Concert for George Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A bunch of legendary musicians gather to remember their quiet Beatle friend by playing his greatest hits, while his son makes everyone do a double-take.

🍿 Concert for George: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Global Tribute to George Harrison

On November 29, 2002, exactly one year after his passing, a star-studded tribute concert for George Harrison was held at London’s Royal Albert Hall. Organized by close friend Eric Clapton and Harrison’s widow, Olivia Harrison, the event brought together an extraordinary lineup of musicians and friends. The concert aimed to honor Harrison’s diverse musical legacy, his profound spirituality, and his unique sense of humor, capturing the essence of the beloved Beatle.

The Ravi Shankar and Indian Music Segment

The concert commenced with a deeply spiritual and mesmerizing segment dedicated to George Harrison’s pioneering love for Indian classical music. Led by the celebrated sitarist Anoushka Shankar, daughter of Harrison’s mentor Ravi Shankar, this portion featured traditional Indian melodies and compositions. This opening beautifully set a meditative and respectful tone, highlighting Harrison’s significant role in introducing Eastern sounds and philosophies to Western pop culture.

Monty Python’s Comedic Interlude

In a nod to George Harrison’s well-known appreciation for comedy and his personal connection to the iconic British troupe, the concert included a delightful comedic interlude featuring members of Monty Python. This segment injected lightheartedness into the proceedings, showcasing Harrison’s unique personality. It was a unique and memorable tribute, reminding attendees and viewers of the joy and laughter Harrison brought into the lives of those around him.

The Rock ‘n’ Roll Ensemble

The core of the concert featured an unparalleled gathering of rock and roll legends performing Harrison’s most beloved songs from both his Beatles era and his acclaimed solo career. An all-star band, including Eric Clapton, Jeff Lynne, Tom Petty, and Billy Preston, backed many of the performances. This section brilliantly showcased the enduring power and timeless appeal of Harrison’s songwriting, with iconic artists performing his timeless tracks with passion and respect.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• George Harrison (N/A): The beloved late musician and “Quiet Beatle” whose life and music are celebrated by his friends, family, and bandmates.
• Eric Clapton (Self): The concert’s musical director and close friend who assembled and led the all-star lineup to honor George Harrison.
• Paul McCartney (Self): A surviving Beatle and legendary musician who performs heartfelt tributes to his former bandmate.
• Ringo Starr (Self): The good-humored surviving Beatle whose drum work and vocal performances add a personal touch to the tribute.
• Dhani Harrison (Self): George Harrison’s son, who bears a striking resemblance to his father and plays guitar throughout the concert, embodying his legacy.
• Jeff Lynne (Self): A fellow Traveling Wilbury and producer who contributes his distinctive sound and performs several of Harrison’s songs.
• Billy Preston (Self): The charismatic keyboardist and vocalist whose powerful gospel-infused performances are a highlight of the tribute.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Billy Preston: “My Sweet Lord, Hmm, my Lord, Hmm, my Lord, I really want to see you, I really want to be with you…” – Sung with passionate gospel fervor during Billy Preston’s powerful rendition of George Harrison’s iconic spiritual anthem.
• Eric Clapton: “I look at the world and I notice it’s turning, while my guitar gently weeps.” – Performed by Eric Clapton, who played the original guitar solo on The Beatles’ version, during a deeply moving tribute to George Harrison’s masterpiece.
• Paul McCartney: “Something in the way she moves, attracts me like no other lover.” – Begun as a tender ukulele solo by Paul McCartney, evolving into a full band performance of George Harrison’s celebrated love song.
• Ringo Starr: “All I’ve got is a photograph, And I realize you’re not coming back anymore.” – Sung by Ringo Starr, co-writer of the song with George Harrison, expressing a poignant sense of loss and remembrance for their friend.
• Paul McCartney: “All things must pass, None of life’s strings can last. So, I must be on my way, And face another day.” – Performed by Paul McCartney, this iconic song by George Harrison serves as a profound reflection on mortality and acceptance at the tribute concert.

💰Box Office

• Budget: N/A
• Domestic Gross: $134,600
• Worldwide Gross: $163,192

💥 Concert for George Reviews

Personal Review

Watching ‘Concert for George’ felt like being right there in the Royal Albert Hall, enveloped in this huge wave of love for George. I absolutely loved how it started with the Indian music, setting such a serene and respectful tone before the rock legends took over. Seeing Paul McCartney play ‘Something’ on the ukulele and then have it swell into that full-band version gave me chills – such a brilliant moment. And Eric Clapton’s guitar work, especially on ‘While My Guitar Gently Weeps,’ was just phenomenal. Dhani Harrison being so uncannily like his dad was both touching and a bit surreal. It’s a beautiful, heartfelt tribute that makes you laugh, brings a tear to your eye, and truly celebrates George’s incredible spirit and music. I’ve rewatched it so many times and it never loses its magic.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of George Harrison and The Beatles”
  • “Classic rock and roll music enthusiasts”
  • “Viewers interested in spiritual themes and Indian classical music”
  • “Anyone who appreciates well-produced tribute concerts and live musical performances”
  • “Those who enjoy films celebrating musical legacies and friendships”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Emotional themes of loss, remembrance, and tribute”
  • “Brief instances of adult humor during the Monty Python segment”

Professional Reviews

• Concert Review Monthly: “Concert for George is a profoundly moving tribute, impeccably orchestrated by Eric Clapton. It’s less a concert and more a joyous, bittersweet reunion of musical legends celebrating a cherished friend. From Ravi Shankar’s evocative Indian music to the electric performances by McCartney, Starr, Petty, and Lynne, every note resonates with love and respect. The film captures the raw emotion and undeniable camaraderie, offering a unique glimpse into the enduring legacy of George Harrison. A must-see for fans and a beautiful experience for any music lover.
• The Daily Beat: “David Leland’s ‘Concert for George’ is a masterful blend of celebration and remembrance. What could have been a chaotic celebrity ensemble feels remarkably intimate, thanks to the genuine affection radiating from the stage. Eric Clapton guides a truly dream lineup through Harrison’s rich catalog, from the meditative Eastern compositions to the soaring rock anthems. Dhani Harrison’s uncanny resemblance to his father adds a poignant, almost surreal layer to the proceedings, reminding us of the enduring spirit of the ‘Quiet Beatle.’ A powerful testament to a unique artist.

Audience Reactions

The heartfelt performances by musical legends celebrating George Harrison.: Viewers consistently praised the genuine emotion and camaraderie among the artists, the high quality of the musical performances, and the fitting blend of Harrison’s spiritual and rock legacies. Many were particularly moved by Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr’s contributions, Eric Clapton’s direction, and Dhani Harrison’s striking resemblance to his father.

Overall Consensus: A universally acclaimed, deeply moving, and musically rich tribute concert that perfectly honors George Harrison’s enduring legacy and spirit.

Awards

1. Grammy Award (Best Long Form Music Video)- 2004

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “This was the first time Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr had performed on stage together since the breakup of The Beatles, making their appearance a historic reunion.”
• “George Harrison famously financed Monty Python’s *Life of Brian* (1979) because he wanted to see it made, which explains the comedy troupe’s memorable inclusion in the concert.”
• “The concert was organized and musically directed by Eric Clapton, a close friend and frequent collaborator of George Harrison, taking place exactly one year after Harrison’s death.”
• “George’s son, Dhani Harrison, played guitar throughout much of the concert, with many noting his striking resemblance to his father, creating a poignant presence on stage.”
• “Joe Brown, an English musician whose band The Beatles once opened for, closed the concert with “I’ll See You in My Dreams,” performing on a ukulele, an instrument George Harrison deeply loved in his later years.”

🖥️ How to Watch Concert for George?

The profoundly moving ‘Concert for George’ is widely available for rent or purchase on various digital platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and YouTube. For those seeking the optimal viewing and listening experience, the film is also readily accessible on DVD and Blu-ray, often featuring exclusive bonus content and behind-the-scenes footage. These physical editions offer excellent opportunities to support affiliate marketing while providing a premium experience for fans of George Harrison.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Concert for George, you might like these similar films:

• The Concert for Bangladesh (1971): Organized by George Harrison himself, featuring many of the same musicians and themes, serving as a direct precursor to this tribute.
• The Last Waltz (1978): Widely considered one of the greatest concert films, featuring an all-star lineup celebrating The Band’s farewell, mirroring the collaborative and celebratory spirit.
• Imagine: John Lennon (1988): A comprehensive documentary celebrating the life and music of George Harrison’s fellow Beatle, John Lennon, exploring similar themes of creativity, peace, and legacy.
• Get Back (2021): Offers an unprecedented, immersive look at The Beatles’ creative process during their final recording sessions, providing deep context for George Harrison’s musical journey.
• A Hard Day’s Night (1964): Captures The Beatles at the height of Beatlemania, offering a glimpse into George Harrison’s formative years with the band, appealing to long-time fans.

🛒 Concert for George Related Products

• Concert for George Deluxe Edition (Blu-ray/CD/DVD Box Set): Immerse yourself in the full tribute experience with this comprehensive box set. Includes the film on Blu-ray and DVD, plus two audio CDs of the entire concert. Features stunning visuals and pristine audio, perfect for re-living every magical moment.
• George Harrison: All Things Must Pass (50th Anniversary Super Deluxe LP/CD/Blu-ray): Celebrate George Harrison’s iconic solo masterpiece. This deluxe edition features new mixes, unreleased sessions, and a beautiful book, providing deep insight into the album that forms the backbone of many concert performances.
• George Harrison: Living in the Material World (Documentary – Digital HD): Explore the life and spiritual journey of George Harrison through Martin Scorsese’s acclaimed documentary. Features rare archival footage and interviews with family and friends, offering a profound understanding of the man behind the music.
• The Beatles: Rock Band (Video Game – Xbox 360/PS3): Step into the shoes of the Fab Four and play through their legendary career. Features a setlist packed with classic Beatles songs, allowing fans to interact with the music in a unique, immersive way.

🎧 Soundtrack

Concert for George features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Arpan” – performed by Ravi Shankar & Anoushka Shankar
• “Something” – performed by Paul McCartney & Eric Clapton
• “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” – performed by Eric Clapton, Paul McCartney & Ringo Starr
• “My Sweet Lord” – performed by Billy Preston
• “Handle With Care” – performed by Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers & Jeff Lynne
• “All Things Must Pass” – performed by Paul McCartney
• “I’ll See You In My Dreams” – performed by Joe Brown

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

“Something” for Harrison – 4K upgrade: Bob plays a tribute to his old friend at a NYC show in 2002.

Ever wonder why Bob Dylan wasn’t at the ‘Concert for George’? This amazing 4K video shows his heartfelt, separate tribute to Harrison. It’s truly special to see the emotion he poured into it, adding a wonderful, often overlooked, layer to the story!

Concert For George – Los Angeles World Premiere (2003)

Curious about the glamour surrounding the ‘Concert for George’ film’s debut? Check out this video from the Los Angeles premiere! It’s fascinating to see all the big names, like Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, gathered for this memorable cinematic event.

Concert For George – London Premiere (2003)

Want to see more of the red-carpet magic for ‘Concert for George’? Dive into the London premiere! It’s great to witness the continued celebration of George Harrison’s legacy as the film made its international rounds, featuring more iconic faces.

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