George....my friend.

George Harrison was a giant...even though all his life he tried so hard to be an ordinary mortal.  At the peak of The Beatles fame he always referred to himself as the `coach class Beatle.'  He failed to convince me of that as I'd known him  since those early days in Liverpool when we all set out on our `Yellow Brick Road.' 

John and Paul dominated The Beatles  because of their competitive spirit and over whelming talent whilst their `junior' partner George was content to do whatever they wanted, when they wanted and how they wanted.  Yet without his input, would they still have been as successful?  I think not !!

George was the supreme collaborator, working with and encouraging not just his Beatle mates but in later years his new contemporaries in The Travelling Wilburys.

Happily, he worked behind the scenes, reluctant to thrust himself forward into the despised spotlight of fame.

Yet, when the inevitable happened and the Fabs split his talent took control and swept him, albeit a little reluctantly, to the top of the charts with My Sweet Lord. 

Cream always rises to the top !!

George went from strength to strength, proving what I'd always known. He was cool.

His Concert for Bangladesh was the forerunner for Live Aid and all the other Charity Rock shows that followed.

He went into films, three of which,

`The Life Of Brian, 'Monty Python & The Holy Grail' and `Long Good Friday'  are in my favourite `Top Ten.'  and probably yours !!

Then, at least in my opinion, came  his best  collaboration, his work with The Travelling Wilbury's.  That creative 12 month period made Roy Orbison's last year on Earth a very happy one.

George brought light and joy into every room or setting he appeared in.

His gentile manner proved that you don't have to be a rabble-rouser to be a Rock icon.

His quiet ways were an example to us all and although he claims he was a lapsed Catholic he was very Christ-like in his appearance and bearing.

He brought sheer class to everything he undertook.  Even his beloved gardens have a unique style tended by his loving hands.

Now, in his final album `Brainwashed' he has left a legacy that may well prove to be his best work of all.  Typical of George he'll rise to the top once more.

His was a tremendous talent that will live long in our memories and in Posterity, which no doubt would bring a rueful grin to his face.  I was privileged to know him.

Now his remains will forever flow peacefully down The Holy River Ganges.

A fitting and gentle end for a gentle man of peace and tranquility.

Sam Leach.  Liverpool Nov 29th 2002.