistent with Harrison's personal style. Elegant, understated, and timeless. The emotion from Clapton in his playing, his interviews, and his stage presence made me realize how much he loved his friend George. At the end of the show, the song "I'll See You in My Dreams" performed by Joe Brown, was such a warm, peaceful way to end the night. Again, you could see the effect it had on everyone there. It's a beautiful program of great music and love for George. We miss him.
neil memmott (Email address withheld) writes:
So, so good- we have never heard anything to match the sounds that came out of the Albert Hall that night. Every one that took part deserves an oscarof some kind, they were all so professional, dedicated and together and the sounds they made that night were bliss - a wonderful tear jerking production for a nice guy.
Ian S. Davidson (Email address withheld) writes:
It was my privilege to attend this concert. It was worth every penny. Later I met some of the artists at the Stage Door. Joe Brown was a star, but it is difficult to single out any of the artists. Clapton, to me, was a revelation. He is so talented and so professional. " Isn't It A Pity " was a favourite on the night. Good on you, Billy Preston! As I looked down on the stage towards the conclusion of the event, I could hardly believe the names that were there. They all played their part; they all showed their love for George that night. George was there - in the person of Dhani his son. What a talented young man he is!
I drove all the way from Glasgow to London to be there - an event that was unique, memorable and emotional. I doubt if there will ever be anything like it again. Thanks to the organizers for a beautiful, commemorative programme. And thank you Joe Brown, Jeff Lynne and Albert Lee for signing it.
The crowd at the Stage Door later on also saw Sir George Martin walking home.
Dylan was the only absentee.
David (Email address withheld) writes:
This is a brilliantly stunning film of a magic concert. Its very easy for this sort of show to miss the spot, but this has highlights all through,including the Indian set. Then we have fantastic performances from Joe Brown, whose star still shines bright,what a surprise after all this time, and daughter Sam with Jools on Horse to the Water.Jeff Lynnes vocals are very strong and also so are Clapton's vocals , particularly with Macartney in the background on While My Guitar Gently Weeps, I watch this over and over and Eric's playing on this matches his reputation, absolutely fantastic
It helps that the sound and picture quality of the film is so good, as you can pick out all of the players and various sounds, including Billy Prestons swirling trademark hammond organ.Nice touch visually to see the shots of the drummers arms in unison several times, particularly on Wah Wah, no doubt due to Ray Cooper's input on direction
At the end of the day, this is an excellent show, which goes a long way to reflect the outstanding quality and real contribution of the "Quiet" Beatle
Tom (wipeout1960 (at) yahoo (dot) com) writes:
This is the first place I found that I saw talk of Marc Mann. I am a huge Harrison, and Clapton fan, and after viewing the Concert For George I was blown away by this guy playing guitar in the backround. I've been searching the internet and have only found a few things about him. This is the first place I found where others were posting what I was thinking about Mann. Any more info would be great. Thanks.
mike pitts (mpitts@organo.com) writes:
nice show.. was very impressed by Marc
Mann and exellent playing. He didn't get the camera time as often as i would have liked to have seen. not much info on the man.. would like to know more.
Stig (USA) (stig_ohara@hotmail (dot)com) writes:
The first time the band *really* started cooking was when Sam Brown sang Horse to Water. What a voice !!
The other standout was Marc Mann.
His flawless, stunning guitar work stole the whole show for me. His sound & phrasing were uncanny. I must find out more about this guy.
Charli (Email address withheld) writes:
I thought the whole concert was amazing. Can't stop watching it! The sad thing is that Sam Brown's Horse to the Water is not included in the cd version.
Charli (Email address withheld) writes:
I thought the whole concert was amazing. Can't stop watching it! The sad thing is that Sam Brown's Horse to the Water is not included in the cd version.
name withheld (Email address withheld) writes:
What a great concert, I would love to have been there. Marc Mann was an amazing standout performer, why is there so little info out there on this man. I thought he deserved to be featured more than he was. I look forward to hearing some more of his work.
Listen to his strings on Marwa Blues (Brainwashed). Outstanding.
SO (Email address withheld) writes:
This is a great concert. Excellent perfomances by everyone involved, and the sound and picture qualities are top rate.
I love the Beatles, and after watching this show, I appreciate George's music even more.
Steve Boyd (Email address withheld) writes:
I too thought Marc Mann was fantastic and want to know more about him which is why I'm here.
What a concert. I was in tears watching it for the first time - and I'm over 50!. The way Eric put it all together was just amazing. So professional.
Ringo was a delight.
I couldn't take my eyes off Dhani. It was just so spooky seeing him looking the image of young George.
Awesome. Thank you to all the fabulous performers for giving their time and their love.
Steve Ruckel (Email address withheld) writes:
Fantastic musicianship,especially by unsung heroes Marc Mann and Andy Fairweather Low. Without those two guys in the band, the songs wouldn't have sounded nearly as well as they did which, as true fans of George would notice, the little guitar bits that they played hit their mark. Thanks fellas, and all the musicians for creating a lasting and memorable tribute to George, whom we all miss.
Phil Wheeler (philwheeler@hotmail.com) writes:
This concert really blew me away absolutely awsome. I came across it by chance, flicking through the TV channels and there it was on BBC-1 (02-04-04 11.30pm) I taped the concert and have whatched it a number of times.
The highlite for me was Billy Preston singing "isnt it a pity" and brilliant on the Hammond organ.
Joe Brown looks the same as he did 30 years ago.
I must get the DVD of this concert so I can watch it over & over again
AWSOME.
Suzy Apps (RedWolfCub@iprimus.com.au) writes:
I think this was one of the best concerts I have seen in a long, long time. What a beautiful tribute to the late George Harrison. I was so impressed by Eric Clapton's performances, especially on While My Guitar Gently Weeps. Dhani is the spitting image of his father, it was like watching George at the height of the Beatle's fame. I was moved to tears several times and was blown away at other moments. It was awesome, any Beatle or George Harrison fan should not miss this concert!
John Argyropoulos (Email address withheld) writes:
Stunning moving tribute to a very loved singer songwriter/musician.
Watching the lovingly egoless performances of such beautiful songs, including the indian music was wonderful, it felt as if George was leading proceedings.
Dhani is a visual clone of George circa 1965.
Top marks to all associated with this production.
Thank you George.
Dave (kearneyd(at)erols(dot)com) writes:
What a great film and DVD ... I have to keep myself from just watching this over and over.
I love the whole production, but I'd like to add my applause to others here who noted Andy Fairweather Low and Marc Mann's contributions. I think the other "side men" fall into this category, including paritcularly Albert Lee, Dave Bronze, Jim Horn, and Tom Scott.
Fairweather got some better "face" attention in the "George's Band" extra on the DVD Disc 2, in part because he filled in for Tom Petty's vocals in the rehearsal segment. Ringo paid him tribute in the "concert" version on Disc 1, and at the end of the show, you can see the two of them talking.
I'm curious about Klaus Voorman who didn't seem to be in too many of the songs. Any behind the scenes news on him?
Is there any other behind-the-scenes stuff out there? I'm curious how the three Harrison songs LEFT TOTALLY OUT of the theatrical version were chosen ... Wah Wah (the concert band finale, led by Clapton), I Need You (beautifully done by Tom Petty, in Petty style), and That's the Way It Goes (Joe Brown).
In the theatrical release, Gary Brooker's incredible Old Brown Shoe made only the closing credits ... this seem more glaring because it wsa Brooker's ony lead performance. Jeff Lynne's Give Me Love also only made the end credits (in the theatrical release). I guess there was just too little time to squeeze the other five performances into the available time.
And, yes, Sam Brown and Jools Holland's "Horse to the Water," was amazing .... what a voice and what energy!
Dave (kearneyd(at)erols(dot)com) writes:
I feel remiss that I didn't mention Ravi Shankar's music that opened the concert ... I enjoyed this portion immensely also. It included compositions by Ravi, plus George's The Inner Light (vocal and guitar by Jeff Lynne), a piece with Clapton, and beautiful sitar work by Ravi's daughter, Anoushka Shankar.
George has been quoted as saying about Anoushka:
"Most people are musicians simply because they play a certain instrument; when they play that instrument, the music appears. But Ravi – to me, he is the music; it just happens to be that he plays the Sitar. And it’s like that with Anoushka. She has that quality ... she is the music."
www.anoushkashankar.com/
Andres (ros.rj@ig.com.br) writes:
The DVD it is the best musical, that i saw, to the date.The second it is the EC and Friend, in the madison Square Garden. Like others, i am shocked, with the perfomance of Mr. Marc Mann, and this solo guitar on while my guitar gently weeps, when frankly, even liking Mr Clapton very much, I would have preferred, Mr Mann closing the solo guitar in this music, in wah wah, his solo guitar it is amazing, and the camera even show the man playing in any moment, but aside that, the interpretarion, of the musics of George and The Beatles, are better than the original ones, i need to say more???
(Email address withheld) writes:
It seems to me that we all want to know more about Marc Mann. His performance in this concert was amazing, just look at his resume that is even more amazing, but we still don't know who he is, what is his musical background, he is more than a rock and roll guitarist. Anyone know????
joan hearn (joan.hearn@ntlworld.com) writes:
I taped this show for my son and loved it so much I bought the DVD.Spellbound
is how I felt watching the show - full of magical performances by George's friends. I only wish I could have been there. His music will last forever.Sam Brown was fantastic on "Horse to the Water" and her father's gentle "See you in my Dreams" ended a brilliant show for me - with a lump in my throat.
Scotty (Email address withheld) writes:
I had goosebumps throughout the whole
Georges Band section of the film.These musicians,that George loved so well,showed how much love and respect they could give in return.
And I agree that it would not have been the same if not for those "special" sidemen Andy Fairweather Low,Albert Lee,and the absolutely FLAWLESS,yet mysterious Marc Mann.
p.s.(Is Sam Brown available?) She was incredible.
chet bennett (chetbennett.com) writes:
ive watched it 50 times !!,marc mann WOW !!albert lees solo on "honey dont" is one of the best intupertations of rock a billy ive ever heard. sam brown we needed to see, hear more of her.what can one say ......jeff lynne became roy orbisons voice in the traveling wilburys.dhani is george , i couldnt get over that. every one gave a killer performance,as a engineer/producer it was excellent in every phase .....i do have to admit the closing of the show with joe brown brings tears .......dont know about you but i never wanted it to end !!
chet bennett (chetbennett.com) writes:
sorry sam is married and has 2 children . check her out .....sam brown on the web.
Mike Pennington (mm.pennington@virgin.net) writes:
An absolute zillion carat nugget!
chet bennett (chetbennett.com) writes:
you just saw some of the greatest musicians and singers who have stood the test of time and have mellowed their craft to the point of a fine wine . the concert took you in and you became friends with then as they befriend you, theres nothing greater than a "fine wine and friends" !
(Email address withheld) writes:
Okay now we know Sam Brown is married, but what about Marc Mann, anyone know????
neil parker (neilparker@blueyonder.co.uk) writes:
Wonderful,magical music from sweet Georges'gifted friends.. My beef was not knowing who those players - not readily identifiable were? So, I looked them up to find... Marc Mann, the superb slide guy with the silly hat! Albert Lee, the one playing the solo in honey dont.. Dave Bronze,who mirrored Pauls' bass on all tracks to the note! The bass line is absolutely intrinsic to each song and the unsung hero of popular music...
Jackson (Email address withheld) writes:
Take note all you performers that need huge light shows, naked dancers and miming musicians.
Take a month off the glory train and study the Concert for George DVD. You will learn more about song craftmanship, real musicianship, mateship and spiritualism than a lifetime on the ego-bus.
An awesome performance by everyone on stage. Like everyone, I'm scratching my head and scouring the internet to find more about Marc Mann - no luck so far. My son has pinched my Gerry Rafferty 'City to City' CD, but I'm almost 100% certain that Andy Fairweather played the immortal Stratocastered guitar solo in Baker Street.
Great to hear Sam Brown in fine voice and damn it - she's married! Father Joe brought a tear to my eye on the closing tune I'll see you in my dreams.
Ringo - we all you. How can anyone not love Ringo? Henry and Jim (the drummers) were playing your parts in many of those songs and it was great to see you get up there and make it a perfect 3.
Good on you Paul. Who else could physically subdue his cosmic status and just be one of the boys on a night where fame and fortune were left outside the backstage entrance.
Ravi, Anoushka and Co provided us with an insight to the spiritual side of George we'd only read about.
OK, that's all for me. I'm going back to watch the DVD another time.....
Mike Zala (Email address withheld) writes:
Sensational.
However, a great shame there wasn't a close-up of Klaus, or a close-up of George's 12 string Rick which sat on the stage all night.
Can't believe, with all those cameras, they missed Olivia hugging Dhani during Joe's final number. Big roar from the crowd, but we missed it!
Also a shot of George's picture during "Photograph." A bit too obvious, maybe.
Just a few annoyances, but I love the DVD.
Johnno (Email address withheld) writes:
Does anyone know why Bob Dylan was not in the band?
Mike (redvers@blueyonder.co.uk) writes:
Loved the DVD.
I remember the Beatles starting out, their music brings back so many memories.
George was an amazing musician and I still try to play his songs now at 63.
Thank you Eric for a memorable and moving experience. Your guitar may quietly weep but I was close to it as well.
Philip Kenney (Email address withheld) writes:
I too am most impressed with the Guitar playing of Marc Mann- stunning flawless playing.Also Andy Fairweather Low's Guitar work and Vocal imput was impressive.
Also what about Ray Cooper, I thoroughly enjoyed watching his great percussion and visual entertainment.
All the performers were fantastic.
What a show, and a Tribute to our beautiful friend, George.
Chloe C. (Email address withheld) writes:
Me again!! I still have some of the scented petals that fell from the ceiling at the end of the concert, still smelling beautiful. I've managed to spot myself in the audience on the DVD.Dhani's well fit!!!!
Chloe C. (Email address withheld) writes:
I thought it was the most brilliant event ever! Not only to see on DVD, but to actually be there is pure magic.I'm only under 15 but I still think the music of George Harrison is better than anything around today
Steve F (droverdriver@hotmail.com) writes:
I'm so glad to find somewhere like this site, where I can share my thoughts with others on this absolutely stunning musical treasure. Have really enjoyed reading the comments of others similarly affected by this concert.
The concert was shown on television here in Australia earlier in 2004. Quite simply, this is the most enjoyable couple of hours of television I believe I have ever enjoyed.
I'm a Beatles nut from way back, so I'm interested in whatever is shown on any of the boys. I just never regarded George as the truly brilliant songwriter that this show proves he was.
I can't stop playing the concert at home. I'm toying with the idea of creating a community where lovers of this event from around the world can get together and share our joy. If you think you might be interested in this, please feel free to email me.
jerry pendleton (wjpenn1@hotmail.com) writes:
the most magical, enlightning experience i have ever experienced,to realize that the human spirit is capable of expressing so much love and beauty was wonderful to see.all the performers were obviously very happy to be there, everyone had a smile and a hug for anyone who needed it.it was the first time i really understood just how talented a composer george was,the music was uplifting and brought alot of people together.something i would expect would make george feel the concert was a great success,even more than the wonderful performances by all the musicians.it touches me deeply every time i view it and listen to the music.
Lance Jefferson (trueones@hotmail) writes:
an enlightening experience and a most sensitve review. George's music is a lesson in lateral thinking to us all. one small question, what is a Cockamamie Business?
Dave (kearneyd@erols.com) writes:
Johnno ~ I also wondered about Bob Dylan and his absence. The biggest absence that I wondered about was the absence of the Lennons. I did see a publicity shot of Yoko Ono with Dhani, if I remember correctly, at the film's premier (it might have been Olivia and Ono together, it's been a while ... :-)
It would have been a nice to have had Sean or Julian on stage maybe, IMHO, to represent John. Maybe they were in the audience? Does anyone know any background on who was invited, and couldn't come, or why some artists with close Harrison connections maybe weren't invited?
basil (Email address withheld) writes:
fantastic, watched the concert 5 time cried each time .miss you george
BillSaysThis (Email address withheld) writes:
Have to agree with all the positive love on this thread, which I'm sure George would have appreciated so cheers to you all. I was lucky enough to record this with my TiVo off a PBS broadcast a few months back and find myself watching 20 minutes here and 45 minutes there all the time. Especially terrific for me is Billy Preston's My Sweet Lord"; I found this page looking for who played slide on it and I see that the mysterious Mr. Mann is my answer, thanks.
Patrick (Email address withheld) writes:
I really cried.
The simple humility of George's music will shine forever in our hearts.
Thank you very much.
chardon (Email address withheld) writes:
i watched this concert again last night for the ump-teenth time and it is as fresh and beautiful as it was upon first viewing.
i bought this dvd not expecting much in spite of the all-star cast. but, it swept me away. you felt the love with every note, the smiles on the faces were genuine and the production was classy. george harrison was a class-act and this group of musicians and friends honoured him with performances and music that would have made him smile. it left me wanting more. for new fans of george harrison, you will be happy to know that there IS so much more to hear. this concert just scratched the surface of his musical history. he left us so much.
Jaime (from Peru) (jmena@cgate.com) writes:
I have no words to thank such wonderful man who created such wonderful music. His love for music is well payd back through the love we (the whole world) feel for him and his legacy.
Also thanks to the great artists who not only demosntrated why they were George's closer friends and why they still are shinning stars and great professionals (band's perfomrance was outstanding), they also show us George' spirit was there that nigth and is alive forever.
Outstanding job of Eric & Jeff as directors.
I also wanna know where Marc Mann used to play. Anyone who can answer please??
ORV (Orv@sbcglobaldotnet) writes:
Nice to find some information on this concert. I just spend the last couple of nights watching it.
Have to agree with the comments concerning Marc Mann, he was spot on flawless with every note. I have found that he was the keyboard player in Oingo Boingo, go figure.
I have to disagree though with the gentleman that thought he should have played the lead in While My Guitar... Clapton played that lead originally and I feel his performance on this cements his position as possibly the most important guitarist of all time in rock music. (or so it seemed at the time)
Great show!!
Andrew (acraig@nexon.com.au) writes:
As Ravi Shankar said at the outset that he "strongly feels that George is here tonight", so he surely was,thus explaining the extraordinary cohesion and spot on contributions from all the performers.
George's presence & energy was ever- present in this amazing event.
emdorchen (emdorchen@yahoo.com) writes:
The audio cd is really fatastic. It reflects harrison greatness as a songwriter, composer and musicians.
Neil Mc (Email address withheld) writes:
Reading all these comments, I've just realised how stunned I still am, after my first watching of the concert months ago. The tears still flow so easily.
I've just watched Marc Mann playing lead on 'While My Guitar Gently Weeps' (George's induction to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame) - it's just staggering how he creates a perfect sound. I too would like to find out more about this guy.
richard joly (Email address withheld) writes:
As I understand it, the people on stage are people who were collaborators of GH.
Neither Sean or Julian fit that description.
Yoko was indeed at the premiere.
ONOWEB
http://www.jeclique.com/onoweb
Tom Goodrum (tsgoodrum@comcast.net) writes:
My wife and I bought this CD shortly after it came out and have viewed it over and over while sharing it with friends. I too was completely blown away by Sam Brown's performance. Where has she been all my life? I will definitely go look for her CD's past and present. We were so impressed by all the performers and feel that each one was hand picked to do the particular song each performed. What a great night it had to be for the audience. The Beetles songs never sounded better.
Lindsey Bance (lindseybance@darleydale99.fsnet.co.uk) writes:
I watch this DVD again and again. I love it. However, I'd like to know who some of the backing artistes are. I think there could have been at least a photo of each of them. I particularly enjoyed seeing Andy again; last seen singing Bend Me Shape Me!
Ella Moyes (deliella@yahoo.com) writes:
I was a bit leary to hear others singing George's songs...especially certain ones that are....George songs...what a surprise I was in for!! Here comes Beware of Darkness, perfect!..Taxman and I Need You...amazing! Horse To The Water....what is there to say but....WOW!!!! My Sweet Lord...Thank you Billy. It was so so special to see Ringo drumming and Paul down fron..so sweet and touching...that is what the whole show was, and thankgoodness for DVD's so we can watch it over and over. It always brings tears..and it always brings smiles! WAH WAH is fun to watch..all of it is. Thank you to EVERYONE...including all thewonderful Shankar's and musicians with them.This is the best gift.....All our lovin' to dear George...his family and his family of friends...Thank you!!!!!
Witheld (Email address withheld) writes:
Find Marc Mann on Jeff Lynne's ELO
ZOOM DVD....and on the CD version. Apparently was back up for Clapton's band in the past and worked with George Harrison (Brainwashed) and Jeff Lynne a lot besides all the orchestral stuff with Danny Elfman and the movie scores.
Norman Thomas (nthomas1@twmi.rr.com) writes:
It's great to read so many comments that echo my own feelings about the concert. I just watched it for the fourth time and was mesmerised again by Anoushka Shankar's sitar playing. The rock band was amazing. As somebody who grew up in Liiverpool in the the 50's and 60's I've always been a big Beatles fan and especially loved Harrison's songs. I could not believe how wonderfully the disparate group of musicians on stage performed his songs. I was about to list some highlights but I really can't think of a number that I didn't enjoy immensely - it's hard to pick ouit a favorite. Joe Brown was a revelation - haven't heard of him for years. Eric was his usual brilliant self - and nicely understated. I too was blown away by Marc Mann's guitar playing and Andy Fairweather-Lowe's contribution. I enjoyed Andy on Eric's unplugged album and it was good to hear him again (a long time since he was wide-eyed and legless!). Highlights: I guess they were seeing Dhani looking so much like his father; the soaring guitar solos; watching the three drummers playing in unison on Wah Wah: the glorious sound of ten guitarists playing together - with not an ego in sight; and oh, those wonderful Harrison lyrics and melodies. Superb! It still brings tears to my eyes.
anne hayres (Email address withheld) writes:
I loved Marc Mann's guitar work and also found this site looking for info on him. What piercingly soulful sounds he makes on that slide guitar while looking so down to earth and just plain enjoying himself, dancing about. I liked his hat! Sam Brown - what a gal! All the musicians played with such energy, love and joy that whenever I feel low and need a boost, I put on my DVD of the concert. There I am, dancing around the house singing to the wonderful music of beautiful George, then feeling as if somehow, I am part of Georges' camaradarie of friends and life is warm and happy again. I even like the Uke now.
Norman Thomas (Email address withheld) writes:
For those of you looking for information on Marc Mann take a look at:
http://home.socal.rr.com/musepros/AMG9.html
A friend of mine in the UK sent me this. It shows a list of albums he's appeared on. He seems to be mostly an arranger (that's how he's listed on the Marwa Blues track on Brainwashed). He certainly plays a mean guitar.
(Email address withheld) writes:
For another look at Marc Mann, check out the DVD ZOOM live tour from ELO. He plays guitar and keyboards and is the arranger for the Cello parts. Talented Mann ! The whole DVD is great especially if you are a Jeff Lynne fan. This seems to be the only other place he appears that I can find
(Email address withheld) writes:
I, too, found this site looking for info on Marc Mann. I agree with just about everything said so far. Apparently, Bob Dylan was on tour the night of the CFG, but made mention of it at his show, and played "Something" in tribute.
Steve F (droverdriver@hotmail.com) writes:
I'm back again. Have given the CD a rest over the last few months after a real hammering.
Here I am, early Xmas Day in Australia, and the CD is playing again through my headphones as I type. "Isn't It A Pity", a song I didn't even know about before the concert, has the hairs standing up on my arms - just like it did months ago.
I have the player on shuffle, so who knows what's coming up next - but I'm going to really enjoy the next hour or so.
Somebody earlier on in the thread said it exactly for me - an absolute zillion carat nugget !
J.P.Wilde (Email address withheld) writes:
Amazing DVD.Beautifully filmed and edited.Real emotion in the marvellous interperetations of George`s songs.All involved were outstanding.Great to see and hear Ringo.Also as said many times,Marc Mann absoluteley fantastic.Not enough space here to sing all the praises id like to.
Clive Armitage (cliveart2003@yahoo.co.uk) writes:
Like many,I arrived at this site by way of trying to find any information on Marc Mann.Each time I watch the DVD
I am mesmerised by his performance and just assumed he was one of George's pals from the past who happened to know all his guitar lines verbatum. I don't have much knowledge of ELO exept that most of the Move were in it, so that came as a bit of a supprise when I read of his connection. Pity he didn't play George's "Be Bop A Lula" strat, the painted one in Magical Mystery Tour. See Mike Cambell use it on Petty's Full Moon Fever video,also featuring the big G. I will never get bored of watching this sublime concert.My only regret not being there at the time. Quick salute to the ever watchable Ray Cooper, maestro of the tambourine !
srini (Email address withheld) writes:
I have seen Marc playing Coacaine in a live concert video sharing the lead improvisation equally with Eric. Marci seenyoung with a square crop and half sleeves shirt and an amazing lead. It is a disappointment that leon russel and Bob dylan -were in Concert for Bangladesh- were no seen - I am curious why?
Also in the Bob Dylan's 30 th Anniversary concert, in the song Back Pages a young man the middle seen moving george to the sideage and the same young man was jumping when george id Absoulutely Sweet marie. I am curious about George's participatio there and the young man.
I am so much in tears that "those were the days" and the particapants are slowly disapperaing and the era wil never again be the same with changing tastes and and music making micro processors . I am a huge fan of the beatles but more of george always. i appreciated Paul in many ways . For you blue and All thing must pass for which george unsuccessfully tried to get it in a Beatles Album. The song Wah Wah was about paul but his participation was graceful.I always liked and wished for their reunion - after all their togethernes regardless of differences in talents is what impressed their fans.
(Email address withheld) writes:
If you check out the Beatles Anthology, a 5 DVD set, you will see many recent interviews with George, Paul and Ringo all together reminiscing and enjoying each others company so don't feel too bad, I think they reconciled quite well. I just don't think they were too public with their private lives.
Interestingly, Marc Mann played a part in that DVD set, he and Jeff Lynne worked on some old Lennon tapes and helped to produce "Free as a Bird" and one other I believe, which one escapes me right now. This set is also a great buy.
I would like to see that live concert video of a young Marc Mann, is it readily available anywhere.
Joe (jandjmason@Earthlink.net) writes:
What a fabulous concert!I watch it over & over,performers were great, standout was Marc Mann,why have I never heard of this briliant guitarist before!anyone know his history?even did work I thought was Claptons own!
Sad to hear of the death of Jim Capaldi.
(Email address withheld) writes:
Marc Mann has had an extensive career by the looks of it, playing with Oingo Boingo earlier. Seems to have a big career in production and arranging. Works with the Danny Elfman team on movie scores etc. Do a google search and see his extensive list of credits. I think he played with Clapton in the past and works a lot now with Jeff Lynne, has worked on a lot of Beatles stuff with Lynne, helping with Free as a bird and Real Love for the Beatles Anthology Set.
Would be nice to see some of his own stuff. I have the ZOOM Live DVD and he is featured on that it is very good also.
Yosser (Email address withheld) writes:
Amazing concert, thought 'Something' was the most emotional song although that has some personal overtones for me.
I did detect that Macca's voice wavered during the intro.
Ann (Rocksnob53@yahoo.com) writes:
I love reading about the not only awesome guitarist but multitalented and great guy Marc Mann. As I write this, my son is recording with him in sunny so. CA. The first time I saw Marc was on the wonderful Concert for George when my son called to tell me the "guy in the back with the hat playing guitar" jammed with him the weekend before. And it's gone from there!
Dave (daveonsoyers@yahoo.ca) writes:
I thought McCartney was spectacular. His singing on All Things Must Pass was brilliant. His harmonizing with EC on Something was magical. And,it looked like he kept his ego in check through out the night. Way to go Paul!What a great evening. By the way,where was Dylan?
Peter McNamara (petemcnamara@blueyonder.co.uk) writes:
Marc Mann & Andy Fairweather Low were outstanding. This was a true honest tribute to one of the worlds most under rated musicians. Would have loved to have seen Anoushka and all the superb indian musicians do `Within you, without you. Macca is still the man...cool or what !
Beetle George (Boyle428@aol.com) writes:
I took my little boy George to his first ever big screen movie (3 years old in the pouring rain-Downtown Philadelphia at THE ROXY) and the two of us have never been the same. We received the disc the following Christmas and have watched both Discs in excess of 100 times each. I have been researching every player on the stage and finding what relationship they shared with George Harrison and Olivia. Mark Mann rules the guitar riffs. just watch closely and listen. This Concert is the best tribute in years. My 2 year old was born on Paul Mccartney's 60th birthday. Guess what his name is!
Leenie (Efschul@ao.com) writes:
I saw the last 15 minutes of "Concert for George" on a public TV station in the USA a few months ago. I decided to buy the DVD and CD for myself for my birthday (earlier this month).
This event was heavenly for me. Curiously, I watched it in full a few times (never tiring) on the anniversary of the passing my dear Pisces friend.....George was a Pisces too...I think I have now watched or listend to the DVD and CD over a dozen times....
When Dhani said towards the end of the show, "....Eric, you're the man....", I felt as if the spiritual mantle of music was officially passed to Eric....
I saw George and the Beatles, 3 times before I reached the ripe old age of 15, and this event was not only my way to put closure on George's passing, but also to officially begin the further celebration of George's music and life.
When George passed in November of 2001, my pals and I were stll in shock and very down because of the terrorist attacks in the USA, I was just too numb to accept George's passing....I remember keeping cool and quiet all day in work, coming home and cranking up "Give Me Love (Give Me Peace on Earth, then breaking down while on the phone with a friend, when we heard the words, "....help me cope with this heavy load...."
My departed Pisces friend, also loved George, so, this event had a dual spiritual meaning for me. Getting mushy here...but then again...I am a Pisces too....
EC - can't find words to express what he did for this event and his wonderful music. I was also weeping during "While My Guitar Gently Weeps". EC's solo blew me away....I guess Clapton is still G-d!
Jeff -- sounded like a choir boy...what a voice!
Billy - OMG - his solo on "Isn't it Pity" had me awestruck.
Joe Brown - "I'll See You in My Dreams", my tears were flowing. Been singing it (in and out of the shower)in English and French for weeks now...
Tom Petty, Ringo, Jim Capaldi, Gary Brooker, Marc Mann, Ray Cooper, Billy Preston, Andy Fairwhether Low,
Klaus, Jools Holland, Joe (and Sam) Brown, Paul, the female backup vocalists, the Shankars, et.al, and all the many others, involved with this event, I salute and thank you all for this beautiful and poignant gift to George, his family, and the fans....
don (dons@kramerprinting.com) writes:
I've been turning my friends on to the DVD. I love the complete concert disk the best. The performances were flawless. I sometimes turn off my tv and just listen to it. The sound is amazing!
Thanks to Eric and Jeff and Olivia for putting this thing together. The best concert film I've ever seen.
The only thing missing was "What is Life" and songs from "Cloud 9" and "Brainwashed". I put in "Brainwashed" whenever I need a spiritual lift.
I miss you George.
Steve (steve@pacair.com) writes:
Absolutely the finest musical DVD I own or have seen! Such class and emotion in the performances is a true tribute to George. Kudos to Eric & Jeff for putting this all together.
Being a guitar/bass player myself, my eyes and ears were drawn and RIVETED to the backup players... especially Andy Fairweather-Low and Marc Mann. Wow... I was simply stunned at the quality of their performances, "between the lines" as it were.
George, your taste in friends is impeccable!
Terry M (topcatm@hotmail.com) writes:
Saw it on TV, got the DVD and have watched it many times. I won't pick out anyone in particular, it was all so good. It is a pity that it takes the death of a muche loved musician to get a group like this together on stage. I can't see anything like this happening again.
teresa Irvine (Email address withheld) writes:
One of the most moving experiences in my life was seeing George and Ravi and the gang in Atlanta in . . hmmm . .1974? I was so moved spiritually at that concert my life was forever changed. Tears flowed more than freely, they actually were Squirting from my eyes as I sat in awe. I had forever been a really Huge Beatles fan, but the experience was truly transcendant!
This DVD did that and more. You just tell me George wasn't there! Ha!! I love all involved . . felt it was a beautiful and harmonious non-ego-driven sharing of pure love. The musicians were So together . . .Mr. Mann . .EC . . and the only one onstage I ever actually met and spoke with . . sweet, lovely virtuoso Albert Lee.
Thanks for giving me a place to share this . . . love and peace to you all . . NAMASTE
Kevin M (kmcknelly@comcast.net) writes:
I have a feeling I'm adding my comments way late in the game (5/05). I recently ordered each section of the Beatle's Anthology and have just been on fire about the Beatles all over again. I think it helped me appreciate The Concert for George even more. I saw it for the first time last night and was blown away like everyone else on this site. When I was watching it I kept turning to my wife and saying, "That guitar player is just NAILING George's guitar parts". I had no idea that everyone else on this site noticed the same thing. Marc Mann--amazing. I still think that the short guitar solo on "Old Brown Shoe" is one of the greatest melodic solos in rock history. If Marc had played it any different than the version on the record, I would have been very disappointed. But he totally came through. What a great moment!!
(Email address withheld) writes:
I keep checking back to this site, it is so interesting to read the comments coming in. I have had this DVD for about 16 months now but I see that some are just discovering it. It is one you can go back to time after time. Nice to know that everyone is of the same mind, Marc Mann is amazing. All the musicians were great but I guess with Marc Mann it is a surprise because no one seemed to know who he was before this work and now we all want to know "what's next Marc". When you check him out on the web he has quite the resume but I'd love to see him do an album of his own.
Loved Joe Brown, saw him in 1964 in Aylesbury, England, still have the ticket stubs, he has a few more lines but still looks like the same old Joe, I think he has weathered better than I!
Gary (Email address withheld) writes:
Just stumbled on to this site after watching the show for the dozenth time. The beautiful feelings in music George created were obviously felt and mirrored in the extraordinary musicianship shown in the film.
But even more wonderful and impressive to me is that so many of you felt the same things that I did as I heard the wonderful sounds and watched the beautiful sights.
George knew we were all part of something bigger, and all the wonderful comments here prove that to be true. You have made my evening.
Thanks to George, Musicians, and all who took the time to post.
(And yes, a certain funny capped slide guitarist does indeed rule...)
Ben Drury (Email address withheld) writes:
Check out the look Paul gives Eric at the end of 'Something', i think. Priceless!
--I'm pretty sure it's Something, I havent seen it for a couple of weeks...
Ian (Email address withheld) writes:
I've watched this DVD many times now and it must be the best concert/music film ever made! What an absolutely fantastic production. Picture and sound quality, especially DTS, is exceptional. I just love Sam Brown and her dads closing number just brings tears to my eyes! Ringo and Paul were excellent, in fact every musician there was brilliant without exception. Loved Tom Petty's rendition of "Taxman".
A special mention of Ray Cooper, who else could turn tambourine playing into such a work of art?
Well done Eric, Ray, Jeff and everyone.
david chubinidze (Email address withheld) writes:
great film and great tribute to george harrison. thank you dhani, eric, paul and other big musiciens. george and his songs will live in our hearts forever.
Miguel (maquinof@hotmail.com) writes:
Hermoso concierto con musicos excepcionales y musica de ensueño.
La parte de musica hindú con la fusión de musica orquestada occidental es realmente estupenda.Efectivamente Marc Mann es magnifico y el trabajo de Andy Fairweather espectacular.Clapton maestro como siempre al igual que Preston y Petty. Gran homenaje a George del que siempre recordaremos los arpegios de su guitarra electrica sonando como una dulce gaita.
Bob MacMillan (Email address withheld) writes:
From near Toronto, we caught part of a US PBS broadcast of the concert around March of 2005, and knew we had to have the DVD. Like many of the other posters, I can watch it over and over. The performances, the sound recording and the video are all phenonimal. George's lyrics are so moving and Joe Brown's "I'll See You in My Dreams" finally brought me to tears. Even my guitar playing sons were in awe of Anoushka's sitar performance. I'm enjoying learning more about the performers that I didn't know of before. What a perfect way to remember such a beautiful person.
Jim Barns (jbarns@jmrl.org) writes:
Someone commented that this concert was not sentimental. For me, it was nothing but. There does not have to gushing and tears.
This was probably in keeping with George's style which Dhani seemed to reflect. But, seeing Eric Clapton looking so serious,keeping it in except for a hug with Dhani, during the final number showed me what lay beneath. And, of course, he had referred to his grief and missing his friend. He let it pour out with his weeping guitar in While My Guitar...
Like all the commentators before I treasure this. My tears flowed too.
An old sentimentalist.
Owen Keenan (okeenan@xtra.co.nz) writes:
A valuable Beatle fan yet after watching this I begin to wonder why John never gave George the opertunity's to write more often
I love and miss all of George's music
the best DVD I've ever seen
Ian Oliver (ian@oliveri16.fsnet.co.uk) writes:
An awesome performance from start to finish. This concert had me laughing one moment ("Sit on My Face" by the Monty Python quartet) and crying the next ("Beware of Darkness") - just looking at young Dhani's face, and of course Clapton's magnificent rendition of the song. "All things Must Pass" was again a very emotional four minutes of wonder. "My Sweet Lord" was a highlight - Billy Preston did the song absolute justice and his voice on "Isn't it a Pity" was magnificent.
With everybody on stage at the end, the night was complete with the gentle showering of rose petals on the audience - yes, very spiritual, soulful evening.
don (Email address withheld) writes:
best music dvd i own. every artist was fantastic. i found it difficult to take my eyes off Dhani. it was like staring at a ghost. Sam Brown, what a performance.
Rhiannon Davies (Email address withheld) writes:
George Harrison, a special person. The quiet man whose music identifies with the unsung hero in us all. His music has been performed here with much charisma by both his friends and collegues, truely a sight to behold.
A worthy addition to any music lover's collection.
*highly recommended
George T. (Email address withheld) writes:
What a relief! I thought it was just ME who is addicted to this video. Rather, I'm in very good company, lietrally surrounded by other addicts!
Marc Mann is the biggest surprise. I think I've listened to his lead on "Something" at least 500 times -- sometimes back to back over and over. He absolutely nailed it! Again, on Wah Wah he plays fast, exciting riffs. Mann's influence increased steadily throughout the concert; it's fun to watch his participation build and build.
Too bad Albert Lee got only one solo -- awesome guitarist.
Hard to keep my eyes off the lady singers -- the same two who sang with Eric on Unplugged.
It was cool seeing Stevie Winwood in the audience.
I liked Paul's line: "Olivia said seeing Dhani with us it was like we had all aged except George." Kinda spooky.
Well, gotta go -- one more time through "Something."
Ron (bowldaz53@cfl.rr.com) writes:
AAhhh! The first time I heard the "INNER LIGHT" and "TOMORROW NEVER KNOWS" I knew who the 2 true innovators in the beatles were and my thoughts have been reinforced by this stellar event.
George Harrison led me to spiritualism long before I realized what it was and that's what I will thank him for the most.. Now if we could all affect someone the same way, his message will be heard forever...
Concert For George, I can add nothing more than the beautiful tributes you've already read here.. Thanks to all who made this DVD possible..Thanks and love to Olivia & Dhani for giving us this piece of George for us to keep....
Vienna (Email address withheld) writes:
A tribute to George
A piece of George
For me to keep
I have no mind
I am a sheep.
If it's your kind of thing, buy it.
trent (Email address withheld) writes:
i was a good friend of georges i met him in 1968 in france.
he let me up to his hotel and we shared plenty of his beautiful music thats what led to my meeting of Eric Clapton
we all went to a coffe shop in london we wrote some beautiful songs such as "over that hill" and "dont be sad"
you may and may not of heard these but if you wish send a comment back to this site and i will be able to get to you,
concert for george brang a tear to my eye. I loved George and his open free way he went about his music. sadly i could'nt reply and attend the concert because the death of my sept mother.
this is a great dvd i rate it highly 10 stars well done Eric, well done
if any one wants to contact me though email and talk about my rock life please do.
Trent " bruce"
Carlton Mappin (CDMappin@aol.com) writes:
A magnificant piece of direction and the playing was superb. Sam Brown was fabulous! Why did they leave her off the CD? Andy Fairweather deserves a lot more credit for his brilliant guitar work and snappy vocals. The camera missed him even when he was providing great vocals and guitar work. Loved Eric with My Guitar gently weeps - AWESOME!!
Amantle (Email address withheld) writes:
You are so right Carlton. Sam and Andy deserve better. Ray Cooper's tamborine took precedance such is the way of things. George, if you're peeping down from heaven and happen upon this website I'll eat my hat, love ya! xx
(Email address withheld) writes:
The camera was too focused on the "big names" and was absent for the sidemen, particularly Marc Mann, you could hardly see him in Wah Wah but they were his guitar sounds we were hearing.
Many times he had great things happening but the camera was on someone else. None the less the most amazing concert, one to watch time and time again.
boel jellamy (Email address withheld) writes:
greating,
concert for george was just great i loved jeff lynne and eric clapton.
it was a great night of beautiful music.
i am a friend of paul mc cartneys
and he ask me to come along for the ride
im glad i did i played bass for here comes the sun you might see me
i am "hot hand bellamy" or known as in mexico "boel jellamy"
Roger D (Email address withheld) writes:
This is the way a concert film should be. Hats off to everyone involved. Eric is a true gentleman and class act.
From start to finish I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. It was great seeing Dhani on stage playing with his Dad's friends. Some highlights for me- Paul starting on the ukelaye on "Something" and then the band coming in with Marc Mann doing the solo-unbelievable-by the way Marc is also on Jeff Lynne's ELO concert dvd, "ZOOM". Ray Cooper-have you ever seen a tamborine played with such zest-WOW. While My Guitar Gently Weeps was incredible. Eric and Paul were great. Also, Billy Preston still can belt it out. My Sweet Lord was indeed "sweet". Jeff, Ringo, Tom, Joe Brown, Sam Brown. I loved them all. Having grown up listening to their music and now seeing them pay tribute to a great man was truly a once in a lifetime experience.
Carol Godfrey (Email address withheld) writes:
What can I say that hasn't already been said. George's songs were the greatest..the musical tributes.. fantastic.. performances by incredible talents. The concert and film footage was amazing. Like all the Beatle lovers...especially one who grew up with their music... it made me cry many times.
So many memories...With Dhani the image of his dad.. Ringo cheeky as ever on drums.. and still baby faced Paul on guitar... All that was missing was dear John. It was wonderful to see them gathered together once more.
The talents of all those fantastic musicians all working together, And the fabulous vocal by Sam Brown.. accompanied by Jools Holland...it truly was the most fantastic musical event I have ever seen.
I truly wish I could have been there in person...no matter how far away from the stage..it would have been magical to be part of that wonderful atmosphere. The ending song "I'll See You In My Dreams" with all the flower petals falling against the wonderful backdrop portrait of George was touching beyond belief and truly said it all. We Love You George and We Miss You!... You Will Live on Forever in Your Music and Be Forever In Our Hearts!
To Olivia and Dhani, You both come across as such Lovely People..a real tribute to George and the Special Love You three Shared is Very Much Alive..He will Always Be With You. All the Best, Carol in England
Peter Merrin (Email address withheld) writes:
Came here looking for Marc Mann whose guitar work on this album, as mentioned previously, is incredible - great crystal clear sound - fantastic mixing all 'round. Just trying to put it all together with the help of my Beatles scores, but I cannot get that Marc Mann sound - something else !
Bob (Email address withheld) writes:
Also came here looking for info on Marc Mann, an outstanding performance amongst outstanding performances. Eric and Paul were deliciously understated, in a way that George always was. Good to see my old pal, Albert Lee, though he didn't get to show off very much.
Love the DVD, and loved George.
Spit (Email address withheld) writes:
Y'know what, I kinda like my box and my hat and later on I might drag my shackled ass into the capital and buy A Concert For George (safe in the knowledge that no third world countries have been marginalised in it's production).
God bless you George Harrison.
*tips flat cap*
Alan (Email address withheld) writes:
Concert for George has just been on the TV again (Christmas 2005) in Australia. Once again it gives us the most tremendous enjoyment. Again we can wonder at the music, the musicians and their relationship to each other and to George. It would be great to know what these people are doing at more normal times. For instance, what does Dhani do these days, what sort of life does Olivia lead, how does Ringo spend his time, are Ringo and Paul close friends?
Anyway, I'm glad I'm not the only sentimental fool who cries when he sees and hears this music.
I've tried to adapt some Beatles music to harmonica and much of it translates very nicely, but George's music is difficult. Still I keep trying because there is a beautiful sound still there to be captured. The more I look at his lyrics the more I think sometimes he shoehorned the lyrics in to music. The result is lyrics that occasionally don't flow all that well (eg Old Brown Shoe). Never the less, the overall effect is still great and I will never tire of listening to this music. Thank you to all who have posted messages on this site expressing their enjoyment of the concert.
Cat (Email address withheld) writes:
I always enjoyed Harrison's work and thought it was much underrated - bought the original All Things Must Pass triple album `all those years ago' and played it to death. I thought the concert more than did justice to the work. It could have been a mess but Clapton pulled it together brilliantly. Billy Preston's versions of My Sweet Lord and Isn't it a Pity were priceless. The only slight disappointment was in the video direction. It seemed to me the director didn't understand music. The cameras consistently missed so much of what was going on - quite disorenting trying to work out who was playing what, when. But clarity of image, the music mix - superb. A fitting tribute and a treasure - well done Eric Clapton and friends.
Ray (Email address withheld) writes:
The concert is pure joy, it's quite a fitting tribute. So many special moments and treats! As mentioned many times, Marc Mann can tear it up on guitar. For me, Billy Preston/EC on "Isn't it a pity" is about as good as anything I've seen done.
al_rogue (slaterfamily4@ntlworld.com) writes:
my brother gave me this dvd to watch of concert for george, i am a big beatle fan and ELO fan, when i watched this it made me cry with awe, what a fab dvd and especially marc mann on guitar.
My hero is jeff lynne , the song " inner light" sums it all up in this life of stress and ill doing.
I love listening/watching elo on zoom tour, esp ordinary dream , sums my life up hehe... great to know peeps on this site contributing........
Mortimer Abercrombie (fjoot@hotmail.com) writes:
Great DVD-set, all great performances and set in the right tone for the occasion.
Guitarist Marc Mann is a revelation and so is Andy Fairweather, a lot has been said about that already.
I especially enjoy Albert Lee. In a sense he is like modest George: he is low-key and plays only two solo rifts (Honey Don't & Horse to the Water), but boy does he have some credentials as a guitarist!
In answer to a question I saw in this thread: at Bob Dylan's 30-yr concert George sang Absolutely Sweet Mary accompanied by guitarists G.E.Smith (blond leader of the Sat.Night Live band who was the concert's Musical Director) and Steve Cropper of Booker T & the MG's.
Other point: on www.imdb.com Marc Mann is not mentioned in the cast of characters of Concert for George! What an omission. Neither are the performers of the Indian section except for Ravi and Anoushka.
Lyne (Email address withheld) writes:
I've loved the Beatles - and George therefore - since I was 7 yrs old. I am now 48. Many of you have had this same experience.
Nothing about this concert said anything to me but the love that these people had for this man. I have stared at Paul's face for most of my life, and there were so many times he almost couldn't stop himself from crying, though he is well practiced at the art of covering up in public. When Paul was in 6th grade elementary school, George was at the same school in 3rd grade. They were life long friends and brothers.
Eric was his best friend. And the beautiful boy, George and Olivia's son, Dahni. And Joe, and Tom, and Billy - all of George's friends. Watching their faces made me cry and cry with the love I saw in all these people's faces.
This was the most moving tribute to an artist, but also to a friend, that I've ever seen.
I can only pray that I will be so loved by my family and friends when I'm gone.
How strange it feels to love this man whom I've never met, who does not know me - yet I deeply love him because he shared his soul with us in the words and sounds of his music.
Tom G. (Upstate New York) writes:
This is an amazing concert video. Sam Brown has to be the most outstanding female vocalist in the world. Horse to the Water brings down the house and is the highlight performance.
Carlos Morales (cmorales@ccmca.com) writes:
Of all the concert videos that I have watched in my life I don't redall another one that moves as much as Concert for George. I am 50 years old and I am not ashamed to share that tears come to my eyes every time I watch it. The passion, integrity and talent of every single musician witout exeption is amazing. Hats off to Mr. Clapton for putting the concert together
Carlos Morales (cmorales@ccmca.com) writes:
Of all the concert videos that I have watched in my life I don't redall another one that moves as much as Concert for George. I am 50 years old and I am not ashamed to share that tears come to my eyes every time I watch it. The passion, integrity and talent of every single musician witout exeption is amazing. Hats off to Mr. Clapton for putting the concert together
TOM (tcm@cebridge.net) writes:
Utterly stunning concert. I still can't figure out how so many guitars could sound so good all at once. So many musicians it could have been chaos.
Eric Clapton is phenomenal and he should get all the credit for this event. He is so good, he could play that Strat with his toes..Tom Petty and Mike Campbell were awesome. Joe Brown was great, I loved his finale song...I'd never seen Anoushka Shankar - she's hot, and plays Sitar to remember. Jeff Lynne is excellent as always, but we'd like to see his face. The two guitarists backing-up everyone (Andy Fairweather and Marc Mann)know their stuff - they were fabulous. My favorite of the night however was Billy Preston singing an absolutely fabulous My Sweet Lord - I didn't want it to end.
We'll all remember George forever...He gave us beautiful music for so many years. Go buy this DVD now.
HJ (hj8084@hotmail.com) writes:
I'm a Korean who studied in the US for my graduate degree. Have been a Beatles fan since 15 and now I am 32 -- you can see the range of Beatles fan world-wide. I also encountered this concert at the PBS and had to get the DVD and CD. Have been watching this DVD almost everyday. Absolutely loved it!
I don't remember when Lennon was shot as I was too young, yet clearly remember where I was and how sad I was when I saw the CNN news that George passed away. This is such a nice tribute to his great soul. Glad to find this web site while googling Marc Mann.
Blonde Rocker (efschul@aol.com) writes:
Trent Bruce? Are you still out there?
Blonde Rocker
SHAZZY (Email address withheld) writes:
hELLO
If Billy Preston is the 5th Beatle then Jeff Lynne must be the 6th Beatle. I Just love his music!!
ELO/JEFF
FAN4EVER
SHAZZY
Martin F (Email address withheld) writes:
I heard about this DVD from my eldest brother only recently; I used to hear his Beatle records about the house when I was young in the 60s but still didn't think that much of the idea of a memorial concert until I decided to hire the thing last week and see/hear what it was all about. I put it on at 11:00pm to get tired enough to go off to sleep - ended up watching it back to back twice until well after 2:00am(!), ending up crying uncontrollably through much of it. I couldn't understand the reason why - continuing to do so this past week whenever I see it again and again; have had to hide emotions from wifey and the kids. All of the above comments explain my response; glad that I am not the only fool out there ... thought Ray Cooper was the most controlled percussionist I have ever heard/played with over the years.
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