Talking about The Beatles can feel overwhelming. It seems like everything possible has been discussed and scrutinized. Every question has its answer, creating a maze of thoughts. It’s a bit like what Carl Sagan said: to bake an apple pie from scratch, you first have to create the universe. Starting with The Beatles is challenging, but let’s try to unpack their story.
The Beatles came from Liverpool. They were four guys with a knack for creating some of the greatest music ever recorded. Their timing was perfect, and they left a lasting mark on history. They became icons, making history with twenty Number One hits—a record that still stands. Their influence is incredible, even today. Paul McCartney is like a rock star pope, John Lennon’s legacy remains strong despite his tragic death, and Ringo Starr is, well, Ringo.
Then there’s George Harrison. While people often cite The Beatles’ legacy as something foundational and worn out, George brings a different angle. He was the band member who embraced skepticism. He didn’t fit the mold of your typical rock star; he carried a deeper sense of curiosity about life and fame.
After the band split, George sought deeper meaning. “Having money doesn’t solve everything,” he once said in an interview, indicating that true fulfillment lies in spiritual enlightenment, not material wealth. His quest for answers filled his life in a way that went beyond songwriting.
Many people don’t realize he was a massive fan of Formula 1 racing. This passion surprisingly influenced his music career. In 1955, a young George attended a race at Aintree and was instantly hooked, snapping photos of cars while racing struck a deeper chord within him. "Racing is in my blood," he recalled in his memoir, showing just how intertwined cars and music were in his formative years.
The Beatles had disbanded by the late ’70s, but George found solace in his love for racing. Driving gave him a sense of freedom, an escape from the pressures of fame. He once candidly stated, “I forgot about music and went to the races.”
In 1978, as George’s marriage approached, he found himself attending races more frequently. He enjoyed the company of drivers who were real celebrities, able to socialize without being overwhelmed by fanfare. This love for the sport ultimately led him to write “Faster,” inspired by his friend Sir Jackie Stewart, a famous racer. The lyrics cleverly captured the thrill and challenges of racing, paralleling themes of success and pressure faced by everyone.
George’s immersion in both music and racing drew attention. Many of his friends had observed how much he loved the sport. Renowned music critic Stephen Thomas Erlewine noted that “Faster” showed a lighter side of George, unburdened by spiritual introspection. However, Grammy-nominated producer Andy Zax critiqued the song, stating it felt “lyrically vacuous,” which some fans might agree with.
After immersing himself in racing culture, George’s passion for music resurfaced. He produced acclaimed albums that reflected his life’s journey, highlighting a sense of living well beyond mere commercial success.
George Harrison’s life illustrates the intricate blend of art, passion, and search for meaning. His journey shows how one’s true calling can evolve over time, illustrating that freedom comes not just in fame or wealth but in the spaces where passion thrives. Today, discussions about him or The Beatles may feel repetitive, but their journey presents an enduring quest for understanding life itself.
For those looking to dive deeper into George’s life and learn about his multi-faceted personality, more can be found at Esses.
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