December 2001 - Nr. 13
Down On The Town
by Alexander Oolo
Direct from Frankfurt, Germany
(With files from Reinhard Scholz)
Christmas 2001 - All Things Must Pass
I was about to have my first ‘noodle dumpling in vanilla sauce’ at Frankfurt’s famous Christmas Market (www.frankfurt-tourismus.de) when we were informed of George Harrison’s unfortunate demise.
Harrison, of course, was the sound-defining guitarist in the most influential band of all times, "The Beatles", a most brilliant solo artist and the creative impetus behind "The Travelling Willbury’s".
A private man and avid gardener, George Harrison was known for his deep spirituality, non-judgmental nature and loads of wit to spare. He created such beautiful songs as "Here Comes The Sun", "Something" and "My Sweet Lord". In fact, Frank Sinatra once referred to "Something" as the most beautiful love song ever composed.
You might ask, what does Harrison’s passing have to do with the Christmas season of 2001?
Personally I think a lot, for Xmas is not only a recurring rite and symbol of stability but for those of us who are Christians also a way to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ!
And so anything major this close to the year’s most festive season, especially with 9/11 still too fresh to fade into history, will effect us that much more.
We are, after all, talking about the ‘Fab Four’ (The Beatles). They were more than just a pop group but an actual catalyst for significant cultural, musical, social and (arguably) political changes. This makes it only too natural to feel a not-insignificant sense of loss now that a Second Beatle has left us; John Lennon passed in 1980.
I got a major sense of that when I looked into the teary-eyed face of the proprietor who made the Harrison-announcement to us.
And later I felt it again with our local shoemaker.
Also with tears in his eyes, he saw Harrison’s departure as a time passage whereby his generation would move closer toward its own mortality. It was a particular touching scene as his son, who happened to walk in, heeded his fathers’ every word as he spoke in such an uncanny fashion about such human things.
And yes, it was indeed major news.
Major enough for all German TV networks to scramble and air quickly pasted together eulogies. And CNN-Europe interrupted its 24/7 coverage of the Afghani conflict for hours on end to do proper homage to the ‘Quiet Beatle’.
Even the White House and British Prime Minister Tony Blair made statements about the importance of Harrison’s work, shaping an entire generation. But the topper was Buckingham Palace!
Would you believe it? The Queen ordered to forego the traditional fanfare’s that escort the daily Changing of the Guards and replace it with the playing of Beatles tunes. Her Majesty was in fact reported to be outright sad about George Harrison losing his heroic battle with cancer.
What would George have said about all this?
Someone who merged with such ease the musical styles and philosophies of the East with the West, playing the guitar (and sitar) like no one before him. Who created the first rock based charity fundraiser with his "Concert for Bangladesh". Who brought all the Greats of Rock’n’Roll together, all vying for a chance to play, perform or record with him - that’s just to name a few milestones.
One thing Harrison did say for sure was, "take me as I am or let me go". Well said by a man, who never put himself in the foreground, who lived his life in peace and harmony, and who near the end had a short but timely (and timeless) message for all his fans around the world:
"Love-one-and-other".
If that isn’t the very spirit of what Christmas is all about then what is - especially this Christmas of 2001? Why not raise your glasses and say a toast to George during this blessed time? I have it on good source that he wouldn’t have it any other way…
George Harrison was 58-years old and will be sorely missed.
Comments to: oolo@echoworld.com
