The Quiet One - a life of George Harrison

One of the very pleasant highlights of Beatlemania Dublin 1998 was discovering this book at the Tower Record stall in the 'Castle'. Prior to this, as a Harrison head (and an avid book collector) I only read from two other sources, the celebrated autobiography 'I Me Mine' and another work by rock journalist and Beatle watcher Paul Gambiccini.

Clayson’s credentials for writing such a tome are nothing short of impeccable. Long before he became a pop historian of note he led 'Clayson and The Argonauts', still works as a studio producer but most significantly, he is author of the best selling book 'Backbeat'. 'Backbeat' became the subject of a major movie of the same name starring Ian Hart and is for my money, the classiest film ever made on the 'Fabs'. If you haven’t seen this movie then rent it or buy it....now !! Pro-logic home cinema and this movie were made for each other: tune in, switch it on and drop out - a splendid time is guaranteed for all !!).

To return to the book itself. If you are looking for a gushing, effusive account of the Harrison story well then this is not for you. What emerges is a meticulously researched, very well balanced portrait of George Harrison. The level of sustained detail produced by Clayton throughout the book is truly remarkable. Worthy of particular mention is Clayton’s intimate knowledge of the emergence of the Mersey Beat phenomenon, an era in which in previous accounts in other material I had always raced over.

Clayton presents his subject sympathetically as an extremely capable musician blinded for much of the sixties by the brilliance of the Lennon-McCartney writing partnership and hardly receiving encouragement from either. In terms of a commentary on his post Beatle’s career Clayson hits the nail on the head - the independence and high of 'All things Must Pass', the loss of direction in several spiritually driven 70’s albums ('Extra Texture/Living In The Material World'), the instrumentally divine 1979 'George Harrison' album and the extraordinarily strong 1987 'Cloud 9' come back.

The only real point I find myself differing on is on Clayson’s praise of the 'Gone Troppo' material (hello!, hello! - this was not one of George’s better offerings Alan - what have you been smoking !!).

George’s single mindedness is also very well portrayed with sensitive accounts of his exploration of all things Eastern, the Formula 1 motor racing scene, his affinity for 'Friar Park', its creator Frankie Crisp and even Gardening! Harrison’s relationships with other musicians and others are accurately documented from the love/hate Paul McCartney situation, the 'older brother' to Eric Clapton, the respect he had for the late Carl Perkins and friendships with Bob Dylan and Ringo Starr.

Harrison emerges as a semi reclusive character from this work, ultimately suiting himself but still enjoying fresh acclaim and renewed interest every time he surfaces from his bouts of self imposed exile.

Here’s hoping that Mr. H has something new for us in 1999 and kicks off his new world tour from the Point !!!

By Peter McGarry

Please note: if you love or hate this review or if you are just a 'George Head' drop me an e-mail to peterm@its.ie

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