George Harrison's Post-Beatles Musical Aspirations

The breakup of The Beatles in 1970 marked a significant turning point for George Harrison, who had long been overshadowed by the songwriting duo of John Lennon and Paul McCartney. With the release of his solo album *All Things Must Pass*, which featured hits like “My Sweet Lord” and “Isn’t It a Pity,” Harrison demonstrated his songwriting prowess and established himself as a formidable artist in his own right. This album became the most successful solo project from any former Beatle that year, highlighting his creative evolution.

The Ex-Bandmate George Harrison Would Have Worked With Post-Beatles Split Might Surprise You“I couldn’t join a band with Paul McCartney. But it’s nothing personal.” George Harrison said he was open to starting a new band with only one other former Beatles bandmateJohn Lennon said The Beatles were better off broken up as he points out success following band’s endThe Only Song George Harrison Wrote for Eric Clapton and Later Recorded Himself

In a 1974 press conference, while promoting his album *Dark Horse*, Harrison expressed a willingness to collaborate with one of his former bandmates, revealing a preference for John Lennon over Paul McCartney. He stated, “I’d rather have Willie Weeks on bass than Paul McCartney... Paul is a fine bass player, but he’s a bit overpowering at times.” Harrison acknowledged a mutual understanding with Lennon, saying, “To tell the truth, I’d join a band with John Lennon any day, but I couldn’t join a band with Paul McCartney. It’s nothing personal. It’s from a musical point of view.” This sentiment reflects the underlying tensions that existed between Harrison and McCartney during their time in The Beatles.

The Ex-Bandmate George Harrison Would Have Worked With Post-Beatles Split Might Surprise You“I couldn’t join a band with Paul McCartney. But it’s nothing personal.” George Harrison said he was open to starting a new band with only one other former Beatles bandmateJohn Lennon said The Beatles were better off broken up as he points out success following band’s end

Harrison's relationship with Ringo Starr remained amicable, as he often praised Starr's drumming skills, calling him “the best backbeat I’ve ever heard.” In contrast, his interactions with Lennon were more complex. Despite past conflicts, Harrison had collaborated with Lennon on several projects post-Beatles, including contributions to the albums *Yoko Ono/Plastic Ono Band* and *Imagine*. Lennon, for his part, recognized the individual successes of his former bandmates, stating that they had “flowered” since the breakup and expressed openness to working with them on solo projects.

John Lennon said The Beatles were better off broken up as he points out success following band’s endThe Ex-Bandmate George Harrison Would Have Worked With Post-Beatles Split Might Surprise You“I couldn’t join a band with Paul McCartney. But it’s nothing personal.” George Harrison said he was open to starting a new band with only one other former Beatles bandmateThe Only Song George Harrison Wrote for Eric Clapton and Later Recorded Himself

Harrison's reluctance to collaborate with McCartney stemmed from his perception of McCartney's overpowering presence in their musical partnership. This dynamic was evident during the recording sessions for *Let It Be*, where Harrison felt constrained by McCartney's leadership style. In contrast, Harrison found a more collaborative spirit with Lennon and Starr, which allowed for a more balanced creative process.

“I couldn’t join a band with Paul McCartney. But it’s nothing personal.” George Harrison said he was open to starting a new band with only one other former Beatles bandmate

Following the Beatles' dissolution, George Harrison continued to thrive as a solo artist and collaborated with various musicians, including Eric Clapton. Their partnership produced notable works, such as Clapton's *Journeyman* and Harrison's *Cloud Nine*. Harrison's willingness to engage with Lennon and his fondness for Starr highlight the complexities of his relationships with his former bandmates, ultimately shaping his legacy as a pioneering artist in the rock genre.

The Only Song George Harrison Wrote for Eric Clapton and Later Recorded Himself