George Harrison and Brian Jones: A Friendship Between Two Rock Legends
George Harrison and Brian Jones had a friendly relationship but it was not particularly close. They interacted through their mutual connections in the music industry during the 1960s, especially as members of two of the era's most iconic bands: The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.
Admiration and Camaraderie Among Musicians
Harrison admired Jones's work and style, and they shared a camaraderie typical among musicians of that time. However, their friendship did not develop into a deep personal bond. Both were part of the same cultural scene but their paths diverged significantly due to the different directions their bands took and their personal lives.
The Beatles and The Rolling Stones: A Close Connection
The Beatles and The Rolling Stones were both quite close, and it is reasonable to assert that George and Brian were on friendly terms. They shared a common ground in their mutual connections in the music industry and the influence each band had on the other.
Special Bond Between George and Brian
YES, they were. George Harrison and Brian Jones had a special kind of friendship. The personal rift between Jones and the Jagger-Richards axis was not a secret, and Jones was booted out of the band in late 1968. He died a year later when he drowned in his pool. There are different theories about the cause of his death, with some suggesting he committed suicide over the pain of being sacked from the band and others saying he was murdered. The case remains an open verdict.
George Harrison's Pleasant Memories of Brian Jones
George Harrison had more pleasant memories of Brian Jones. He was a special friend, and while the music press made money by making rumors about the Beatles and The Rolling Stones rivalry, George mentioned his friendship with Brian on several books including the Beatles Anthology. Harrison remembered that Jones would often come to his house and they would chat together and exchange ideas.
“He would come to my house and shout ‘George! George!’
I would let him in. He was a good mate. He would pick up my sitar and play it then the next thing I knew he did ‘Paint it Black’”
He was referring to the time the Beatles had just finished recording 'Norwegian Wood,' featuring George Harrison on sitar. The influences between the two biggest groups in the planet were constantly moving, not just musically but also on a personal level.
Shared Positions and Birthdays
Harrison also mentioned Jones as a good friend in the Beatles Anthology and shared how delighted they were about the common things they both shared:
“We share similar positions in the most prominent bands in the universe. Me with John and Paul and him with Mick and Keith. We even share the same birthdays, me on February 25th and him on February 28th.”
Harrison also remembered seeing Brian Jones not long before his death and expressed his sadness at the news of his passing.
Harrison, George and Brian Jones had a special kind of friendship that transcended their professional and personal lives in the music industry, and their lasting memory remains a testament to the camaraderie that existed between rock legends.
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