George Harrison and the Concert For Bangladesh

George Harrison and the Concert For Bangladesh
By Tom Ruff
August 1, 2011

If you've been on any number of entertainment news sites, or even itunes in the last few days, you might have seen advertisements for the 40th Anniversary of The Concert for Bangladesh. Held on August 1, 1971, this charity event was organized by George Harrison and Ravi Shankar, and also included Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, Ringo Starr, and Billy Preston. The event was actually two concerts held at Madison Square Garden on the same day, and became a concert film and live album. It was held to raise money following a cyclone, and to help refugees affected by the Bangladesh Liberation War.

In honor of the 40th anniversary, the film is being streamed live and for free today, and is a must see for any fans of Harrison, classic rock, or landmark events. Watching the video, you get to see him at the top of his game, just after the breakup of The Beatles. It also comes on the heels of All Things Must Pass, an album critically acclaimed and arguably the best post-Beatle album by a former member.

The film is beautifully shot, the performance is flawless, and the lineup is an amazing combination of some of the best musicians of the era. That it was thrown together so quickly makes it all the more impressive. Notable absences are John Lennon and Paul McCartney, who were asked to participate but chose not to attend.

The film includes compiled highlights from both shows, including fantastic renditions of the Beatles classics While My Guitar Gently Weeps and Something, a cover of the Stones classic Jumpin' Jack Flash sang by Leon Russell, Harrison's My Sweet Lord, and the Bob Dylan classics A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall, and Blowin' In the Wind. The film also includes an opening set with Ravi Shankar led Indian sitar music.

Harrison's career declined in the subsequent decades, but this concert footage shows him at the top of his game, and reminds you of how significant his contributions to the Beatles truly were. The show blends so much of what made him unique, placing a heavy emphasis on his spirituality, and the influence of Indian music. This event also showcases how positive an impact artists can have when they come together through music to benefit those in need. It also shows a metaphorical snapshot of an era in which the legends of rock were writing the history books with every performance. The Concert For Bangladesh is now available on iTunes, and can be streamed today at GeorgeHarrison.com.