All Things Must Pass: The Life of George Harrison

by Marc. Shapiro

George Harrison was always known as the 'quiet Beatle' As part of the biggest band in pop history, he took a back seat to Paul McCartney and John Lennon, but his talent shone through in the composition of classic songs such as 'Something' and 'Here Comes The Sun'. In his solo career he occasionally threatened to eclipse both John and Paul on the world stage, and he joined forces with Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, Roy Orbison and Jeff lynne to create the massively succsessful supergroup the Traveling Wilburys.However, the success of his professional life was often met by turmoil in his private life, and the loss of first wife Patti to best friend Eric Clapton, the traumatic attempt on his life by a knife wielding intruder and his final struggle against cancer meant that George Harrison's life was nothing if not dramatic.Bestselling author Marc Shapiro has exclusively interviewed friends and former colleagues of the enigmatic guitar legend. This revealing biography reaffirms Harrison's importance as an innovative and hugely talented musician and shows that, as a member of the most important band ever, as well as in his multi-faceted career after the Beatles, George Harrison was no ordinary man.

Genres: Biography, Music

260 pages, Hardcover

First published February 21, 2002

Reviews

[Pete daPixie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I picked this 'life of' George Harrison up to balance George's own autobiog 'I,Me,Mine'. The autobiog was published in 1979. So, clearly there were over two further decades of the 'quiet' Beatles life to cover. 'All Things Must Pass' was first published in 2002 following George's death in November 2001.
Shapiro's biography is easy. It's a quick easy read. Covering the easy, well known topics of the ex-Beatle's life. To fill that easy market for book sales after the stars death.
I can't say this book disclosed much in the way of any profound insights to Harrison's life that I was not already aware of. Just a tired roll off collection of old press cuttings and anecdotes from Liverpool to Beatlemania, Bangla Desh, Patti and Eric, Cloud 9, Wilbury's, knife wielding intruder and cancer. With many tiresome highs and lows of professional and private life added in for good measure.
George Harrison was no ordinary man, declares the book sleeve. Pity that the book itself is.

[Chris Roberts · Rating 3 out of 5]

Brief and not overly detailed

George has always been my favorite Beatle, and while I enjoyed this book, I found it a little thin and light on details. A majority of the book covers his time as a Beatle and the decade after their breakup.

The stretch dealing with the 80s, 90s, and ultimately Harrison’s death in 2001 gets a bit repetitive. The author has a reverence for the subject but doesn't shy away from some of Harrison’s lower moments.

The post-Beatle years dealing with his early solo success and the dissolution of his marriage to Pattie Boyd are the parts that I found most interesting. I knew the basic facts surrounding this era but the additional detail hammers home the whole affair between Boyd and Clapton and how awkward that has always seemed to me.

A good quick read for fans, but not much substance for those that are looking for a deeper understanding of the man.

[Linda Slonecker · Rating 4 out of 5]

The complicated Beatle

The early days are nostalgic and fun to relive, post Beatle mania is full of bitterness and acrimony. George is portrayed as both warm and sometimes mean , reclusive and disloyal. But living in a fish bowl your whole life wouldn't be easy. He's still my favorite Beatle. Definitely worth reading.

[Karen Ralph · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fairly okay bio

But as a George girl since 1964, no new news here except a quote from a groupy calling George a "strong and considerate lover" . There. You know all the new info. If you are new to Beatlemania, it's a good introduction to his life.

[YAMAMURA Tsukiko · Rating 3 out of 5]

Frank biography of George Harrison in a warts and all vein. Nicely written and researched as it provides some little known background to the musician. Contains full discography.

[Mr James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting. Slightly sad.

[Neil · Rating 1 out of 5]

If I'd have read Shapiro's internet bio before reading this piece of shit I'd have saved myself from the anguish of 'ATMP'. He (MS) is the king of the cut and paste unauthorized biography (Justin Bieber & JK Rowling are among his other victims). Can't remember when a book by a 'professional writer' made me so angry in it's cliche ridden, under researched, badly written triteness. Rubbish rubbish rubbish. There that's it...

[Howie Dodds · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not as informative as I had hoped, it appeared to rely very heavily on bits and pieces of information that I had seen elsewhere. Some bits of new information but generally disappointing.

[Ray Hamblett · Rating 3 out of 5]

An informative description of some of the events in George's life by the author who managed to show a hint of the character of George but i feel, didn't quite get under his skin.

[Warwick Hunt · Rating 2 out of 5]

Reads like newspaper clippings. No insight into the workings of this incredible musician

[mallika · Rating 3 out of 5]

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