Concert for George

profjeff · Post by **profjeff** » Mon Jan 19, 2004 2:33 pm

Maybe I missed something, but I watched the George Harrison tribute concert DVD and saw plenty of twelve string guitars (mostly acoustics), but NO RICKENBACKERS! The twelve string featured on "If I Needed Someone" looked like a G&L Fender copy. Bummer.

Since I'm in a critical mood, I have to say that I got really tired of watching a bunch of overrehearsed, unispired performances, and singers straining their middle aged eyes to read the lyrics from the teleprompter (check out Tom Petty's version of "I Need You"). Also, many of the songs got the "Jeff Lynne Treatment"--complex rhythms on songs like "Isn't it a Pity" and "Beware of Darkness" were highly simplified with way too many layers of guitars and percussion. Finally is it just me or are Eric Clapton's solos getting really sterile?

Sorry for being so critical, but the nerve of the producers for not insisting that George's beloved Rick make an appearance on at least ONE song! If I missed something, let me know.

360dave · Post by **360dave** » Mon Jan 19, 2004 2:42 pm

Yeah Jeff....Clapton is laying down on the job....has been for quite a while too.

grsnovi · Post by **grsnovi** » Mon Jan 19, 2004 4:59 pm

Sorry, but THE INNER LIGHT rocked!

profjeff · Post by **profjeff** » Mon Jan 19, 2004 7:43 pm

You are right, Gary. The set does have its moments, and the mix is really sparkly. It's also great to see Ringo and Paul on the same stage, but I'm still disappointed by the total lack of Rick jangle.

profjeff · Post by **profjeff** » Mon Jan 19, 2004 7:50 pm

In fact, now that I think about it, the stage was littered with Fender amps (reissued Bassmans) and guitars. Even the acoustic guitars were Fender products (Guild). Wonder if they were a corporate sponsor????

sneakers · Post by **sneakers** » Tue Jan 20, 2004 1:57 am

I did see one Rickenbacker but it was in a guitar rack and obviously wasn't used.

leftybass · Post by **leftybass** » Tue Jan 20, 2004 7:41 am

George's 1963 Rickenbacker 360/12 was on stage. I also believe it was on display for all to see when entering the Royal Albert Hall.

I don't know if it was played or not, but it was there.

profjeff · Post by **profjeff** » Tue Jan 20, 2004 8:48 am

Thanks for the info, John. I guess I need to look at the special features on the DVD.

johnhall · Post by **johnhall** » Tue Jan 20, 2004 11:05 am

I didn't see it myself but was told that as you entered the hall, the stage was completely dark except that "the" RIC was out front with a brilliant spotlight on it.

If that's an accurate description, in my mind that's about as sublime a statement as could have been made- only one guitar, chosen from many, on stage all by itself.

If this is true, surely it's shown somewhere on the DVD or jacket. I'll make a point of ordering a copy.

krick · Post by **krick** » Tue Jan 20, 2004 11:20 am

Try this:

http://www.concertforgeorge.com/downloads/wallpaper1_1280x960.jpg

admin · Post by **admin** » Tue Jan 20, 2004 11:51 am

Just as described by John Hall. A beautiful photo.

bassman · Post by **bassman** » Tue Jan 20, 2004 1:35 pm

If you think about it guys, only one of the songs performed was originally recorded by George using his 360/12 and that was If I Needed Someone.
For some reason a Fender Electric 12 was used to perform that song during the concert. Perhaps the 360/12 was off limits to everyone.

None of the other songs performed ever featured George's 360/12 in the original recordings.
That's why no one was playing a Ric.

George's 360/12 was on stage located stage right on its stand just in front of the two back singers as you can see in the photo above.

There is a great shot at the end of the concert as everyone is leaving the stage where Paul and Ringo finally catch up to each other. They stop and hug one another. Right beside them in clear view is George's 360/12. It's a great moment. I'm going to have to do a video grab of it.

I personally love this DVD. Except for the Tom Petty performance it's great!

jwilli · Post by **jwilli** » Tue Jan 20, 2004 4:58 pm

I enjoyed it. I thought it was the best "Tribute" concert that I'd ever seen.

jimbunch · Post by **jimbunch** » Tue Jan 20, 2004 5:39 pm

I agree with John Williams, best tribute concert I have ever seen.

profjeff · Post by **profjeff** » Tue Jan 20, 2004 6:44 pm

OK...so George's Rick was on stage. I stand corrected. Still, does the fact that a Fender electric 12 string was used on "If I Needed Someone" seem a bit insulting to anyone else? Ray Cooper said in the interviews that all of the artists went to great lengths to get the performances perfect...the way George would have wanted it (or something like that).

I looked at disc 2 and found a nice photo of George's 12 string in the "Photo Gallery" section--it's the first photo. Also, I listened to the interviews, and Jeff Lynne admits that he does everything in 4/4 but acknowledges that George's rhythms are, in reality, quite complex. Tom Petty echoes this idea. I also noticed, by the way, that Tom Petty was not at most of the rehearsals. He looks horrible. Since this is a Rickenbacker GUITAR forum, I'll not say anything else about the performance or the performers...since none of them played Ricks:-)