George Harrison, often referred to as the “Quiet Beatle,” was anything but just a subdued member of The Beatles.
The youngest of the iconic group possessed a sharp sense of humor that rivaled that of his fellow bandmates.
Whether he was dazzling audiences in classic films like “A Hard Day’s Night” and “Help!” or deftly handling the whirlwind of Beatles press events, Harrison’s wit shone brightly.
After The Beatles disbanded in 1970, he kept the laughs coming, notably producing the beloved Monty Python film, “The Life of Brian,” in 1979.
Harrison’s Playful Prank
Even as he approached the end of his life in 2001, Harrison’s playful spirit remained intact.
One particular story about a detailed prank he pulled on Phil Collins perfectly encapsulates his love for fun.
In 1970, Harrison was deep into recording what many fans regard as his greatest album, “All Things Must Pass.” Among the tracks was “The Art of Dying,” featuring Ringo Starr’s drumming, Billy Preston’s keyboard magic, and Eric Clapton’s guitar brilliance, all under the watchful eye of the legendary Phil Spector.
Seeking to enhance the sound with some conga rhythms, Harrison asked Ringo’s chauffeur to contact Collins’ manager.
At the time, Collins was an 18-year-old music prodigy just beginning his journey with Genesis, a band that would soon take the world by storm.
Starstruck and eager, Collins poured everything he had into his rehearsal sessions, working so hard that he ended up with painful blisters on his hands.
After a few hours of practice, Phil Spector finally indicated it was Collins’ moment to shine.
However, much to his dismay, he realized his microphone had been muted the entire time! As the realization dawned on him, laughter erupted among the group, but Collins, utterly fatigued, was asked to take a break.
To his heartbreak a few months later, when he got his hands on the much-anticipated triple album, he discovered that none of his contributions had made the final cut.
A Surprise Connection
Fast forward thirty years, and Collins had settled into a new house previously owned by racing legend Jackie Stewart, a friend of Harrison’s. During a chat, Stewart mentioned that Harrison was working on a remix of “All Things Must Pass” for a reissue and playfully hinted that Collins might have an unexpected connection to it.
Collins couldn’t help but nod, recalling that day in the studio.
Just two days later, a package arrived from Harrison containing a tape and a note teasing about a surprise inside.
Eagerly, Collins hit play and was instantly transported back.
However, he was taken aback when a cacophony of chaotic congas burst into the mix—louder and wilder than anyone could handle.
At the end of the track, Harrison’s voice suggested they might want to attempt another take, this time without the conga player.
Collins felt a wave of dismay wash over him.
But then, Stewart connected Collins with Harrison over the phone, and the mood quickly shifted.
When Collins expressed his disappointment about the tape, lamenting the experience of being sidelined by a Beatle, Harrison’s laughter rang through.
He revealed that it was all in good fun; he had hired a different conga player known for being less than stellar just to poke fun at Collins.
Creating Joy through Music
This charming encounter not only spotlighted Harrison’s musical prowess but also underscored his incredible knack for spreading joy and laughter among his friends.
It highlighted the importance of humor in life and music, demonstrating that sometimes, laughter really is the best remedy.
Harrison crafted an unforgettable moment that embodied the camaraderie and playful spirit at the very heart of rock music.
Source: Upworthy