How Were The Beatles' Members Treating George Harrison?
The dynamics within The Beatles, particularly regarding George Harrison, evolved over time, and were influenced by various factors including creative differences and personal relationships. This essay will delve into the treatment of George Harrison by his fellow band members, examining his early experiences, the tensions that arose as the band's career progressed, and how his relationship with bandmates changed over the years.
Early Years
In the early years, Harrison was often seen as the creativity engine of The Beatles. He brought his expertise in the sitar and his diverse musical influences to the band, contributing significantly to their unique sound. However, as the band's career progressed, particularly during the late 1960s, they faced new challenges and pressures that impacted their relationships.
Creative Differences
As the band's career progressed, especially during the late 1960s, tensions grew. Harrison began to feel stifled by the dominance of Lennon and McCartney's songwriting. In a 1968 interview, George Harrison expressed his frustration: 'Sometimes it’s hard to feel you are part of the group at all.'
His desire for creative freedom became more pronounced as he started to pursue his own musical projects. The recording of albums such as With the Beatle's Magical Mystery Tour and The Beatles' White Album highlighted the divergent paths the band members were on. Harrison's contributions were undeniably significant, yet he often felt sidelined or undermined by his bandmates.
Solo Work
Despite feeling constrained within the framework of The Beatles, Harrison continued to push boundaries and explore new musical territories. His solo work, including the aforementioned 'With the Beatles' and 'The Beatles', showcased his skills and artistic vision. However, even when given the opportunity to shine, Harrison sometimes felt that his efforts were not fully appreciated by his other bandmates.
Later Years
In the years following the breakup of The Beatles, Harrison's relationship with the other members varied. He maintained a close friendship with Ringo Starr but had a more complicated relationship with Lennon and McCartney. In the 1970s, there was a period of reconciliation, with Harrison collaborating with Starr and even participating in the 'All-Starr Band,' which consisted of various rock stars.
It's important to note that Paul McCartney, in particular, sometimes treated George with a lack of tact. For instance, when considering songwriting credits, Paul hesitantly suggested including George, but ultimately decided against it, marking songs like 'She Said She Said' as 'Lennon/McCartney' despite George's co-authorship. This decision reflected a broader atmosphere of tension and competition within the band.
Harrison's relationship with Paul was further complicated by his shift in focus from the guitar to the sitar. In 1966, Harrison's interest in the sitar waned, and he became more focused on his creative projects, which occasionally put him at odds with McCartney's direction for the band's songs. McCartney's need to guide and direct Harrison became more prominent, and this dynamic affected their working relationship negatively.
However, it's crucial to remember that despite these challenges, George Harrison was generally treated well by his bandmates. Their bond as friends remained strong, and Harrison found support in his close friendship with Ringo Starr, especially during the turbulent times.
In conclusion, while George Harrison was generally well-treated by his bandmates, there were significant tensions and challenges, particularly regarding his creative contributions. Over time, these relationships evolved, reflecting both the pressures of fame and the individual aspirations of each member. The band's legacy is richer for the diverse contributions of all its members, and George Harrison left an indelible mark on the world of music, regardless of the occasional tensions and creative differences within the group.