Celebrating the Life of George Harrison

When I go to concerts, I've always ever gone to see an actual "favorite artist" live, never imitations and tributes. But last night I made an exception to go to a special tribute show, of sorts, at B. B. King's Bar and Grill in NYC. It was a celebration of the life of George Harrison, who was and still is my favorite Beatle (because, let's face it, everyone has a favorite Beatle). I also made this exception because the band performing in this tribute is one of my personal favorite live NY bands, about whom you've heard me discuss before on this blog: The Godfrey Townsend Band.

The show was part live narration by Joshua Greene, author of Here Comes the Sun: The Spiritual and Musical Journey of George Harrison, with musical interludes of Harrison's most beloved tunes as performed by the band. There were also lovely clips shown of Harrison, discussing the power of spirituality in his life and music.

The show started off a bit rocky, as some inebriated audience members frequently announced their displeasure that the show was not 100% music by shouting rudely in between Greene's narration. "Play some music!" and "God forbid you play a song!" were common interruptions, to the annoyance of the rest of the crowd who were enjoying the show. Finally, GTB bassist John Montagna took the mic and sternly, but politely, reminded the audience that if they were incapable of reading, the bill did advertise that there would be narration as well as music, and to please keep their mouths shut so that everyone else could enjoy; he was greeted with an enthusiastic applause from the rest of the crowd and the remainder of the show carried on without a hitch. There were corny jokes and interesting facts about Harrison that I personally found intellectually stimulated. For instance, we were told that it took the Royal Mail seven trucks to deliver Harrison's fan mail to him on his 21st birthday. What a great little tidbit and view into the Beatlemania craze!

Apologies to all for my poor cell phone quality picture.

The band performed many of Harrison's most memorable songs from his days in the Beatles as well as his solo career. In particular I enjoyed "Give Me Love (Give Me Peace On Earth)" and of course, Godfrey Townsend's searing guitar work on "While My Guitar Gently Weeps," as he is always so apt at Eric Clapton's style. After Joshua Greene's presentation ended, the band carried on a bit longer with more of Harrison's early Beatle hits and even the Cream classic "Badge," famously co-written by Harrison.  "What do you do about the man who steals your wife?" the band asks the crowd. "You write songs with him! That'll show him!"

The band was in top form and the show itself was a beautiful tribute to a wonderful artist and human being. For anyone who is interested in the Godfrey Townsend Band, they will be performing at B. B. King's again on April 1st for the 10th Annual Eric Clapton Birthday Celebration. I urge everyone to check the show out.