Did George Harrison Rejoin The Beatles After Walking Out?
Many are familiar with the story of The Beatles, the legendary rock band that defined an era in music. Among the band's members, George Harrison, often referred to as one of the Four Fab of Fab Four, played a unique and pivotal role. A question that often arises is whether George Harrison re-joined The Beatles after he walked out during the Get Back Sessions. Let's delve into this intriguing aspect of The Beatles' history.
George Harrison: An Integral Member of The Fab Four
George Harrison, a guitarist, singer, and songwriter, was a key member of The Beatles, contributing to the band's groundbreaking achievements. Known for his exceptional songwriting talent and his unique guitar playing style, George was more than just a member of the band. His contributions to both The Beatles and his solo career have left an indelible mark on the music industry. In the years following the band's breakup, George maintained a high-profile career as a solo artist.
George Harrison's Departure and Rejoining in the Early Days
To answer the question directly, George Harrison did rejoin The Beatles, but it wasn't in the later stages of his career. In fact, a significant part of The Beatles' story involves George Harrison's departure and rejoining. The journey began when George, then a teenager, was a member of the original band. In 1960, after being deported from Germany due to being underage, George's return to the band was an early event in their career. The other members of The Beatles had already returned to England, so in a sense, they were effectively 'rejoining' George, who was now of age and back in England. This early reuniting set the foundation for their future success.
Rejoining During the Get Back Sessions
When discussing George Harrison's rejoining of The Beatles in a more contemporary context, most refer to his departure from the Get Back Sessions, a series of rehearsals during which The Beatles attempted to produce a live album and accompanying film. The Get Back Sessions were held from January 3 to 8, 1969, in London and Twickenham. During these sessions, George Harrison walked out in protest, feeling that the band's focus on a live album was misdirected and that it didn't reflect the true essence of their music.
However, just like in the early days of the band, George did indeed rejoin the band. The critical question then becomes: why did he return? After all, he walked out just weeks before the end of the Get Back Sessions. The answer lies in the band's decision to continue with the project and their subsequent recording of the Abbey Road album. Without George, The Beatles would not have been able to finish the Get Back project, nor would they have been able to produce the masterpieces that constitute the Abbey Road album. His return was crucial not only for the completion of the Get Back sessions but also for the band's final statements in the studio.
George Harrison's Impact on The Beatles' Later Career
George's return during these critical junctures was not just a matter of completion for a few songs. His influence on The Beatles' later career was significant. For instance, the song 'Something,' which he wrote for his former wife Pattie Boyd, was one of the highlights of the Abbey Road album. This song showcases his songwriting genius and his musical contributions to the band's final album. George's return was a testament to his importance within the band and his ability to creatively contribute even when he had concerns about the direction of their music.
In conclusion, the answer to whether George Harrison re-joined The Beatles after walking out during the Get Back sessions is unequivocally yes. His return was key to completing the Get Back project and the Abbey Road album, which remain some of the most celebrated works in rock music history. George Harrison's role in The Beatles was more than just a temporary departure and rejoining; it was integral to the band's legacy in the music industry.