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George Harrison: Behind the Locked Door
Vynikající obsáhlá biografie Graema Thomsona nás provede celým Harrisonovým životem po cestě od skromných liverpoolských začátků až na honosný novogotický zámek Friar Park se sto dvaceti pokoji. Po cestě, jejíž odbočky vedou třeba do Hamburku, himálajských ášramů nebo skrytých útočišť na Havaji. Sledujeme na ní životní příběh kytaristy, člena nejslavnější kapely všech dob, důležitého představitele světové kultury své éry, ale také neúnavného duchovního hledače, manžela a otce, zdráhavé superhvězdy a písničkáře, který občas těžce hledal inspiraci, zatímco jindy jako by ho osvítilo samo nebe. Pro většinu lidí zůstává nejoblíbenějším a také nejtajemnějším Beatlem. Někdy byl milý a vřelý, jindy zase až krutě upřímný.
372 pages, Hardcover
First published September 17, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
November 5, 2015
“George Harrison: Behind the Locked Door” is in many ways the definitive biography of “The Quiet Beatle.” While not as salacious as “No One Here Gets out Alive” or “The Dirt,” it, like its subject, quietly unfolds as one of the best in its genre. Graeme Thomson’s book succeeds on all levels. The book is balanced and treats George fairly, capturing his self-admitted Pisces nature and contradictory (and often hypocritical) duality. In addition, Thomson secured many new interviews from sources we don’t hear much from (like Emil Richards) and even some we do (like Olivia Harrison). This, also, is the first biography to present the years after the “Cloud 9”/Wilbury explosion of the late 80s and early 90s. In fact, one of the book’s strengths is that it does cover every era of Harrison’s life without short changing any section in favor of making it a Beatle-heavy book. Thomson’s pacing, through all of this, is remarkable. It’s fitting to finally have a book as stately as this to even handedly capture a man of great dignity.
June 30, 2015
I was prepared to not really like this book because of all the reviews I had read. I was totally surprised! Not only did I not find the book as negative as some of the reviewers had stated, but I found it quite complimentary in many areas. This is an even handed biography that has been extensively researched by both talking with several key players in George Harrison's life and utilizing books and news articles for further information.
George Harrison was human. He was not a god, an angel or a fictional character. He had flaws just we all have. He was also a very talented individual who was an integral part of an almost mythical musical group. He had good days and bad days. He had brilliant song writing skills and not so brilliant song writing skills. He wrote some iconic songs and some soon forgotten songs. He even put his pants on one leg at a time and Graeme Thomson captured his life warts and all.
Lest someone think differently from my review of this book I LOVE THE BEATLES! George Harrison is and always has been my favorite Beatle. I found it truly refreshing to read a book about his life that did not continually gush his praises, but did not continually put him down. Many of the other books I have read about George have done one or the other.
I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to learn more about the Beatles and/or George Harrison.
George Harrison was human. He was not a god, an angel or a fictional character. He had flaws just we all have. He was also a very talented individual who was an integral part of an almost mythical musical group. He had good days and bad days. He had brilliant song writing skills and not so brilliant song writing skills. He wrote some iconic songs and some soon forgotten songs. He even put his pants on one leg at a time and Graeme Thomson captured his life warts and all.
Lest someone think differently from my review of this book I LOVE THE BEATLES! George Harrison is and always has been my favorite Beatle. I found it truly refreshing to read a book about his life that did not continually gush his praises, but did not continually put him down. Many of the other books I have read about George have done one or the other.
I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to learn more about the Beatles and/or George Harrison.
March 8, 2021
Musiikkitoimittaja Graeme Thomsonin ytimekkäästi nimetty "George Harrison" (Like, 2016) löytyi joskus käytettynä divarista, mutta jäi sittemmin pölyttymään kirjahyllyyni. Nyt kun taas innostuin taas lueskelemaan muusikkoelämäkertoja, joten nappasin sen hyppysiini - eikä tarvinnut katua! En varmaan liioittele kamalasti, jos nimeän tämän yhdeksi parhaista koskaan lukemistani Beatles-kirjoista.
Liverpoolilaiseen perheeseen syntyneestä George Harrisonista olisi voinut tulla sähköasentaja, mutta kohtalon tai erinäisten yhteensattumien johdosta hän päätyi the Beatlesin jäseneksi ja maailmankuuluksi supertähdeksi. Harrison ei kuitenkaan liiemmin nauttinut beatlemaniasta, ja hän onkin ehkä hieman tekopyhästi kuvannut aikaansa yhtyeessä kamalaksi kokemukseksi.
Niin tai näin, hänen roolinsa yhtyeessä oli hieman epäkiitollinen, vaikuttihan siinä kaksi populaarimusiikin historian kenties lahjakkainta lauluntekijää, jotka suhtautuivat yhtyeen nuorimpaan jäseneen hieman vähätellen. Lauluista hienoimmat, kuten "Something" tai "Here Comes the Sun", ovat kuitenkin samalla yhtyeen uran parhaimmistoa. Georgen ongelmaksi saattoi osin muodostua se, ettei hän välttämättä ollut sanoittajana tai etenkään tarinankertojana terävimmillään.
The Beatlesin hajoamisen jälkeen Harrison onnistui kuitenkin tekemään onnistuneen soololevyn All Things Must Pass (1970), josta lohkesi myös jättihitti "My Sweet Lord". Laulu sai sittemmin ikävää mainetta plagiaattina, ja kirjassa antetaan ymmärtää, että Harrison kyllä tiesi mitä oli tekemässä. Muutenkin kirjailija osaa kritisoida kohdettaan hyvinkin terävästi, mikäli siihen aihetta on.
Harrisonin elämää ja musiikkia leimasi aina viimeisiin hetkiin saakka intialaisista uskonkappaleista vaikutteita saanut hengellisyys. Se ei kuitenkaan estänyt häntä nauttimasta omaa osaansa elämän maallisista iloista kuten nopeista autoista, naisista ja erilaisista päihteistä. Harrisonilla oli useita avioliiton ulkopuolisia suhteita ja perin juurin kummalliseksi meni hänen kolmiodraamansa Pattie Boydin ja Eric Claptonin kanssa.
Harrisonin uran tähtihetkeksi nostetaan Bangla Desh -konsertit, joita vastaavia hyväntekeväisyystapahtumia ei käytännössä oltu järjestetty ennen. Sooloura joutui kuitenkin vastatuuleen ja etenkin live-esiintymiset tuottivat ongelmia. George ei oikein viihtynyt valokeilassa ja oli parhaimmillaan kun sai olla ns. yksi bändin jätkistä. Lopulta oltiin tilanteessa, jossa toinen toistaan mitäänsanomattomammat soololevyt eivät näyttäytyneet edes listojen häntäpäässä, ja ainoat hitit tulivat osin muista syistä kuin biisien tason vuoksi.
Hienoja juttuja tehtiin kuitenkin elokuvamaailmassa, jossa Harrison oli mukana rahoittamassa Monty Python -ryhmän klassikkokomediaa Brianin elämä. Valitettavasti leffabisnes meni sittemmin aika pahasti sivuraiteille, osin epärehellisten liikekumppanien takia.
Lopulta Travelling Wilburys -superbändi ja Jeff Lynnen tuottama comeback-levy herättelivät nuupahtanutta uraa henkiin, eikä viimeiseksi jäänyt Brainwashedkaan huono ollut. Surullista kyllä, vanhemmiten Harrison joutui häiriintyneen miehen murhayrityksen kohteeksi ja sairastui syöpään, joka päätti hänen päivänsä v. 2001.
Thomson onnistuu maalaamaan George Harrisonista kiinnostavan ja rehellisen rosoisen henkilökuvan, joka tarjosi uutta ja mielenkiintoista tietoa myös tämmöiselle vähän enemmän Beatlesiin uraan tutustuneelle lukijalle.
Liverpoolilaiseen perheeseen syntyneestä George Harrisonista olisi voinut tulla sähköasentaja, mutta kohtalon tai erinäisten yhteensattumien johdosta hän päätyi the Beatlesin jäseneksi ja maailmankuuluksi supertähdeksi. Harrison ei kuitenkaan liiemmin nauttinut beatlemaniasta, ja hän onkin ehkä hieman tekopyhästi kuvannut aikaansa yhtyeessä kamalaksi kokemukseksi.
Niin tai näin, hänen roolinsa yhtyeessä oli hieman epäkiitollinen, vaikuttihan siinä kaksi populaarimusiikin historian kenties lahjakkainta lauluntekijää, jotka suhtautuivat yhtyeen nuorimpaan jäseneen hieman vähätellen. Lauluista hienoimmat, kuten "Something" tai "Here Comes the Sun", ovat kuitenkin samalla yhtyeen uran parhaimmistoa. Georgen ongelmaksi saattoi osin muodostua se, ettei hän välttämättä ollut sanoittajana tai etenkään tarinankertojana terävimmillään.
The Beatlesin hajoamisen jälkeen Harrison onnistui kuitenkin tekemään onnistuneen soololevyn All Things Must Pass (1970), josta lohkesi myös jättihitti "My Sweet Lord". Laulu sai sittemmin ikävää mainetta plagiaattina, ja kirjassa antetaan ymmärtää, että Harrison kyllä tiesi mitä oli tekemässä. Muutenkin kirjailija osaa kritisoida kohdettaan hyvinkin terävästi, mikäli siihen aihetta on.
Harrisonin elämää ja musiikkia leimasi aina viimeisiin hetkiin saakka intialaisista uskonkappaleista vaikutteita saanut hengellisyys. Se ei kuitenkaan estänyt häntä nauttimasta omaa osaansa elämän maallisista iloista kuten nopeista autoista, naisista ja erilaisista päihteistä. Harrisonilla oli useita avioliiton ulkopuolisia suhteita ja perin juurin kummalliseksi meni hänen kolmiodraamansa Pattie Boydin ja Eric Claptonin kanssa.
Harrisonin uran tähtihetkeksi nostetaan Bangla Desh -konsertit, joita vastaavia hyväntekeväisyystapahtumia ei käytännössä oltu järjestetty ennen. Sooloura joutui kuitenkin vastatuuleen ja etenkin live-esiintymiset tuottivat ongelmia. George ei oikein viihtynyt valokeilassa ja oli parhaimmillaan kun sai olla ns. yksi bändin jätkistä. Lopulta oltiin tilanteessa, jossa toinen toistaan mitäänsanomattomammat soololevyt eivät näyttäytyneet edes listojen häntäpäässä, ja ainoat hitit tulivat osin muista syistä kuin biisien tason vuoksi.
Hienoja juttuja tehtiin kuitenkin elokuvamaailmassa, jossa Harrison oli mukana rahoittamassa Monty Python -ryhmän klassikkokomediaa Brianin elämä. Valitettavasti leffabisnes meni sittemmin aika pahasti sivuraiteille, osin epärehellisten liikekumppanien takia.
Lopulta Travelling Wilburys -superbändi ja Jeff Lynnen tuottama comeback-levy herättelivät nuupahtanutta uraa henkiin, eikä viimeiseksi jäänyt Brainwashedkaan huono ollut. Surullista kyllä, vanhemmiten Harrison joutui häiriintyneen miehen murhayrityksen kohteeksi ja sairastui syöpään, joka päätti hänen päivänsä v. 2001.
Thomson onnistuu maalaamaan George Harrisonista kiinnostavan ja rehellisen rosoisen henkilökuvan, joka tarjosi uutta ja mielenkiintoista tietoa myös tämmöiselle vähän enemmän Beatlesiin uraan tutustuneelle lukijalle.
April 23, 2022
I got this in a nostalgic and escapist mood. I adored the Beatles as a teen, read everything there was on the market back then from the philosophical to the sordid, and suddenly felt like revisiting all that 20 years later. This book, however, is determined to be anything but nostalgic or escapist. Thomson's thesis is that Harrison was the least celebrated Beatle and deservedly so. He spends a good deal of time downplaying his contributions to the band and emphasizing his growing misery in the group. The latter is true, the former is a matter of opinion. After the Concert for Bangladesh, the book downplays or outright dismisses pretty much everything Harrison did from his music to his humor to his response to Lennon's murder to his relationships with his siblings. There's so much criticism of his personal life and personality, one eventually wants to ask Thomson, "And if someone published every one of YOUR foibles, sir?"
Celebrity too often blinds us to people's human flaws, so great is the fan's need to like the person whose art they find likeable. That's why it's fair to try to dim the limelight on a public figure with some facts and objectivity. Many deserve to have their cruelties - and in some cases, crimes - debunked. Harrison was hardly flawless, and it's not off to characterize him as the least easy-going of all 20th-century musicians in his role as a legend. But this book is so determined to sell him as a pathetic malcontent, it suggests the fact that Harrison came to be a beloved husband and father is too boring for anything more than a cursory mention. Far more ink is spilled about lurid gossip whispering about possible affairs and anyone who ever caught him in disagreeable mood. He was the only one of the Beatles without accusations (and/or admissions) of domestic violence, and the same goes for addiction and child neglect. Thomson never considers that perhaps his avoiding all that required a degree of modesty that cost Harrison a more glamorous career.
Anyone looking for any sort of celebration of Harrison's contributions to the world or a sympathetic look into the ways he tried to deal with the stress of fame should go for Olivia Harrison's book accompanying the Martin Scorsese documentary. Or read Hunter Davies' "The Beatles." If you want to see Harrison knocked down a few pegs, however, this is the book for you. But why anyone would want to read not just an article or two but 400 pages of arguments for Harrison's mediocrity is beyond me.
Celebrity too often blinds us to people's human flaws, so great is the fan's need to like the person whose art they find likeable. That's why it's fair to try to dim the limelight on a public figure with some facts and objectivity. Many deserve to have their cruelties - and in some cases, crimes - debunked. Harrison was hardly flawless, and it's not off to characterize him as the least easy-going of all 20th-century musicians in his role as a legend. But this book is so determined to sell him as a pathetic malcontent, it suggests the fact that Harrison came to be a beloved husband and father is too boring for anything more than a cursory mention. Far more ink is spilled about lurid gossip whispering about possible affairs and anyone who ever caught him in disagreeable mood. He was the only one of the Beatles without accusations (and/or admissions) of domestic violence, and the same goes for addiction and child neglect. Thomson never considers that perhaps his avoiding all that required a degree of modesty that cost Harrison a more glamorous career.
Anyone looking for any sort of celebration of Harrison's contributions to the world or a sympathetic look into the ways he tried to deal with the stress of fame should go for Olivia Harrison's book accompanying the Martin Scorsese documentary. Or read Hunter Davies' "The Beatles." If you want to see Harrison knocked down a few pegs, however, this is the book for you. But why anyone would want to read not just an article or two but 400 pages of arguments for Harrison's mediocrity is beyond me.
November 25, 2015
I think this has to be the definitive George Harrison biography. If anyone has revealed who was 'Behind The Locked Door' it must be Graeme Thomson.
Documenting Harrison's life from February 25th 1943 to his death on November 29th 2001, Thomson's four hundred page 2013 publication keeps little hidden, warts and all, in George's fifty eight years.
The text throughout is punctuated by interviews from family, friends, musical collaborators, business colleagues etc., and the Notes refer to a vast trove of sources.
Amidst the hedonistic maelstrom of 1960's pop music madness, Beatle George tried to see beyond himself, to find peace of mind. 'Behind The Locked Door' illuminates the successes and failures in his search, and at the same time provides us with a clear psychological profile and portrait of the man and his music.
Documenting Harrison's life from February 25th 1943 to his death on November 29th 2001, Thomson's four hundred page 2013 publication keeps little hidden, warts and all, in George's fifty eight years.
The text throughout is punctuated by interviews from family, friends, musical collaborators, business colleagues etc., and the Notes refer to a vast trove of sources.
Amidst the hedonistic maelstrom of 1960's pop music madness, Beatle George tried to see beyond himself, to find peace of mind. 'Behind The Locked Door' illuminates the successes and failures in his search, and at the same time provides us with a clear psychological profile and portrait of the man and his music.
February 18, 2014
Being a Beatles fan I really enjoyed this insight into the life of George Harrison. I never realised what a complex man and musician he was.
This is more about George Harrison the person, the musician, the music and film producer and entrepreneur then an ex - and at times, disgruntled - Beatle and makes for a fascinating read whether you are a Beatles fan or not.
It certainly prompted me to download some of George's solo albums to hear what was being commented on in the book.
Good stuff!
This is more about George Harrison the person, the musician, the music and film producer and entrepreneur then an ex - and at times, disgruntled - Beatle and makes for a fascinating read whether you are a Beatles fan or not.
It certainly prompted me to download some of George's solo albums to hear what was being commented on in the book.
Good stuff!
Read
August 14, 2015Who's your favorite Beatle? Are you into winky, cutesy Paul? Is John's politicizing where it's at? Or maybe you're a Ringo person...if you're 5 years old. Let's face it though - by any possible means of measure, George was the coolest Beatle. He might not have been the best songwriter of the four but he did write Something, which has been covered by everyone from James Brown to Willie Nelson to Frank Sinatra (who supposedly called it his favorite Lennon-McCartney tune). When Paul was escaping to his farm and John was shuttling between New York and L.A., Harrison purchased the 120-room gothic mansion Friar Park, which included extensive gardens and underground tunnels - UNDERGROUND TUNNELS!!! And while Ringo brought us the Thomas the Tank Engine TV show and McCartney birthed the woeful film Give My Regards to Broad Street, Harrison was responsible for producing Monty Python's greatest film, Life of Brian!
If I haven't convinced that Harrison was the coolest Beatle then you really owe it to yourself to pick up the new biography George Harrison: Behind the Locked Door by Graeme Thomson. If you already love the man then you definitely need to read the book. It's a comprehensive warts-and-all look at "the quiet Beatle" that at 400 pages does not overstay its welcome.
Despite being with the Beatles from the very beginning, George's status as the youngest Beatle seemed to define his relationship with the others. A strong guitarist who was more comfortable playing set parts than improvising, George found himself in one of the most popular bands in the world by 21. At an age when most of us were looking for our first post-college jobs, George was one of the most recognizable people on the planet. As his songwriting progressed, he found it hard to convince the others in the band of his skills - somewhat understandable when he was competing with the likes of Lennon and McCartney to get songs on albums. Many people don't realize that not only was Harrison the first to leave the band, over frustration with the other musicians' dominance (he'd soon return) but he was also the first to release a solo album, with the experimental soundtrack Wonderwall Music.
While Harrison may not have been the musical leader of the band, he was the one who initiated the spiritual quests of the Beatles, leading them on trips to India to meet the Maharishi and meditate. While Ringo had very little interest and John a little bit more, the effect of Indian religion on George lasted his whole life, influencing his outlook on life, death and celebrity. More noticeably to the rest of us it also affected his role in the Beatles music, with exotic sitar colorings bubbling to the top of their songs.
There are many well-documented reasons behind why the Beatles broke up and certainly the release of Harrison's monumental All Things Must Pass (the first triple album in rock) shows that he had more material available than The Beatles could ever handle. The rest of the book follows Harrison through a long career decline, as his limited writing skills became more evident. Following the charity Concert for Bangladesh event and his ill-fated 1974 Dark Horse tour he retreated, as he attempted to reconcile his fame with his desire for peace and quiet. He was able to launch a late career comeback with 1987's Cloud Nine and his Travelling Wilbury's supergroup but without a desire to tour and lacking any massive hits from a number of subdued and sometimes lazily produced albums, the late 1970s and early 1980s remained quiet musically. He claimed many times that he simply wanted to be a guitar player and not a Beatle.
Harrison died a tragically young 58, though arguably his spirituality allowed him to accept his cancer diagnosis as well as a person reasonably could. He had been quoted many times as saying that he saw no difference between life and death as far as the spirit was concerned. Be assured, however, that the book does not paint him to be an angel. The author makes us aware of many of the material world struggles that Harrison dealt with - from drugs and alcohol to interpersonal relationships - and it points out that while having a serene and accepting outlook on life he also had an acidic side.
I really enjoyed this look at Harrison's life. It's a comprehensive look at a private person thrust into celebrity and dealing with all that followed. Even more importantly, despite the author's reservations about the quality of certain Harrison releases, it did get me listening to some of his albums again and appreciating his unique slide guitar sound once again.
- Mike
If I haven't convinced that Harrison was the coolest Beatle then you really owe it to yourself to pick up the new biography George Harrison: Behind the Locked Door by Graeme Thomson. If you already love the man then you definitely need to read the book. It's a comprehensive warts-and-all look at "the quiet Beatle" that at 400 pages does not overstay its welcome.
Despite being with the Beatles from the very beginning, George's status as the youngest Beatle seemed to define his relationship with the others. A strong guitarist who was more comfortable playing set parts than improvising, George found himself in one of the most popular bands in the world by 21. At an age when most of us were looking for our first post-college jobs, George was one of the most recognizable people on the planet. As his songwriting progressed, he found it hard to convince the others in the band of his skills - somewhat understandable when he was competing with the likes of Lennon and McCartney to get songs on albums. Many people don't realize that not only was Harrison the first to leave the band, over frustration with the other musicians' dominance (he'd soon return) but he was also the first to release a solo album, with the experimental soundtrack Wonderwall Music.
While Harrison may not have been the musical leader of the band, he was the one who initiated the spiritual quests of the Beatles, leading them on trips to India to meet the Maharishi and meditate. While Ringo had very little interest and John a little bit more, the effect of Indian religion on George lasted his whole life, influencing his outlook on life, death and celebrity. More noticeably to the rest of us it also affected his role in the Beatles music, with exotic sitar colorings bubbling to the top of their songs.
There are many well-documented reasons behind why the Beatles broke up and certainly the release of Harrison's monumental All Things Must Pass (the first triple album in rock) shows that he had more material available than The Beatles could ever handle. The rest of the book follows Harrison through a long career decline, as his limited writing skills became more evident. Following the charity Concert for Bangladesh event and his ill-fated 1974 Dark Horse tour he retreated, as he attempted to reconcile his fame with his desire for peace and quiet. He was able to launch a late career comeback with 1987's Cloud Nine and his Travelling Wilbury's supergroup but without a desire to tour and lacking any massive hits from a number of subdued and sometimes lazily produced albums, the late 1970s and early 1980s remained quiet musically. He claimed many times that he simply wanted to be a guitar player and not a Beatle.
Harrison died a tragically young 58, though arguably his spirituality allowed him to accept his cancer diagnosis as well as a person reasonably could. He had been quoted many times as saying that he saw no difference between life and death as far as the spirit was concerned. Be assured, however, that the book does not paint him to be an angel. The author makes us aware of many of the material world struggles that Harrison dealt with - from drugs and alcohol to interpersonal relationships - and it points out that while having a serene and accepting outlook on life he also had an acidic side.
I really enjoyed this look at Harrison's life. It's a comprehensive look at a private person thrust into celebrity and dealing with all that followed. Even more importantly, despite the author's reservations about the quality of certain Harrison releases, it did get me listening to some of his albums again and appreciating his unique slide guitar sound once again.
- Mike
May 13, 2015
I picked up this book thinking, George Harrison, this should be interesting. It really wasn't much to me. And to top it off I had not even realized I had read his biography several years back and had forgotten I had. So much for impressions. Graeme Thomson goes into a fairly exhaustive review of primarily Harrison's escapades as an emerging rock superstar primarily from his part as a Beatle. In respects he had some success on his own but not to the magnitude of Lennon or McCartney.
The trials and tribulations of his struggles on the recording and performing stage is primarily the focus of the book. That is what I found generally boring about the book. One thing for sure is despite his perceived enlightenment in his religious endeavors, this was one tortured man, and probably soul. Harrison seemed quite the contradiction in his life. One who sought out and practiced the solace and peace associated with the Indian religious practices. Yet by contrast most of his life continually centered in his drinking and drugging. Back and forth he went. And ultimately led to his early demise. His commendable striving to save and help those in peril during the struggles of Bangladesh are offset by his petty and constant struggles and bitterness towards his fellow artists. All of this made for not a pleasant read.
The trials and tribulations of his struggles on the recording and performing stage is primarily the focus of the book. That is what I found generally boring about the book. One thing for sure is despite his perceived enlightenment in his religious endeavors, this was one tortured man, and probably soul. Harrison seemed quite the contradiction in his life. One who sought out and practiced the solace and peace associated with the Indian religious practices. Yet by contrast most of his life continually centered in his drinking and drugging. Back and forth he went. And ultimately led to his early demise. His commendable striving to save and help those in peril during the struggles of Bangladesh are offset by his petty and constant struggles and bitterness towards his fellow artists. All of this made for not a pleasant read.
May 14, 2015
Solid bio of the "Quiet" Beatle, not especially interesting in style, and despite much research, missing the voices of anyone who was close to Harrison except in quotes from previous publications. Interesting background on the "My Sweet Lord" plagiarism case. Main takeaway for me: Harrison could be just as much of an ass as John or Paul.
July 19, 2015
A very good and, I think, fair and comprehensive look at George Harrison, which gets points for looking at the big picture and putting the Beatle years in their proper perspective, to the extent possible.
August 29, 2020
Three and a half stars rounded up to four. The quiet Beatle, George Harrison, was always my favorite. This was an interesting look at the man and his music, mainly focusing on the music he created. And in the end, the love you take, is equal to the love you make.
Read
January 14, 2025Admittedly I didn't finish this and I skim read some parts so I'm gonna leave it unrated.
As far as biographies go, this was fairly interesting. I was expecting something unusual because George was the quiet, introvert, spiritual Beatle. Meh, it was the same old stuff really. I skipped the whole childhood part as I've heard countless times about the forming of the band in so many documentaries about them and Brian Epstein etc. I was more interested in Harrison later in his life. Despite the Hare Krishna/Eastern meditation thing and his interest in spiritualism, he still fell for the old "buying a multi-million pound mansion and driving stupidly expensive cars" trope. And his marriages didn't sound particularly successful either. I think it's always disappointing to hear of someone that sounds like quite an enlightened individual being pretty much the same as everyone else. Harrison sounds like he was a rather troubled soul at times, unsure of what he wanted.
Anyhoo, lesson to self, ease off on the biographies, they're usually underwhelming shite! Except Julian Clary, his autobiogs are fookin hilarious!
As far as biographies go, this was fairly interesting. I was expecting something unusual because George was the quiet, introvert, spiritual Beatle. Meh, it was the same old stuff really. I skipped the whole childhood part as I've heard countless times about the forming of the band in so many documentaries about them and Brian Epstein etc. I was more interested in Harrison later in his life. Despite the Hare Krishna/Eastern meditation thing and his interest in spiritualism, he still fell for the old "buying a multi-million pound mansion and driving stupidly expensive cars" trope. And his marriages didn't sound particularly successful either. I think it's always disappointing to hear of someone that sounds like quite an enlightened individual being pretty much the same as everyone else. Harrison sounds like he was a rather troubled soul at times, unsure of what he wanted.
Anyhoo, lesson to self, ease off on the biographies, they're usually underwhelming shite! Except Julian Clary, his autobiogs are fookin hilarious!
November 29, 2024
I finished this book today, on the anniversary of George’s passing. George really struggled to find the balance between his love for his god and his love of fame, and I really respect him for that and the way that he processed it. This book also humbled me to be intentional about recognizing celebrities as people and not objects. I am so glad I read this!
December 20, 2018
I've been on a Beatles-bio kick lately, having previously read Philip Norman's lengthy bios of John and Paul. But this work by Thomson is better than either of Norman's tomes.
It isn't as long (about 400 pages, half the length of those other bios), but that's more a feature than a bug. Thomson does a very nice job looking at the big picture, and the main themes of Harrison's life come across rather clear. For example, you'll get a nice interpretation of how Harrison's album "Dark Horse" fit into the entire trajectory of his life and career - and how it fit (or, really didn't fit) the era it came out in. Sometimes I found myself wishing that he'd go into more details on certain parts of Harrison's career, but overall this is a very able biography of Beatle #3.
It isn't as long (about 400 pages, half the length of those other bios), but that's more a feature than a bug. Thomson does a very nice job looking at the big picture, and the main themes of Harrison's life come across rather clear. For example, you'll get a nice interpretation of how Harrison's album "Dark Horse" fit into the entire trajectory of his life and career - and how it fit (or, really didn't fit) the era it came out in. Sometimes I found myself wishing that he'd go into more details on certain parts of Harrison's career, but overall this is a very able biography of Beatle #3.
July 18, 2014
This book is a biography of an English musician / songwriter / film producer.
Quite interesting, but I felt that I didn’t really learn anything the man and there wasn’t enough detail to support the negative portrait (which could be true).
Quite interesting, but I felt that I didn’t really learn anything the man and there wasn’t enough detail to support the negative portrait (which could be true).
March 2, 2015
Outstanding! A very different viewpoint on the Beatles and George's place in it, as well as an honest overview oh his solo career. Mr. Thomson pulls no punches in reviewing the solo albums and performances, but does an excellent job of showing the person behind the myth. Most highly recommended!
August 4, 2020
Nearly all the books about the Beatles sound the same. This one stands out for its exquisite writing and its analysis of the most interesting Beatle. Harrison's quest for creative freedom and his mission to understand the meaning of his success and life make intriguing reading.
October 3, 2019
George Harrison:Behind The Locked Door
by Graeme Thomson
2015
Overlook Omnibus
3.5 / 5.0
Known as the quiet Beatle, George Harrison's lifelong inner turmoil balancing his spiritual beliefs with the material needs and demands of his life, career, and fame drove him to become a very reclusive person.
From The Quarryman to the Beatles; his fascination with Eastern philosophy and religion to studying with Ravi Shankar; and his retirement to Friars Park, his estate in England; this is a solid biography of a very complex and interesting man.
Each of Harrisons solo albums and guest appearances are given detailed synopsis, although Thomson does say he believes Harrisons career was at its top when 'All Things Must Pass' was released, and everything since then has not compared.
by Graeme Thomson
2015
Overlook Omnibus
3.5 / 5.0
Known as the quiet Beatle, George Harrison's lifelong inner turmoil balancing his spiritual beliefs with the material needs and demands of his life, career, and fame drove him to become a very reclusive person.
From The Quarryman to the Beatles; his fascination with Eastern philosophy and religion to studying with Ravi Shankar; and his retirement to Friars Park, his estate in England; this is a solid biography of a very complex and interesting man.
Each of Harrisons solo albums and guest appearances are given detailed synopsis, although Thomson does say he believes Harrisons career was at its top when 'All Things Must Pass' was released, and everything since then has not compared.
April 11, 2019
By far the most detailed account of Harrison's life available. Thomson tackles the trickier personal aspects with aplomb, illuminating his subject's many strengths as well as his weaknesses. But he misses the boat when it comes to Harrison's spirituality, seemingly not grasping the full impact of religious devotion on an artist's life and work. He also, oddly, largely overlooks Harrison's unique contributions to his instrument. I would recommend pairing this with Joshua Greene's "Here Comes the Sun: The Spiritual and Musical Journey of George Harrison"--which borders on hagiography but gets the aforementioned two details exactly right--for a fuller portrait.
August 6, 2017
Many books have been devoted to John, Paul or the Beatles in general but not a lot about George. Perhaps that's because his role in the Beatles is seen as a support role and his solo career whilst starting brilliantly had fizzled out by the mid 70s. There was the surprise of Cloud 9 and the Wilburys but they seemed more one offs than a planned career path.
What this book does so well is to examine George's attitudes, beliefs and subsequent actions. It is not simply a timeline of his career with major events noted and a few humorous anecdotes thrown in for good measure.
It seems that all George ever wanted to do was play guitar in a band. He did not seek fame or the spotlight. When both those arrived in an unheard of abundance, George recoiled at the shallowness suddenly thrust upon him. He quite liked the money, he liked that being a Beatle meant that all doors were suddenly open but at what cost ? Loss of privacy and the public expectation to always be "on". By the age of 24 he had developed an interest in Eastern religion which would guide the rest of his life. He found succour in their teaching. The trappings of fame and success looked tawdry by comparison.
It was this search for spiritual truth that often made George seem curmudgeonly. Why tour when he hated the spot light ? Why give interviews when the only subject seemed to be his experience as a Beatle ? Indeed, why be nostalgic about a part of his life he openly rejected ?
By all accounts George was a gentle, friendly guy. But he was also human. His spirituality was often at odds with his base desires. Alcohol, drugs and the constant enthusiastic availability of female attention were never far away. As John Lennon said "With George it's God one day, coke the next".
I would recommend this biography over the few others out there. I now feel a much greater understanding of George the man rather than George the Beatle.
What this book does so well is to examine George's attitudes, beliefs and subsequent actions. It is not simply a timeline of his career with major events noted and a few humorous anecdotes thrown in for good measure.
It seems that all George ever wanted to do was play guitar in a band. He did not seek fame or the spotlight. When both those arrived in an unheard of abundance, George recoiled at the shallowness suddenly thrust upon him. He quite liked the money, he liked that being a Beatle meant that all doors were suddenly open but at what cost ? Loss of privacy and the public expectation to always be "on". By the age of 24 he had developed an interest in Eastern religion which would guide the rest of his life. He found succour in their teaching. The trappings of fame and success looked tawdry by comparison.
It was this search for spiritual truth that often made George seem curmudgeonly. Why tour when he hated the spot light ? Why give interviews when the only subject seemed to be his experience as a Beatle ? Indeed, why be nostalgic about a part of his life he openly rejected ?
By all accounts George was a gentle, friendly guy. But he was also human. His spirituality was often at odds with his base desires. Alcohol, drugs and the constant enthusiastic availability of female attention were never far away. As John Lennon said "With George it's God one day, coke the next".
I would recommend this biography over the few others out there. I now feel a much greater understanding of George the man rather than George the Beatle.
August 4, 2019
This is a “warts and all” look at the life and legacy of George Harrison. Unlike the sanitized video versions of former Beatles’ lives like “Anthology,” “Imagine,” “Living In The Material World,” and “Above Us Only Sky,” Thompson presents a very balanced view of George Harrison - not as a saint, but as a complex human being - fraught, like all of us, with doubts, faults and hypocrisies.
He was a man with an enormous talent, generous to a fault with his friends, loving, caring and, at times, extremely spiritual. However, he was also prone to excessive appetites - drugs, alcohol and sex - and could be downright mean. A largely private person, Harrison spent most of his adult life trying to escape from the very thing (Beatle George) that had made him famous and helped him amass an enormous amount of wealth. Yet, at times, he would unabashedly use that fame to his advantage. As a songwriter, Thomson writes, “his default position...was to present a jaundiced view of the world which often jarred unpleasantly with his privileged position in it.”
A well researched biography, this book was incredibly enlightening, thoroughly enjoyable and I highly recommend it to any fan of The Beatles and, particularly, of George Harrison.
He was a man with an enormous talent, generous to a fault with his friends, loving, caring and, at times, extremely spiritual. However, he was also prone to excessive appetites - drugs, alcohol and sex - and could be downright mean. A largely private person, Harrison spent most of his adult life trying to escape from the very thing (Beatle George) that had made him famous and helped him amass an enormous amount of wealth. Yet, at times, he would unabashedly use that fame to his advantage. As a songwriter, Thomson writes, “his default position...was to present a jaundiced view of the world which often jarred unpleasantly with his privileged position in it.”
A well researched biography, this book was incredibly enlightening, thoroughly enjoyable and I highly recommend it to any fan of The Beatles and, particularly, of George Harrison.
March 23, 2019
George Harrison - talented, complicated, a man of deep spirituality and great wealth, humility and excess, detested the lunacies of fame while embracing the perks.
And the music, always the music. It is always said the his first album was his best, and often said that much of what came later deserved to be ignored But, as with Lennon, he seemed to have come around to a new comfort level with his art in the years just before he died, and I was left with a similar sense of loss for the music that he didn't get to make.
This is a good read about a man who was somehow both more and less than he seemed.
And the music, always the music. It is always said the his first album was his best, and often said that much of what came later deserved to be ignored But, as with Lennon, he seemed to have come around to a new comfort level with his art in the years just before he died, and I was left with a similar sense of loss for the music that he didn't get to make.
This is a good read about a man who was somehow both more and less than he seemed.
August 4, 2018
Very interesting
I was more interested in his latter years. It takes awhile to get through the early years. In the end, he was an uneducated man who was swept up in an extraordinary life full of temptations. It is sickening to think about how many times he was exploited. I recommend this book to understand his struggles and fortitude. Drugs and alcohol affect the user and those closest to him. He said and did many cruel things while under the influence. Still, this book is interesting for anyone who remembers the man and his music.
I was more interested in his latter years. It takes awhile to get through the early years. In the end, he was an uneducated man who was swept up in an extraordinary life full of temptations. It is sickening to think about how many times he was exploited. I recommend this book to understand his struggles and fortitude. Drugs and alcohol affect the user and those closest to him. He said and did many cruel things while under the influence. Still, this book is interesting for anyone who remembers the man and his music.
October 11, 2018
This biography of George Harrison delved into a lot of details of Harrison’s life and personality that seemed invisible, at least to me. The book does a good job portraying Harrison from the perspective of his friends, family, and those that worked with him. It did not pull any punches in situations where Harrison did not act to his ideals, but also made sure to point out his incredible personality and the connections he was able to make with most of the people he met. Sadly, a few that were brought into his inner circle also betrayed his friendship. It was a good read.
November 22, 2020
I have been a Beatle fan since the beginning. This book was an eye-opener. I came away with several observations: 1): Things went downhill after ALL THINGS MUST PASS. Creativity was spent after this era. 2): Harrison did not have a strong singing voice and released a lot of "weak" albums later on. 3): He came across as mean-spirited and could be quite rude at times. Quite bitter about life.
The author did not sugar coat anything and the book seemed to be an honest account of Harrison's life. I now have a different perception of "the quiet Beatle". A good read!
The author did not sugar coat anything and the book seemed to be an honest account of Harrison's life. I now have a different perception of "the quiet Beatle". A good read!
February 9, 2021
George was always my "favorite" Beatle when all of my friends were gushing over Paul. This book was very comprehensive. I enjoyed knowing the fact that George loved gardening - So do I. He may have been considered "The Quiet Beatle" but this book shows how much he did "behind the scenes" and all of the music he was responsible for. I was amazed.
I believe he enjoyed a very "full" life and no one could say he sat back and rested on his "laurels" as a former Beatle. He was so much MORE than that.
I believe he enjoyed a very "full" life and no one could say he sat back and rested on his "laurels" as a former Beatle. He was so much MORE than that.
May 8, 2019
George deserved better.
February 11, 2022
A serviceable biography of the famous Beatle that makes the argument (only half-convincingly) that Harrison was a smoldering brooder with a ferocious rage that was responsible for his decline during the 1970s. Strangely enough, Thomson actually offers an subconscious counterargument against this thesis. Harrison is more persuasively presented as a man who didn't enjoy the spotlight, but who felt a great need to step out of the shoulders and prove his worth (with ALL THINGS MUST PASS), only to not have much more musical ambition beyond that. The last fifteen years of Harrison's life -- which include his run as an independent film producer -- are largely glossed over. And I don't think Thomson really got into why Harrison craved solitude at Friar Park so much, other than a tertiary narrative here that suggests Dark Horse was reluctantly at odds with his legacy with the Fab Four. He is pretty good at revealing George as a man living with spiritual and material contradictions (the fast cars, the women, et al.). But I really wanted to know more about the volcanic brooder -- the temperament that caused him to casually walk away from the Beatles during the GET BACK sessions. The guy who expressed a great deal of anger towards the inconsequential. Or even the degree to which Olivia (his second wife) calmed him down. That latter question, in particular, is something that Thomson also glosses over, in favor of the "Harrison in decline after the first two solo albums" narrative -- which isn't entirely fair and which I don't think even Thomson himself agrees with (Thomson does single out quite a number of neglected post-1980 tracks, for example, and can't deny the musicianship). Perhaps this was a case of a celebrity biographer trying to fulfill the exigencies of a book proposal. Still, there are a lot of useful details here that present George as a flawed human being. I just wish that panorama here was larger.
December 4, 2021
This was a well-written, comprehensive and very fair portrayal of the life of the youngest Beatle, George Harrison. Brought up in a stable home, his parents were supportive of his musical aspirations. But Thomson makes it clear throughout the book, George tried to move away and distance himself from what he called "Beatles George."
He was so much more than that. A paradox of sorts, a contradiction and an enigma, George was a spiritual seeker who chanted Krishna, was a vegetarian and delved deep into TM, yet lived in the material world of fast cars, mansions, women, alcohol and drugs.
He could be kind and philanthropic, yet had an mean streak and often used his words to brutally slay another. He did not mince his words. He craved solitude in his later years, shunning the mobs and creating his own sanctuaries. His concert for Bangladesh and his later works are a reflection of the man's caring and talent.
George was a deep soul, tortured in many ways, a hard worker and a talented musician. His words over the passing of John Lennon are haunting: "To rob life is the ultimate robbery in life. The perpetual encroachment on other people's space is taken to the limit with the use of a gun. It is an outrage that people can take other people's lives when they obviously haven't gotten their own lives in order." Sadly, they words ring true today. A prophet of sorts and a sheer talent, George's wisdom and presence are missed and badly needed on the earth today! Well done!
He was so much more than that. A paradox of sorts, a contradiction and an enigma, George was a spiritual seeker who chanted Krishna, was a vegetarian and delved deep into TM, yet lived in the material world of fast cars, mansions, women, alcohol and drugs.
He could be kind and philanthropic, yet had an mean streak and often used his words to brutally slay another. He did not mince his words. He craved solitude in his later years, shunning the mobs and creating his own sanctuaries. His concert for Bangladesh and his later works are a reflection of the man's caring and talent.
George was a deep soul, tortured in many ways, a hard worker and a talented musician. His words over the passing of John Lennon are haunting: "To rob life is the ultimate robbery in life. The perpetual encroachment on other people's space is taken to the limit with the use of a gun. It is an outrage that people can take other people's lives when they obviously haven't gotten their own lives in order." Sadly, they words ring true today. A prophet of sorts and a sheer talent, George's wisdom and presence are missed and badly needed on the earth today! Well done!
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