It's George and Ringo and 'Yesterday" Again...Almost (1971)

 It's George and Ringo and 'Yesterday' Again...Almost

By Bob Micklin

Newsday

August 2, 1971

    The right answer to why 20,000 of us jammed Madison Square Garden last night, and another 20,000 crowded the Garden yesterday afternoon, would be that we all really cared about what's happening to 7,000,000 refugees of a cruel civil war between East and West Pakistan. 

    The real answer is that most of us came to see half of what used to be the supergroup of all rock supergroups, the Beatles.  George Harrison and Ringo Starr performing together on a concert stage for the first time in six years. A backup band of super players such as high-priced talent as Eric Clapton on guitar, Leon Russell on piano and electric bass, Billy Presson on organ, Klaus Voormann and Jesse Davis on guitars, Jim Keltner on drums, and oh, those extra added attractions: Ravi Shankar and his classical Indian raga music as the opening act, and Dylan, Bob Dylan, the guest star of all guest stars, walked on stage about two thirds of the way through the evening, clutching his acoustic guitar, his harmonica strapped to his chest, joining with Harrison, Starr, and Russell, what had to be one of the great impromptu quartets in the history of rock concerts.

     Yes, that's why we were there. We knew that both concerts were charity events, fundraising sessions for those war victims. None of the musicians got a penny for his work. And after Shankar and his quartet of Indian virtuosos finished their opening set, grim movies of the plight of the refugees were flashed on two large screens over the stage. Yet few of us seemed to notice. We were too eager, too restless. We wanted to see those Beatles. Besides, we had done our part. The tickets were bought, and 40,000 people at two concerts meant at least $300,000 worth of aid for those tragic people whose images flickered on the movie screens.

     We were ready to be pleased. We expected one of the heaviest musical events we'd ever seen. We were not disappointed. It took us a while to relate to Shankar's hypnotic music, but Ravi told us at the onset that he expected that. "We are making no political statements," he told us. "We are artists." Shankar is a Bengali, and the Bengalis are getting the worst of it in the war. His fierce, terribly intricate playing revealed some of his feelings about that situation, and before he was through, his artistry had moved us, but Ravi knew what we really wanted. He finished his set in little more than a half hour and told us that he realized we were waiting to meet the Beatles. 

    They came out quickly: George in a white suit and orange shirt, carrying a white guitar; Ringo heavily bearded and dressed in all black; Clapton in faded denim, the rest of the band in casual attire. In addition to the featured side men, a band of seven horns and saxophones were on one side of the stage, a seven-voiced chorus on the other, a few guitar noodlings, and they were all into "Wah-Wah", one of Harrison's tough bluesy numbers from his hit solo album of last year, then into "My Sweet Lord", with Harrison on vocals and Clapton's whining guitar doing the obligato. We were enraptured. "Look at them", we said, and look at us listening to them. It's too much. We loved it, and when Billy Preston took the spotlight, we loved him too.

     But then there was Ringo. We knew from just a few bars of intro that he was going to do his hit song, "It Don't Come Easy." We cheered for Ringo sitting up there behind the band and pounding away on the drums in his simple Beatles style. We cheered his flat, unpretentious voice. It suddenly occurred to one spectator that we had really come to cheer, not to listen.

     Leon Russell. We were ready for him too. His sinister mustache, his impassive face, his long, long blondish hair. Leon Russell jumped into the Rolling Stones' " Jumping Jack Flash", blasting off with raw screams and taking us all with him on the excitement trip we had expected all the time. George returned us to the center. However, one of the nicest things about last night's concert was watching George Harrison. No matter who was playing, who was singing, George was the leader. 

    He followed Russell with a fine version of "Here Comes the Sun", played and sung quietly but with a gentle lyricism that was lovely. Scarcely missing a beat, he brought on Bob Dylan, and while the other musicians and singers left the stage, Harrison and Russell picked up guitars, and Ringo joined them with a tambourine, a magic moment. Dylan at the microphone, running down his classic songs. "A Hard Day's Rain Gonna Fall", "Blowin' in the Wind," "Mister Tambourine Man", "Just Like a Woman." While Harrison, Starr, and Russell provided the accompaniment. Dylan raised a clenched fist to all of us as we cheered him while he left the stage.

    The finale George back in the smoky blue-white spotlight to sing "Something", surely one of the greatest of Harrison songs. Oh how we cheered him as he and the others left the stage, to which they soon returned to give us a stomping version of "Bangladesh", a new Harrison song honoring the ambition of East Pakistan to establish a new nation, but that's not why we cheered. We cheered for the Beatles, or at least half of them, and for a beautiful concert. And then we filed out of Madison Square Garden into a sticky, humid New York City night, and we were happy.

Press Conference for Bangladesh

 July 27, 1971 

Rehearsing for Bangla Desh

 July 26, 1971 

Hard Night's Wait (1971)

 Hard Night's Wait

Newsday

July 23, 1971

Hundreds of young people, like Linda Gavaeff, waited and waited through the night at Roosevelt Field for tickets to Madison Square Garden for the return concert on August 1 by former Beatles George Harrison and Ringo Starr. And when the night was over, and all the tickets had been sold, there were still hundreds waiting. Only 70 tickets were allocated for sale at the shopping center. Sharon Durkin and Richie Walka were lucky. They waited 12 hours and walked away early yesterday with four tickets.

People Flood Ticket Office

Wire Reports

July 23, 1971

Madison Square Garden had to open its windows 10 hours early to accommodate 5,000 persons waiting to get tickets to the George Harrison benefit concert; many of them had been waiting in line since last Thursday. The box office opened at midnight Thursday, and by 8:44 a.m. 17,000 tickets were sold. The management decided to add a matinee performance for the August 1st benefit for 6 million East Pakistani refugees. A commercial ticket agency zipped through its 10,000-seat allotment in 83 minutes, starting at noon.

Night Vigil Net Youth Rock Tickets

The Herald-News

July 23, 1971

    With the determination echoed in a George Harrison hit, a group of youths camped out at Willowbrook Wednesday night so they might get tickets to see  The Sweet Lord of the Rock World.

     Tickets for former Beatle George Harrison's one-day concert at Madison Square Garden were to go on sale at 10 a.m. at Bambergers and Sears, and the kids had heard they were in short supply. Equipped with sleeping bags, blankets, and lanterns, they started arriving at the mall about 1 a.m. 

    "They were all very nice and polite to us," reported Willowbrook's security chief Justin Calatarci. "We felt sorry for them and decided that as long as they were orderly, we'd let them stay." 

     Calatarci said a total of 60 youths were scattered around the center's lot by sunrise. Some huddled on the grass, others curled up in cars. "Their only concern," he said, "was getting their tickets and going home."

     By the time the stores opened, the number of Harrison fans had swelled, and long lines at both stores' Ticketron counters kept the operators constantly moving. Within two hours, tickets priced from $4.50 to $7.50 were sold out. Bambergers reported 116 sales, and Sears, which experienced computer problems, sold 29.

     Was it worth the all-night vigil? One weary but happy young ticket holder was asked. "Hallelujah!" was her only reply.

From Bangladesh

 

Bangala Desh Film Premiere in NYC

 

Bangla Desh Film Premiere in NYC

By Marcy Reichback

Mrs. Lennon’s Apple Farm newsletter

April 1972

Well, tonight was the first showing of Bangla Desh.  My friends and I decided to go (of course).   I got out of work at 5:30, there were 2 shows, 6:30 and 8:30.  We were hanging out by the front of the theater.  People were in line, everyone had tickets (invite only).  We thought we were never going to get in.  It’s now 6:00, Phil Spector arrives, so that’s a start, then at 6:15 Allen Klein comes.  I said to my friends, “I’m going to talk to Klein.”  They looked at me like I’m crazy.  “You don’t just talk to Klein.”  Well, I got my nerve up, walked over, and said, “Excuse me, Mr. Klein, I have 2 tickets for the show, but I have an extra friend.”  He stopped me and said to the doorman, “let them in.”  I didn’t have the 2 tickets, I just thought I’d try it.  Well, it worked.  They didn’t ask for the tickets which was lucky.  We got in after Ravi finished.  Just in time for George.  The movie was great, the close-ups were too much.  The sound is great.  The audience in the movie was in four speakers in the back and the music and talking up front.  TOO MUCH!  The movie was fabulous. 

Getting back to us, after the movie we went upstairs to look around.  We hid in the bathroom.  Meanwhile downstairs they were letting the people in for the 8:30 show.  So, we took a chance and went into the lobby and my friends were looking a different way when I saw a whole lot of flashes going off.  I said, “Someone is coming.”  It was John and Yoko.  We got some really great shots.  He was wearing a hat sideways, long army coat, his cowboy boots, and jeans.  Yoko was wearing a black short fur jacket and jeans, her hair tied back.  We followed them upstairs to the first balcony.  We sat (again) one row behind them. 

I got really upset at these young girls (about 13 or 14 years old) who asked him if they can shake his hand, and they really took advantage of his good mood.  Yoko looked like she was in a bad mood.  Phil Spector started to push them (the girls) away after a while.  I don’t blame him.

 

The movie took a while to begin.  John yelled out “Let’s see the movie!”  10 seconds later the movie started.  Oh, before that happened some really stupid girls asked him to say “hello.”   He said “hello.”  Then they asked him to say “George.”  He said “George.”  I really felt bad for him.  I know how The Beatles felt when all those cripples used to touch them.  He looked and sounded like a trained puppy.  It was really bad.  When the movie started, Yoko and him asked Jerry Rubin to buy some popcorn and candy, and soda for them.  So, he disappeared for a while.  John smiled when Rich did “It Don’t Come Easy” and when George sang “While My Guitar Gently Weeps.”  He was toe-tapping and bopping his head when Leon Russell did his songs.  John also pointed out Klaus for Yoko.  Why – I don’t know. She knows him.   They smoked ciggies like they were going out of style.  Then Jerry Rubin came back and gave something to John.  I couldn’t see what it was, but my friend turned to me and said really seriously, “Jerry just passed John and joint.”  I was so upset.  Plus why smoking pot in the movie?  It stunk the whole place up.  They looked so stupid and everyone knew exactly what they were doing.  They (John, Yoko, etc) thought they were being really cool about it, but they really weren’t.   After Dylan finished his songs (before George did Something and Bangladesh), John, Yoko and Jerry left.  Oh, Phil Ochs was with them also.  We beat them downstairs to their car, took some more pix, and went out to eat.

 

Note from Mar (editor of the newsletter):  Thanks for this, Marcy.   I know a lot of people have a lot of ideas about pot, but John doesn’t have to smoke it to be cool.  I for one don’t’ go into that thing, but I don’t’ condemn anyone who wants to do it.  People here always smoke it in the theaters.  As a matter of fact, the guy in front of us at the showing of Bangladesh was smoking it.   The girl next to him asked if he would put it out because if he was caught it would ruin it for the rest of us.  He was nice enough to do so.  The only real beef I have about it in the theater is it (the smell) gives me a big headache.  So, let’s not condemn, but accept.

 

Premiere of the Concert for Bangladesh Film

 March 23, 1972 

Work on the live album

 

More photos from the concert

 August 1, 1971 

Bangladesh Ringo

 

August 1, 1970 

50 years ago tonight

 

August 1, 1971 

The press conference for Bangla Desh

 

Apple Offices in New York City on  July 27, 1971 

Happy 80th Birthday Bob!

 In honor of Bob Dylan's 80th birthday and the upcoming 50th anniversary of the Concert for Bangladesh, I thought it would be a good idea to share some photos of when Bob was on the stage for this historical concert. 

Get the wind machine ready!

 I know this photo just caught George in the middle of taking off his jacket. However, it reminds me of a photo of Michael Jackson taking off that white shirt and the wind machine is blowing on him.   Maybe it is just me.  

George around the time Bangladesh

 

Bangladesh Rehearsals

Question:  Were any of you at the Concert for Bangladesh in 1971?   If so what do you remember that really stands out about the concert?   How did you get your tickets?     I am trying to get some general information from a fan's point of view for my book and there is not much other there about this.   Thanks! 

Harrison and Zimmerman

Concert for Bangladesh

Here we have John and Yoko at the movie screening of the Concert for Bangladesh on March 22, 1972.  John said that he enjoyed it, but left early.   

Concert for Bangladesh reviews

I enjoy reading the concert reviews from the fans and I don't recall ever reading any from the Concert for Bangladesh.   I found these gems in the October 1971 issue of the Harrison Herald fan club newslettter.   

Harrison and Friends in Concert

From Susan M. –

It was fantastic!  I’ve never seen George look so good.  His white suit was gorgeous.  His hair looks good on him now—even his beard I didn’t mind.  He seemed so nervous at first but as the show went on he relaxed.  He kept turning his back to the audience and kept his eyes on his guitar a lot.  When he first came out to introduce Ravi he got a standing ovation.   He had on brown pants and vest and a grey shirt.  After Ravi, they showed a film on Bengladesh  (sic).  It was so sad but I hope it got the message across to the audience.  Then came the band—whicih consisted of Ringo and Jim Keltner on drums, Leon Russell on piano, Klaus Voorman on bass, Eric Clapton and Jesse Davis on lead guitar, Billy Preston on organ, plus Badfinger and Derek and the Domino’s and others.  And of course there was George—gosh was he ever beautiful.  They went right into “Wah Wah”.  The audience was really good, you could hear the music clearly – there were only screams or applause at the beginning or end of each song.  The songs included “Something” “While my guitar gently weeps,” “Awaiting  on you all”  “Hear me Lord” “My sweet Lord,”  “Here comes the sun”, “Beware of Darkness,” and of course “Bengla Desh” (sic).  Ringo did “It don’t come easy” and got a tremendous reaction.  Billy Preston did “That’s the Way God Planned it” and Leon Russell did “Jumpin’ Jack Flash.”  I forgot to mention that Ringo looked terrific—dressed all in black and his hair was back and he has a heavy beard.  The surprise guest was Bob Dylan.  The reaction from the audience was unbelievable.   It was such a feeling seeing Ringo, George, Dylan and Leon Russell all on one stage sharing the spotlight.  I mean you really had to pinch yourself to see if it all was real.  Anyway, I will never forget that day as long as I live.  I can’t wait to see the film of it and hear the album!  Oh, I forgot to tell you something – towards the middle of the concert, George started introducing the band.  He mentioned that he hoped he hadn’t forgotten anyone, and then Eric Clapton said into the mike, “and George Harrison.”  The audience gave such an ovation, and George turned his back on the audience—he’s so modest!   George is truly wonderful and he has proved that for once and for all by doing such a beautiful thing.  As one disc jockey said – George is a superb human being and is one of the highest in the forms of humanity.

  

From Julie A.

Before the 2:30 afternoon show was to start, George stepped up on stage as if popping out of nowhere.  He announced that he was thankful everyone had come to help the cause for which this show represented.  He further announced Ravi would be on first and that he and his friends would be out a little later.  The show got underway at 2:45.  Ravi and his troup appeared.  They did 2 numbers lasting 15 minutes each.  Then the stage went black.  Suddenly, 2 large projection screen starting showing a movie.   George’s recording of “Bangla Desh” was played over the PA system and used as a soundtrack to the rather gruesome movie which showed all the people in East Pakistan suffering.   Suddenly a stream of spot lights focused on each of the performers.  Ringo, wearing a single-breasted black suit with short wide lapels appeared seated at his drum kit all the way in the back.   There was another drummer seated alongside of him.   George had Billy Preston laying organ on his right and Leon Russell at the piano on his left.  Out front, center stage was George with Eric Clapton and Klaus Voorman.  Badfinger sat all the way to one side with 3 guys playing horns standing beside them.   A group of 5 or 6 girls formed a small vocal chorus behind Billy and his emence  (sic) organ.   Going right into “Wah Wah” George really belted it out.  Seemingly in an almost non-stop fashion, he went right into “While my guitar Gently Weeps.”  Puffing almost out of breath, he proceeded to introduce everyone.  Ringo got a standing ovation.  George was wearing a very little beige suit with a long sleeved orange shirt.   George did “Something” with Eric helping out on the guitar.  He also did “Here comes the Sun”  on an acoustic with  a member of Badfinger helping out.    Ringo did “It don’t come easy.”  About mid-way thru the show, George says to everyone, ‘and now I’d like you to meet my good friend Bob Dylan.”  The audience went wild with applause.  He was on about 20 minutes doing some of his better known songs.  George, Eric, Leon and Ringo backed Dylan.  Ringo banged on a small silver tambourine while George, Eric, and Leon backed on guitars.   At this time all the other performers had walked off and just the 4 of them were up there with the stage to themselves.   Dylan finished his part and faded off stage quickly.  The others came back on stage and did a variety of other numbers.  At 4:50 George went into “My Sweet Lord” which was also played on acoustic guitar.  The show ended with George doing “Bengla Desh.”  While the other members played on, George went over, picked up his jacket, said his ta’s to everyone and dashed off the stage.  I remember during one of the fast numbers, George started doing a little of the “Harrison shuffle” for which he is famous from AHND days.  The show ended exactly at 5:09 but the audience stood, clapped, whistled and stomped the floor shouting “more more!”  This went on for about 20 minutes.  Finally convinced that no one was returning to the stage, some people began to file out of the Garden.  The teaming rain that was coming down outside didn’t seem to dampen anyone’s spirits as they flowed out the exits.

Going to Bangladesh....

Here is Ringo leaving his hotel to go perform at the concert for Bangladesh.   I guess he is carrying the clothes he wore during the concert.    It is sort of funny to me because he just looks like he is going off for another day at the office.