The Quiet Beatle Part 1

Perhaps the most important song George Harrison ever played was when he was around 15. It was in 1958, and the setting was a double decker bus in Liverpool. He was auditioning for a spot in the local skiffle group called The Quarrymen. The judges consisted of just two people. One was his friend from school and supporter, Paul McCartney. The other was the skeptical, brash, no nonsense leader of the band, John Lennon. George was nervous. Not of playing because he was a first rate guitarist and had confidence in his ability. No, the reason he was nervous was Lennon. John was a commanding force who didn't suffer fools gladly. George was in awe of John--- a role he never outgrew-- and, had a case of sticky fingers. On cue, he played the current hit ''Raunchy''. The song itself is no more than rudimentary playing. George played it and played it well. Paul was full of praise, and, even John, the fierce critic, was impressed. John gave his approval and George was now the lead guitarist. He was pleased, but, didn't show it. He kept his feelings private. He always did.... George Harrison was born on February 25, 1943, in Liverpool, England. He was the last of four children--- an older sister and two brother preceded him--- and, therefore, was the baby of the family. The family lived in a government funded area, so, the family, while not poor, was very low middle class. George grew up with a lot of love from his family. His was the only Beatle childhood not affected by death. A small, independent child, George was happy as a kid except for his schooling. Like his future bandmates, school was a waste of time . He got poor grades and was not good at sports. He was social, however, and certainly bright, but, the everyday routine at school quickly bored him. The teachers dismissed him as hopeless, and, the remainder of his years in class were full of daydreaming. And, he dreamed of music... Before he was 13, he listened to all kinds of music, but, one day riding his bike, he heard '' Heartbreak Hotel'' on the radio. It was a call to arms for young George. The birth of rock and roll stirred him to action. He wanted to play music, and, mostly play guitar. His mother bought him his first guitar and George patiently taught himself to play at night. Through time, he began to learn whole songs and develop a skill that would take him through life... On the school bus everyday, George became friendly with another boy, 9 months his senior, who also shared the passion for music. He was James Paul McCartney, whom everybody called Paul, and, through their love for rock and roll, a friendship was formed. The boys played music together often. Both played acoustic guitars. Paul was the more ambitious. He had just lost his Mom to cancer, so, music became therapy for him. Paul also began to hang around a local skiffle band playing gigs, usually for no money. George was intrigued. He wanted in. But, the leader said no, he was just a little kid. George vowed to change the leader's mind, which led to the audition on that bus... After John, Paul, and George started playing together, you would have thought it would lead them to instant fame and fortune. Instead, it lead them to poverty. In the history of music, very few artists had the rough road the Beatles had before the made. Between 1958 and 1962, which is when the bell of success rang for them, they played some of the shittiest gigs, usually for a small fee. The band made their bones in 1960 by going to Hamburg and playing a bar for 8 hours straight a night. While not profitable in terms of currency, the band did become tight in their playing. The wild nights for them on the town became the stuff of legend. Young, randy, and good looking, the boys, along with their new drummer Pete Best, cut quite a swath around the city. They developed a rabid following there. At 17, George was having the time of his life. Having barely finished school, he was now free to enjoy the pleasures all young men dream about. He lost his virginity in Hamburg, and, like the other boys, was constantly having sex with all sorts of women. Strippers, barmaids, groupies of the band, George loved it all. In addition, the band was making giant strides musically. George decided being a full time musician was his career path. When the band got back to Liverpool, fate took them in its arms and George loved the embrace.... He loved the rise of the band. In rapid order in 1961, they played the basement club in Liverpool called The Cavern, took another tour of Hamburg in the spring, and, crucially, met their manager, Brian Epstein, in late 1961. Epstein got them a recording contract in 1962, and their first single, ''Love Me Do'' was released in England. By this time, Ringo Starr had replaced Pete Best. This was mainly George's doing. While John and Paul were the leaders, George always had a strong say on the music. He was unhappy with Best and pushed for Ringo. They were now complete. And, Beatlemania came roaring into their lives in 1963...