When The Beatles disbanded, George Harrison likely felt a mix of relief and melancholy. After all, stepping away from the most famous band in history must have been a challenging reality for anyone, but for Harrison, it was a necessary step to free himself creatively. He longed for the opportunity to share his music without having to defer to John Lennon and Paul McCartney with every project. Yet, even after he launched his solo career with the iconic album "All Things Must Pass," he didn't necessarily revel in the spotlight that came with being a top solo artist.
Despite this, it's difficult to criticize Harrison's debut; it resonated with both fans and critics alike. In contrast to the more niche appeal of McCartney's and Lennon's early solo efforts, Harrison aimed to demonstrate that he was more than capable of standing shoulder to shoulder with his former bandmates. Tracks like "Isn’t It a Pity," "My Sweet Lord," and the title piece were undeniably strong enough to fit seamlessly into any Beatles compilation. Although some might argue that the album felt a bit bloated, the jam session within it can be seen as a celebratory moment for Harrison, showcasing his artistic triumph after crafting such a powerful work.
However, as Harrison began performing in front of massive audiences, he found the role of a frontman unappealing. His desire was to collaborate as part of a cohesive band rather than being the sole focus during performances. This inclination likely explains why he didn’t dedicate significant time to touring after the release of "Dark Horse." For him, creating music in an environment where it was truly appreciated was far more rewarding, preferring intimate collaborations with musicians like Klaus Voormann and Jim Keltner over catering to the whims of media outlets like Rolling Stone.
By the dawn of the 1980s, Harrison was perilously close to fading into obscurity. While Ringo Starr enjoyed notable successes and Paul McCartney found acclaim with Wings and hits like "Ebony and Ivory," Harrison seemed to lose his creative spark following "All Those Years Ago." Fortunately, it was the camaraderie of his fellow musicians that reignited his passion for rock and roll.
The album "Cloud Nine" marked a resurgence for him, largely thanks to Jeff Lynne, who helped lift Harrison from a creative slump. But the formation of the Traveling Wilburys was perhaps the most serendipitous collaboration of all. Harrison relished sharing the stage with legends like Roy Orbison, Bob Dylan, and Tom Petty, appreciating their unique talents without the pressure of carrying the weight of fame alone.
Many artists might view the Wilburys as merely a side project, but for Harrison, the experience was fulfilling enough to consider stepping back from his solo stardom. He expressed this sentiment clearly when he remarked, "The Wilburys was fun. I think we should do some more again because it is relatively simple. It’s not like a solo album, in which the responsibility is on you. You can hide behind each other’s backs and maybe write lyrics that you wouldn’t write on your own. I thought that was fun."
This preference for collaboration became evident in the later stages of Harrison's career, as he consistently surrounded himself with a full band. Touring with Eric Clapton alleviated some of the pressures associated with performing live. While his final album, "Brainwashed," stands as a poignant farewell to the world, it’s clear that his choice to work with musicians like Lynne throughout the process ensured that the album was polished and complete.
Harrison remained a profound musical influence, known for enlightening listeners since the 1960s. Yet, he thrived best in the background, comfortable with the collaborative nature of music. He still managed to shine through with his signature guitar riffs when he chose to, but he always recognized that his greatest musical expressions emerged when he wasn’t under the constant scrutiny of the limelight.
