In honor of George Harrison's recent box set reissue of his first six albums, The Apple Years 1968-75, a slew of big names including Heart's Ann Wilson, former Beach Boy Brian Wilson and Conan O'Brien gathered to make some noise for "the quiet Beatle" last night (Sept. 28).
Rolling Stone reports that the artists honored Harrison at the Fonda Theatre in Los Angeles for George Fest: A Night to Celebrate the Music of George Harrison. The tribute was full of impressive performances like Brandon Flowers of The Killers doing "Got My Mind Set on You" from 1987's Cloud Nine, Weird Al Yankovic taking on "What Is Life" from 1970's All Things Must Pass, and an all-star rendition of "My Sweet Lord" led by The Beach Boys' Al Jardine and Wilson. Harrison's son, Dhani, also played at the event, which benefited a charity that helps career musicians support themselves called Sweet Relief.
In a similar move of reverence for the late musician who passed in 2001 from lung cancer, Conan O'Brien hosted "George Harrison Week" from Sept. 22 to Sept. 26 on his late night talk show. Performers included Norah Jones, Paul Simon, Beck and Dhani. O'Brien also stopped by George Fest to perform The Beatles' B-side "Old Brown Shoe," which was written by Harrison.
"I am so happy that what we started a decade ago by releasing The Dark Horse Years is now complete with the release of his first six albums as The Apple Years," Dhani Harrison said in a statement about his father's new box set. "Some of these records have long been out of print, so I cannot wait for music lovers to get their hands on these newly remastered versions. It's a very proud moment for us, and I would like to thank everyone who has helped us in any way to achieve this."
