Dhani Harrison
Dhani Harrison
Main page
2247165

Dhani Harrison

logo
Community Hub0 subscribers
Read side by side
Dhani Harrison
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Key Information

Dhani Harrison (/ˈdæni/ DAN-ee; born 1 August 1978) is an English and American musician, composer and singer-songwriter. He is the son of George Harrison, lead guitarist of the Beatles, and Olivia Harrison. Dhani debuted as a professional musician assisting in recording his father's final album, Brainwashed, and completing it with the assistance of Jeff Lynne after his father's death in November 2001.[1]

Harrison formed his own band, thenewno2, in 2002, and has performed at festivals, including Coachella, where Spin magazine called their performance one of the "best debut performances of the festival." The band also played Lollapalooza three times, with Harrison joining the festival's founder Perry Farrell on a cover of The Velvet Underground's "Sweet Jane" at 2010's event.[2] In 2017, Harrison released his debut solo album In Parallel. The 2019 film In///Paralive, showcases the live version of his debut solo album and was recorded in the round at Henson Studios in Los Angeles. Harrison's 2019 single, "Motorways (Erase It)", was described by Rolling Stone as "a psychedelic track with a robust beat".[3]

In 2013, Harrison launched his career as a composer. Alongside his writing partner Paul Hicks, Harrison scored the Warner Bros. movie Beautiful Creatures. Harrison has gone on to score the music for the TV show Good Girls Revolt, AMC's The Divide, Seattle Road, Learning to Drive, and for the Paul Giamatti–produced show Outsiders.[citation needed] In 2018, Harrison and his writing partner Hicks received a nomination for 'Best Music Score' at the International Documentary Association Awards for their work on the Sundance Film Festival Award Winning documentary Matangi/Maya/M.I.A. Most recently, Harrison wrote and recorded the title song for the Netflix original series Dogs and, along with Paul Hicks, scored the four-part HBO documentary series The Case Against Adnan Syed, the Bill Gates Netflix docuseries Inside Bill's Brain: Decoding Bill Gates, and the 2020 RZA movie Cut Throat City.

Harrison's music collaborations span a diverse range of genres that have seen him tour with Eric Clapton, appear on the Wu-Tang Clan track "The Heart Gently Weeps", and join Pearl Jam live on stage several times over the years.[4] One of Harrison's notable collaborations was in 2004 at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, where he appeared alongside Tom Petty, Jeff Lynne, and Prince on "While My Guitar Gently Weeps",[5] which was performed to mark the posthumous induction of his father. Harrison guests on the UNKLE album The Road: Part II/Lost Highway, and also appears on Perry Farrell's solo album, Kind Heaven. Harrison united with his long-time family friend Jeff Lynne when he opened for Lynne's band ELO on the band's sold out 2019 North American summer tour.

Early life

[edit]

Harrison was born on 1 August 1978 at HRH Princess Christian's Hospital in Windsor, Berkshire.[6] Harrison is named after the sixth and seventh notes of the Indian music scale, dha and ni.[citation needed] Dhani is also a raga in North Indian classical music.

He grew up with his parents in Henley-on-Thames, in Friar Park, the estate on which his father had lived since 1970. His mother, Olivia Harrison, is an American of Mexican descent. One of Harrison's earliest memories, from the age of six, is receiving a drumming lesson from his father's friend and bandmate, "Uncle" Ringo Starr. He recalled that before the lesson, he had been an avid drummer. However, when Starr began to play, the loud noise frightened him so much that he ran out of the room screaming.[7]

Harrison attended Dolphin School near Twyford, a Montessori method school, followed by Badgemore Primary School, Henley-on-Thames. He later attended Shiplake College, also near Henley, where he enrolled in the Combined Cadet Force,[8] and showed a keen interest in rowing which continued into his later years.[9]

Harrison is an alumnus of Brown University, Rhode Island, where he studied industrial design and physics, earning a bachelor's degree.[10] Harrison pursued a career as a car designer at McLaren Automotive[11] before deciding to follow in his father's footsteps as a professional musician.

Musical career

[edit]

Harrison assisted his father in home recording sessions which eventually became part of the Brainwashed album project. In this process he gained experience in performing and production techniques.

After his father's death in 2001, Harrison, in collaboration with Jeff Lynne, completed his father's final album, Brainwashed, which was released in 2002[12] and went on to win a Grammy for Best Pop Instrumental Performance, in "Marwa Blues", at the 46th Annual Grammy Awards in 2004. Harrison participated in the Concert for George on the first anniversary of his father's death. The concert was organized by Eric Clapton and featured some of his father's friends and collaborators, including former Beatles bandmates Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr as well as Clapton, Billy Preston, Ravi Shankar, Jeff Lynne, Tom Petty, Jim Keltner, and Joe Brown. Harrison played backup acoustic guitar for most of the concert. Before the finale, Paul McCartney relayed to the audience, "Olivia said that with Dhani up on stage, it looks like George stayed young and we all got old", referencing the physical similarities between father and son.[13]

In 2004 Harrison appeared onstage with Tom Petty, Steve Winwood, Jeff Lynne, Prince and others for a performance of "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" during his father's induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

In March 2006, Harrison made a guest appearance on Liam Lynch's Podcast Video Variety Show, Lynchland.[14] They performed a duet that will appear on a Lynch album. He collaborated with Jakob Dylan on the John Lennon song "Gimme Some Truth" for the Lennon tribute album Instant Karma: The Amnesty International Campaign to Save Darfur, which was released on 12 June 2007.[15]

Harrison at the 2009 Coachella Festival.

In April 2006, it was announced that Harrison's band, thenewno2, had begun recording. The band released a music video, "Choose What You're Watching", on its website. thenewno2 features Harrison on lead guitar, synthesiser and vocals and Oli Hecks on drums and synths. He was involved in a re-working of the Beatles' "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" entitled "The Heart Gently Weeps", which was the first single on the Wu-Tang Clan's album 8 Diagrams, released in December 2007.

Thenewno2's debut album, You Are Here, was released online on 11 August 2008 and in stores on 31 March 2009.[16] The song "Yomp" was featured as a downloadable song for the Rock Band series, and "Crazy Tuesday" was featured as one of the 20 free songs that were downloadable with the purchase of Rock Band 2.

In August 2010, Dhani Harrison, Ben Harper and Joseph Arthur joined to form Fistful of Mercy.[17]

In 2013, Harrison was the face of Gap's fall global campaign, entitled "Back To Blue."[18]

Harrison performing in Seattle, 2010

Harrison's dedication to his father's musical legacy resulted in a week long run of shows on Conan in September 2014, dedicated to George Harrison,[19] which culminated in a sold out George Fest event at The Fonda Theatre in Los Angeles, which was later released as an album and documentary. He participated in The Night That Changed America: A Grammy Salute to The Beatles the same year.

Harrison produced George Fest, a live album and concert DVD package documenting The George Fest tribute concert in honor of his father. The tribute was held at the Fonda Theatre in Los Angeles on 28 September 2014. The album and documentary were released on 26 February 2016.[20]

In 2017 Harrison played his first-ever solo show at the Panorama Festival in New York City.[21] Harrison released his first solo album, In Parallel, in October 2017.[22]

In 2019, he toured as the opening act for Jeff Lynne's ELO, and typically performed with the group singing the vocals for the Traveling Wilburys song "Handle with Care."[23]

Following two live performances in Omeara, London, on 18 and 19 October 2023, Harrison's second solo album, Innerstanding, was released on 20 October 2023.[24]

Film composing

[edit]

In between working on albums, Harrison, along with Paul Hicks, began their film composing partnership scoring the 2013 film Beautiful Creatures.[25] In 2014, they scored the film Learning to Drive[26] and the television series The Divide.[27] In 2016, they composed music for the Amazon Video television series Good Girls Revolt and continue scoring the WGN TV series Outsiders.[citation needed]

More recently, Harrison wrote and recorded the title song for the Netflix original series Dogs and, along with Paul Hicks, scored the four-part HBO documentary series The Case Against Adnan Syed and the 2020 RZA movie Cut Throat City.

Discography

[edit]

Solo

[edit]

Albums

[edit]

With Thenewno2

[edit]

Albums

[edit]

EPs

[edit]
  • EP001 (2006)
  • EP002 (2011)

With Fistful of Mercy

[edit]

Albums

[edit]

Other collaborations

[edit]

Personal life

[edit]

Harrison married Sólveig "Sóla" Káradóttir in 2012. They announced their separation in 2016.[28][29] The couple had no children.[28]

Video games

[edit]

Harrison collaborated in the development of The Beatles: Rock Band, a music video game released on 9 September 2009 on the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Wii gaming platforms. He was instrumental in the creation of the game and urged McCartney and Starr to participate. When asked about the game production Dhani stated, "I took the project to Apple and sort of convinced everybody to have a presentation. My job description is...being enthusiastic. We've been working on it for the past two years. This is the first one that is going to be totally, historically accurate. It's been a real headache, but it's been the most enjoyable work I've done in my life."[30]

To promote the game's release, he appeared on The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien on 8 September 2009 and at the end of the show they played "Birthday" with Dhani on drums, Conan O'Brien on bass, and Aaron Bleyaert and Mark Pender on guitar.

In 2009, Harrison told the Chicago Tribune in an interview that he was "working on Rock Band 3 and making the controllers more real so people can actually learn how to play music while playing the game".[31]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Dhani Harrison

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Dhani Harrison (born 1 August 1978) is an English and American musician, composer, and singer-songwriter best known as the only child of Beatles guitarist George Harrison and his wife Olivia Harrison. Born in Windsor, Berkshire, England, and raised on the family estate Friar Park, Harrison initially pursued interests outside music, studying physics and industrial design at Brown University from 1997 to 2001 before working as an aerodynamicist at the McLaren Formula One team. His transition to a full-time music career followed the death of his father in 2001, leading him to co-produce George's posthumous album Brainwashed (2002), which earned three Grammy nominations and one win.[1] Harrison first gained prominence as the frontman of the electronic rock band thenewno2, which released its self-titled debut album in 2009 and performed at major festivals including Coachella and Lollapalooza.[2] He later formed the supergroup Fistful of Mercy in 2010 with Ben Harper and Joseph Arthur, releasing the album As I Call You Down that year, and has collaborated extensively with artists such as Wu-Tang Clan, UNKLE, Annie Lennox, Pearl Jam, Perry Farrell, Regina Spektor, and Jeff Lynne.[2] In 2017, Harrison released his solo debut IN///PARALLEL, an album blending intricate melodies with themes of foresight and self-discovery, which he described as a cathartic process influenced by his father's legacy and artists like Ravi Shankar and Thom Yorke.[3] His songwriting often draws from soundtrack sketches, emphasizing focused manifestation and refinement akin to sculpting.[3] Beyond recordings, Harrison has composed scores for film and television since 2013, including Beautiful Creatures, MATANGI/MAYA/M.I.A. (which received an IDA nomination alongside producer Paul Hicks), Cut Throat City, Good Girls Revolt, White Famous, and The Case Against Adnan Syed.[2] He performed "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" at the 2004 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony and served as executive producer for the 2021 music video of his father's "My Sweet Lord."[1] In 2022, Harrison won a Grammy Award for his work remastering George Harrison's All Things Must Pass.[1] Actively involved in preserving his father's legacy, he released his second solo album Innerstanding in 2023 and collaborated on Dreamers in the Field (2024) with Huun-Huur-Tu and Carmen Rizzo, and Ascending into Silence (2025) with Ivan Shopov and Carmen Rizzo; he continues to tour, including with Jeff Lynne's ELO, and performed at Glastonbury Festival in 2025, creating music that bridges personal introspection with innovative sound design.[4][5][6]

Early life

Family background

Dhani Harrison was born on August 1, 1978, in Windsor, Berkshire, England, as the only child of George Harrison, the lead guitarist of the Beatles, and his wife Olivia Harrison (née Arias).[7][1] Harrison spent his childhood at Friar Park, the expansive Victorian estate in Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, which his father had purchased in 1970 and transformed into a family haven following the Beatles' breakup.[1][8] The estate's approximately 30-room neo-Gothic mansion, elaborate gardens, and secluded environment shielded him from the intense public scrutiny of his father's fame, allowing a relatively private upbringing amid George's post-Beatles pursuits in gardening, spirituality, and music production.[8][1][9] From an early age, Harrison was immersed in music through his father's home recording studio at Friar Park, where George taught him recording techniques and exposed him to diverse influences, including classical Indian music—a passion George had embraced since the 1960s.[10] His name, Dhani, derives from the sixth and seventh notes of the Indian music scale, reflecting this cultural heritage.[1][10] Following George Harrison's death from lung cancer on November 29, 2001, Dhani and his mother Olivia have jointly managed the family's estate and preserved his father's musical and philanthropic legacy, including oversight of projects like the reissues of George's solo catalog and the Dark Horse Records label.[11][12]

Education and early interests

Dhani Harrison received his early education in England, attending Dolphin School near Twyford, a Montessori institution for children aged 3 to 13.[13] He then progressed to Badgemore Primary School in Henley-on-Thames, where he participated in the Combined Cadet Force.[14] Harrison later enrolled at Shiplake College, a boarding school, completing his secondary education there.[14] In 1997, Harrison moved to the United States to attend Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, where he pursued an independent concentration in industrial design and physics.[15] He graduated in 2001 with a bachelor's degree, having developed a strong foundation in these interdisciplinary fields despite finding the physics coursework challenging.[15] His time at Brown emphasized practical applications of design principles, fostering an analytical approach to problem-solving.[16] Following graduation, Harrison returned to England and began a professional career in automotive design at McLaren Automotive, working as an aerodynamicist and designer in the early 2000s.[16] He contributed to projects including the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren and Formula 1 road car concepts, applying his physics and design expertise to high-performance engineering challenges.[17] This period honed his skills in precision engineering and innovative prototyping, interests that later extended to technology-driven creative endeavors such as video game development and multimedia production.[18]

Musical career

Early musical involvement

Dhani Harrison's entry into music was profoundly shaped by his collaboration on his father George Harrison's final album, Brainwashed. Following George's death in November 2001, Dhani co-produced the project alongside Jeff Lynne and session drummer Jim Keltner, contributing guitar parts and overdubs to complete unfinished tracks recorded between 1988 and 2001.[19][20] The album, released in November 2002, earned three Grammy nominations, including a win for Best Pop Instrumental Performance for the track "Any Road."[3] Harrison received informal musical education from his father from a young age, beginning with guitar lessons at five years old, where George taught him chords and songs such as "Here Comes the Sun."[19] Growing up in the family home Friar Park, which housed a professional recording studio known as FPSHOT, Dhani was immersed in a creative environment filled with his father's vast record collection, exposing him to diverse influences including Indian classical music via Ravi Shankar and rock artists like Bob Dylan.[19][21] This hands-on guidance extended to learning recording techniques, as George treated him as an equal collaborator from an early age.[22] In the early 2000s, Harrison began forming initial band projects with friends, experimenting in the home studio with blends of rock, electronic, and experimental sounds through demo recordings and informal sessions.[19] These efforts, conducted using his father's equipment, preceded more formal performances and marked his transition from paternal legacy work to independent creative exploration.[22]

Work with thenewno2

Dhani Harrison founded thenewno2 in 2006 as a collaborative project with drummer and synthesizer player Oliver Hecks, initially operating as a London-based duo before expanding to include additional members such as Grammy-winning engineer Paul Hicks on keyboards and programming, and Jonathan Sadoff on keyboards and guitar.[23][24] The band's sound fuses alternative rock with electronica and psychedelic elements, layering electronic textures over classic rock foundations while incorporating influences from The Beatles and 1990s trip-hop pioneers like Massive Attack and Tricky.[23][25] Thenewno2's key releases include the debut EP EP001 in 2006, the full-length album You Are Here—initially released online in 2008 and in physical formats in 2009—the follow-up EP EP002 in 2011, and the second studio album thefearofmissingout in 2012.[26][27][28] The band gained visibility through live performances at major festivals, including Coachella in 2009 and Lollapalooza in 2009 and 2012, where their sets showcased a blend of high-energy rock and experimental production.[29][30][31] Following the 2012 album and a subsequent U.S. tour, thenewno2 entered an indefinite hiatus, allowing Harrison to explore solo and collaborative work.[27]

Solo recordings

Dhani Harrison released his debut solo album, IN///PARALLEL, on October 6, 2017, through BMG Rights Management, marking a shift from his band work with thenewno2 to more introspective, self-produced material.[32] The album explores themes of self-exploration, destiny, and the interplay between meditation and expansive post-rock soundscapes, infused with a dystopian vibe reflecting concerns over technology and cultural premonitions.[32][33] Harrison handled production alongside contributions from collaborators including Jonathan Bates of Big Black Delta, who provided vocals and helped shape the electronic-rock elements.[34] Following a six-year hiatus from solo releases, Harrison issued his second album, INNERSTANDING, on October 20, 2023, via H.O.T. Records/BMG, co-produced with Paul Hicks.[35] The record delves into motifs of personal growth, spiritual reflection, identity, and a bleak outlook on global futures, blending emotional intensity with subtle electronic-infused rock arrangements.[36][37] Guest appearances include Graham Coxon of Blur on guitar, Liela Moss of The Duke Spirit on vocals, and Australian singer Mereki, enhancing the album's layered, introspective sound.[38][39] Harrison's solo career has emphasized a progression toward personal artistry, moving from experimental band dynamics to electronic-augmented rock that prioritizes vulnerability and thematic depth.[40] In 2024, he released remixes of the INNERSTANDING track "Damn That Frequency," including versions by IYEARA and Easy Star All-Stars, alongside the concert film INNERSOUNDSTAGE capturing live performances of the album's material.[41] These efforts, tied to touring and visual projects, underscore his ongoing evolution in blending studio innovation with live expression.[42]

Key collaborations

One of Dhani Harrison's notable collaborations came in 2010 when he co-founded the supergroup Fistful of Mercy with Ben Harper and Joseph Arthur. The trio formed in February of that year during all-night recording sessions in Los Angeles, drawing on shared interests in roots music and spirituality to create their debut album, As I Call You Down, released on October 5 via Hot Records. The album's nine tracks explore themes of love, God, music, and peace, blending harmonious vocals with acoustic and electric elements for a folksy, introspective sound.[43][44] Harrison has contributed guitar to diverse artists across genres, including a 2007 guest appearance on Wu-Tang Clan's track "The Heart Gently Weeps" from their album 8 Diagrams. Produced by RZA, the song reinterprets George Harrison's Beatles composition "While My Guitar Gently Weeps," with Dhani playing rhythm guitar on a 1961 Gretsch—gifted to RZA by Russell Crowe—as a nod to his father's legacy, alongside features from Erykah Badu and John Frusciante. He also appeared on UNKLE's 2019 album The Road: Part II / Lost Highway, providing vocals and instrumentation on the closing track "Reprise," which reflects the project's cinematic and experimental electronica style.[45][46] Live performances have highlighted Harrison's partnerships with rock icons. He joined Pearl Jam onstage multiple times, including a 2014 cover of The Beatles' "Rain" at Milton Keynes Bowl and contributions to their 2011 PJ20 festival set in Alpine Valley, Wisconsin, showcasing his guitar work in high-energy jam sessions. In 2024, Harrison guested with Eric Clapton at London's Royal Albert Hall for a rendition of his father's "Give Me Love (Give Me Peace on Earth)". More recently, in 2025, he opened for Jeff Lynne's ELO on their farewell tour and joined them for encores of Traveling Wilburys classics "Handle with Care" and "End of the Line" in Birmingham, honoring the supergroup that included his father and Lynne. In June 2025, Harrison performed on the Acoustic Stage at Glastonbury Festival.[47][48][49][50] Harrison has played a key role in tribute projects celebrating his father's music. He co-produced and performed at George Fest on September 28, 2014, at the Fonda Theatre in Los Angeles, where artists covered George Harrison songs; Dhani led renditions of "Let It Down" and "Savoy Truffle," with the event later released as a live album and film. In 2024, he oversaw the 50th-anniversary reissue of George Harrison's Living in the Material World, remixing the original tapes with producer Paul Hicks to highlight its spiritual and introspective qualities, describing it as the start of his father's "Friar Park era" of deeply personal work.[51][52]

Film and media work

Film and television composing

Dhani Harrison entered the realm of film composing with the supernatural drama Beautiful Creatures in 2013, where he collaborated with producer Paul Hicks to create a score that integrated orchestral arrangements with rock and electronic elements.[53] This marked his debut in feature film scoring, blending sweeping 80-piece orchestral sections with full rock instrumentation and synthetic textures to underscore the film's mystical narrative.[53] Harrison followed this with the indie drama Learning to Drive... in 2014, again partnering with Hicks to deliver a more intimate, character-driven soundtrack that emphasized emotional depth through subtle electronic motifs and acoustic rock influences.[54] Harrison expanded into television composing around the same period, scoring the AMC legal thriller The Divide in 2014, where his work with Hicks provided tense, atmospheric cues blending electronic pulses with orchestral swells to heighten the series' suspenseful tone.[22] In 2016, he and Hicks composed the original score for Amazon's Good Girls Revolt, a period drama about 1960s journalists, incorporating retro-infused rock elements alongside orchestral layers to evoke the era's cultural shifts.[55] That same year, they tackled the WGN America series Outsiders, scoring its two seasons with a rugged mix of electronic and folk-rock sounds to match the Appalachian setting and themes of community conflict.[56] Also in 2016, Harrison and Hicks scored the independent film Seattle Road.[57] In 2017, they composed the score for the Showtime comedy series White Famous.[58] In documentary work, Harrison co-composed the score for Matangi/Maya/M.I.A. in 2018 with Hicks, earning an International Documentary Association (IDA) nomination for Best Music Score; the soundtrack fused global electronic rhythms with orchestral and rock-driven intensity to parallel the film's exploration of the artist's provocative career.[59] He and Hicks followed with the HBO docuseries The Case Against Adnan Syed in 2019.[60] In 2020, Harrison composed the score for the thriller Cut Throat City.[61] By 2025, Harrison continued his involvement in such endeavors, overseeing restorations like the edition of The Concert for Bangladesh documentary, ensuring archival integrity while potentially incorporating new compositional touches.[62] Throughout his composing career, Harrison's style consistently merges orchestral grandeur with electronic innovation and rock energy, creating versatile soundscapes that adapt to diverse genres from fantasy to historical drama.[53] This approach, honed through repeated collaborations with Hicks, allows him to infuse personal influences—drawing briefly from his broader musical partnerships—into scores that balance emotional resonance with cinematic propulsion.[22]

Video game contributions

Dhani Harrison played a pivotal role in the development of The Beatles: Rock Band, a rhythm video game released in September 2009 by Harmonix Music Systems, MTV Games, and Apple Corps. He originated the concept during a 2006 lunch meeting with MTV Networks president Van Toffler, where he proposed adapting the Beatles' catalog for the Rock Band series after discussing his own experiences with Guitar Hero. Harrison then lobbied key stakeholders, including his mother Olivia Harrison and Apple Corps representatives Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, and Yoko Ono, to secure approval for the project. He facilitated early collaborations by hosting Harmonix CEO Alex Rigopulos at his home to pitch the idea, effectively bridging the gap between the game developers and the Beatles' estate.[63] Harrison's involvement extended to nearly every aspect of the game's production, where he contributed to its visual and content design while ensuring overall accuracy and fidelity to the band's legacy. As a self-described video game designer with a background in technology, he helped shape the game's aesthetic elements and worked closely with the development team to address potential inaccuracies, prioritizing an authentic representation of the Beatles' performances and era-specific details. Regarding the audio, Harrison oversaw efforts to maintain the faithful reproduction of the Beatles' tracks, collaborating with producers to integrate multitrack recordings into the game's interactive format, though primary remixing was handled by Giles Martin. His focus on authenticity extended to gameplay mechanics, aiming to capture the nuances of the band's live energy and studio innovations.[64][18] To promote the game, Harrison made public appearances, including a guest spot on The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien on September 8, 2009, where he demonstrated gameplay and performed "Birthday" using the game's instruments alongside host Conan O'Brien and bandleader Max Weinberg. He also showcased a major demo at the 2009 Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), highlighting the game's innovative features to gamers and media.[65] Following the release of The Beatles: Rock Band, Harrison continued contributing to the Rock Band franchise, particularly with Rock Band 3 in 2010, where he assisted in designing more realistic instrument controllers to bridge virtual play with actual musical learning. This work reflected his ongoing interest in enhancing interactive music experiences, though he has not been credited with major roles in subsequent video game projects up to 2025.[66]

Discography

Solo releases

Dhani Harrison's debut solo single, "All About Waiting" (featuring Camila Grey), was released on July 21, 2017, as the lead track from his forthcoming album, blending electronic and psychedelic elements with introspective lyrics about patience and destiny.[67] His first solo album, IN///PARALLEL, was released on October 6, 2017, through BMG Rights Management. Produced by Harrison alongside co-producer and engineer Paul Hicks, the album features a mix of post-rock, electronic, and psychedelic influences, drawing on Harrison's film scoring background for atmospheric soundscapes. It did not achieve notable commercial chart success but received praise for its innovative production and emotional depth.[32][68] The track listing for IN///PARALLEL is as follows:
No.TitleFeaturingLength
1Never Know5:23
2#WarOnFalse3:57
3Úlfur Resurrection7:24
4Downtown Tigers6:21
5London WaterMereki7:52
6Summertime Police4:31
7Poseidon (Keep Me Safe)5:00
8The Light Under the Door4:52
9All About WaitingCamila Grey5:03
10Admiral of Upside Down5:41
[69] Harrison's second solo album, Innerstanding, was released on October 20, 2023, via H.O.T. Records in partnership with BMG Rights Management. Self-produced by Harrison and co-mixed with Paul Hicks, the record explores themes of unity and introspection amid global division, incorporating gothic electronica, world music elements, and collaborations with artists including Blur's Graham Coxon on guitar and saxophone, Liela Moss of The Duke Spirit on vocals, and Mereki on additional vocals. Critics lauded its ambitious sound design and collaborative energy, with reviews highlighting its emotional resonance and innovative fusion of genres; for instance, it earned a 4.5/5 rating for its compelling performances and thematic depth. The album peaked at number 20 on the UK Independent Albums Chart and number 51 on the Scottish Albums Chart.[35][70][71] The track listing for Innerstanding is as follows:
No.TitleFeaturingLength
1Dangerous Lies5:07
2New ReligionGraham Coxon3:57
3Ahoy There!Liela Moss6:36
4La Sirena5:20
5Damn That Frequency4:38
6The Dancing TreeMereki5:21
7Right Side of History6:09
8Ghost Garden5:34
9Motorcade5:47
10Dreamers in the Field5:52
In 2024, Harrison released the remix single "Damn That Frequency (Iyehara Remix)" on October 4, featuring electronic reinterpretations by producer Iyehara, tied to performances of Innerstanding material, including his June 2025 Glastonbury Festival appearance on the Acoustic Stage where he performed tracks like "All About Waiting" alongside guests such as Mereki and Gracie Abrams.[50][72]

Thenewno2 releases

Thenewno2's debut extended play, titled EP001, was released as a promotional single on August 28, 2006, through Hot Records Ltd.[73] The EP featured four tracks recorded by Dhani Harrison and Oliver Hecks, showcasing their early alternative rock sound with electronic influences: "Say" (3:51), "Out of Mind" (4:15), "Lord Lord" (5:00), and "Truly" (4:33).[73] It marked the band's initial foray into recording, distributed limitedly to build anticipation for full-length material.[74] The band's first full-length album, You Are Here, followed in 2008. It was initially released digitally in the United Kingdom on August 11, 2008, with a physical CD edition distributed in the United States on March 31, 2009, via Hot Records Ltd. (with Vagrant Records handling some distribution).[75] Produced by the band alongside collaborators like Paul Hicks, the album blended rock, electronica, and experimental elements across 11 tracks:
  • "So Vain" (4:41)
  • "Another John Doe" (4:02)
  • "Back to You" (4:46)
  • "Bluesy" (4:57)
  • "Give You Love" (4:24)
  • "Yomp" (3:31)
  • "Hiding Out" (3:29)
  • "Crazy Tuesday" (3:50)
  • "Idle Lover" (4:48)
  • "There Is the Door" (3:51)
  • "Make It Good" (4:00)
Two singles preceded the album's physical release: "Choose What You're Watching" on March 31, 2008, a track critiquing media consumption that gained attention through its official music video, and "Another John Doe" later that year.[76][77] The album received positive reviews for its innovative production and Harrison's songwriting, establishing thenewno2's independent ethos.[78] In 2011, thenewno2 issued their second EP, EP002, on September 27 through Hot Records Ltd., featuring guest appearances and remixes that highlighted the band's evolving collaborative style.[79] This four-track release served as a transitional project amid political and social themes, positioning it as the band's final major EP before their subsequent full-length: "Wide Awake" (4:41), "Mr. President" (featuring RZA, Crisis, and Sir Eyes) (2:30), "Live a Lie" (featuring Regina Spektor) (4:32), and "Mr. President (pHd 'One Nation' Remix)" (3:06).[80] Singles from the EP included "One Way Out" and "Live a Lie" earlier in 2011.[81] Thenewno2's second studio album, thefearofmissingout, arrived on July 31, 2012, again via Hot Records Ltd., produced by Harrison and Paul Hicks under the pHd moniker.[82] The concept album explored themes of anxiety and modern life across 10 tracks, including "The Making of All Things," "The Greatest Role in the Greatest Story," and "Honeymoon Hole." A deluxe edition followed in 2013 with additional remixes.[28] The band contributed original tracks to the soundtrack album for the film Beautiful Creatures, released January 29, 2013, on Lakeshore Records, marking their last major recording appearance to date.[83] Tracks included "Interception," "Lena's Magic / The Love Theme," and "The Fire." No further original releases or significant reissues have occurred through 2025, though select tracks from earlier works have appeared in compilations and streaming retrospectives.[84]

Fistful of Mercy releases

Fistful of Mercy, the collaborative supergroup formed by Dhani Harrison alongside Ben Harper and Joseph Arthur, issued its sole studio album As I Call You Down on October 5, 2010, via Harrison's independent label HOT Records.[44] The record emerged from intensive all-night writing and recording sessions at Harper's Carriage House studio in Los Angeles, where the trio co-produced the material, with Harrison contributing vocals, guitar, keyboards, and bass across the tracks.[85] Blending blues-infused folk elements with indie rock sensibilities and soulful harmonies, the album explores spiritual and redemptive themes, evident in song titles and lyrics evoking mercy, restoration, and familial legacy.[86] Proceeds from the release supported aid organizations, aligning with the project's emphasis on compassion.[87] The album comprises nine original songs, all co-written by Harrison, Harper, and Arthur:
  • "In Vain or True" – 3:58
  • "I Don't Want to Waste Your Time" – 4:02
  • "As I Call You Down" – 3:00
  • "Father's Son" – 4:16
  • "Fistful of Mercy" – 5:02
  • "30 Bones" – 3:56
  • "Restore Me" – 4:35
  • "Things Go 'Round and Round" – 4:21
  • "I Am Asect" – 6:24[88]
No standalone singles were commercially issued from the album, though tracks like "I Am Asect" and "Restore Me" received promotional attention through digital previews and radio play.[89] In support of the release, Fistful of Mercy embarked on a limited tour in late 2010, performing acoustic sets and full-band shows across the United States, with notable live recordings captured during in-studio sessions for outlets like KEXP and Vintage Vinyl. These performances highlighted the group's improvisational chemistry and amplified the album's intimate, introspective sound.[90] Following As I Call You Down, Fistful of Mercy produced no additional releases, effectively concluding the supergroup's output by the end of 2010.[91]

Guest and compilation appearances

Harrison has made notable guest appearances on recordings by other artists, often blending his rock roots with diverse genres. In 2007, he contributed guitar to "The Heart Gently Weeps," a cover of his father's Beatles composition, on Wu-Tang Clan's album 8 Diagrams, alongside Erykah Badu and John Frusciante.[92] This track reimagined the original as a hip-hop fusion, highlighting Harrison's versatility in bridging classic rock and rap. His collaborations with electronic collective UNKLE include vocals and instrumentation on "Farewell" from The Road Part I / / / Lost Highway (2017), featuring a ensemble of artists like Liela Moss and Keaton Henson, and "Reprise" from The Road: Part II / Lost Highway (2019).[93][94] These contributions reflect Harrison's ongoing involvement in experimental soundscapes, as noted in interviews where he discussed co-writing material with UNKLE's James Lavelle.[46] Harrison has also appeared on tribute compilations honoring his father's legacy. He produced and performed on the live album George Fest: A Night to Celebrate the Music of George Harrison (2016), delivering a rendition of "Let It Down" from his father's 1970 triple album.[95] The event, held at the Fonda Theatre in Los Angeles, featured artists like Brian Wilson and the Black Crowes, with Harrison curating the lineup to showcase diverse interpretations of George Harrison's catalog. In Beatles-related tributes, Harrison joined Joe Walsh and Jeff Lynne for a performance of "Something" at the 2014 Beatles tribute concert in Los Angeles, capturing the song's emotional depth in a live setting.[96] This appearance underscored his role in perpetuating the Beatles' influence through collaborative performances. Regarding compilations and archival projects, Harrison co-produced the remix of his father's All Things Must Pass for its 50th anniversary edition (2021), incorporating fresh mixes while preserving the original's spirit.[97] He oversaw the complete remix of Living in the Material World from original tapes for its 50th anniversary release in November 2024, adding unreleased tracks and outtakes to enhance the album's sonic clarity.[98] In 2024, Harrison collaborated with Huun-Huur-Tu and Carmen Rizzo on the album Dreamers in the Field, released April 19 on Dark Horse Records, blending Tuvan throat singing with electronic and world music elements.[4] In 2025, Harrison contributed to AI-assisted remixes of "Free as a Bird" and "Real Love" from the Beatles' Anthology series, released on August 21, 2025, which isolated and clarified John Lennon's vocals for updated compilations.[99]

Personal life

Relationships

Dhani Harrison married Icelandic former model and psychologist Sólveig "Sola" Káradóttir on June 1, 2012, in a private ceremony held at the garden amphitheater of his family's estate, Friar Park, in Henley-on-Thames, England.[100] The intimate event was attended by close family and friends, including Beatles members Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr.[101] The couple announced their separation in November 2016 after four years of marriage, with Harrison filing for divorce citing irreconcilable differences; they had no children together.[102] The divorce proceedings were handled discreetly, reflecting the couple's preference for privacy in personal matters.[103] Since his divorce, Harrison has been in a long-term relationship with British musician Mereki Beach, dating since around 2017, with no remarriage as of November 2025.[1][104]

Legacy and philanthropy

Dhani Harrison co-manages the estate of his father, George Harrison, alongside his mother, Olivia Harrison, overseeing the reissuance of key albums to preserve and promote the late musician's catalog. He served as executive producer for the 50th anniversary edition of All Things Must Pass, released in August 2021, which included a new remix by Paul Hicks and additional demo recordings, outtakes, and jams.[105][106] In November 2024, Harrison executive produced the 50th anniversary reissue of Living in the Material World, featuring a complete remix from original tapes, expanded tracks, and a documentary directed by Martin Scorsese, with reflections on the album's spiritual themes shared in a March 2025 interview.[107][52][108] Harrison continues his father's philanthropic legacy through the Material World Foundation, established by George Harrison in 1973 to support diverse artistic expressions, philosophical explorations, and charitable causes, including aid for those with special needs. Under Dhani's involvement, the foundation has donated to organizations like MusiCares, providing $500,000 for COVID-19 relief efforts in 2020 to assist music industry workers, and supports UNICEF's education programs in Bangladesh via the George Harrison Fund.[109][110][111] The foundation also backs arts education initiatives and environmental conservation, aligning with George Harrison's interests in spirituality and global welfare.[112][113] In 2014, Harrison organized and performed at George Fest, a tribute concert held on September 28 at the Fonda Theatre in Los Angeles, featuring artists like Norah Jones and Brian Wilson covering George Harrison's songs, with proceeds benefiting the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund for music therapy and health services.[114][115] He maintains ongoing support for music therapy programs through the foundation's contributions to MusiCares, which funds therapeutic music services for individuals facing illness or hardship.[110] In 2025, Harrison performed an acoustic set at Glastonbury Festival on the Acoustic Stage, emphasizing themes from his father's legacy through selections from his own work and tributes to George Harrison's catalog. No new foundation initiatives were announced by November 2025, but the organization's efforts continue to focus on music community relief and artistic support.[116][50]

References

  1. All About George Harrison's Son Dhani Harrison - People.com
  2. Interview: Dhani Harrison - Songwriting Magazine
  3. Dhani Harrison — bighassle.com
  4. Dhani Harrison - Biography - IMDb
  5. 'My God! What's he done?… look at it!': How George Harrison left ...
  6. George Harrison Made His Son, Dhani, Aware of All Types of Music ...
  7. George Harrison's Dark Horse Label Rides Again - Rolling Stone
  8. Litigating A Beatle's Estate George Harrison
  9. George Harrison Once Said if He Had Children He Wouldn't Let ...
  10. Dhani Harrison facts: George Harrison's only son's songs, age, and ...
  11. Here Comes the Son The first solo album from Dhani Harrison '01 is ...
  12. Dhani Harrison Composes a Future 'In Parallel' - NBC 7 San Diego
  13. The Prisoner Inspires Dhani Harrison's Thenewno2 Experiment
  14. Dhani Harrison's groupthink - Los Angeles Times
  15. Inside George Harrison's Archives: Dhani on His Father's Vaults
  16. 'Brainwashed': George Harrison's Poignant Final Album
  17. The Mundane Job George Harrison's Son Thought His Father Had ...
  18. Dhani Harrison's Big Score - Premier Guitar
  19. thenewno2 Songs, Albums, Reviews, Bio & More |... - AllMusic
  20. THENEWNO2 - M Music & Musicians Magazine
  21. Dhani Harrison enjoys band, hand in new video game
  22. EP001 - Album by thenewno2 - Apple Music
  23. THENEWNO2 discography and reviews - Prog Archives
  24. You Are Here - Album by thenewno2 | Spotify
  25. Jeff Lynne makes Dhani Harrison cry at Coachella - NME
  26. thenewno2 Concert Setlist at Lollapalooza 2009 on August 8, 2009
  27. Lollapalooza 2012: Live Photos - Billboard
  28. Review: Dhani Harrison, 'In///Parallel' - NPR
  29. Dhani Harrison on First Solo Album, UFOs, Technology Detox
  30. Dhani Harrison on Debut Solo LP and Missing Tom Petty - Billboard
  31. Dhani Harrison Releases First Album In Six Years INNERSTANDING
  32. Dhani Harrison - INNERSTANDING[Neon Yellow 2 LP] - Amazon.com
  33. Dhani Harrison's "Innerstanding" Gets a Vinyl Release
  34. Dhani Harrison - Innerstanding: Album Review - At The Barrier
  35. Albums Of The Week: Dhani Harrison | Innerstanding - Tinnitist
  36. Dhani Harrison Pursues His Own Muse On Solo Debut 'In Parallel ...
  37. Dhani Harrison - Apple Music
  38. Wonderful Light, We Set the Scene: Dhani Harrison Takes the ...
  39. L.A. supergroup alert: Ben Harper, Joseph Arthur and Dhani ...
  40. Fistful of Mercy - Out Now on iTunes and CD - George Harrison
  41. The Heart Gently Weeps by Wu-Tang Clan - Songfacts
  42. UNKLE on new mixtape 'Rōnin I', clubbing & working with ... - NME
  43. Pearl Jam Invite Simon Townshend and Dhani Harrison on Stage in ...
  44. Eric Clapton Performs With Dhani Harrison in 2024 at London's ...
  45. Dhani Harrison Joins Jeff Lynne For Traveling Wilburys At ELO ...
  46. George Fest
  47. George Harrison's 'Living in the Material World' Anniversary Album
  48. Dhani Harrison on Scoring 'Beautiful Creatures'
  49. Dhani Harrison, The TVD Interview - The Vinyl District
  50. Dhani Harrison & Paul Hicks Scoring Amazon's 'Good Girls Revolt'
  51. Dhani Harrison & Paul Hicks | Spotify
  52. IDA Announces 2018 Documentary Awards Feature, Short, and ...
  53. In 2011, Martin Scorsese's documentary George Harrison - Facebook
  54. The Beatles Make the Leap to Rock Band - WIRED
  55. Dhani Harrison talks The Beatles: Rock Band | MusicRadar
  56. 1x61 Kate Beckinsale, Richard Lewis, Dhani Harrison 2009 - Trakt
  57. Dhani Harrison: Rock Band 3 will make you better at actual rocking
  58. Dhani Harrison Announces Debut Solo Album IN///PARALLEL ...
  59. Dhani Harrison - IN///PARALLEL - mxdwn Music
  60. ‎IN///PARALLEL - Album by Dhani Harrison - Apple Music
  61. Dhani Harrison – INNERSTANDING (2023) Album Review
  62. INNERSTANDING – DHANI HARRISON | Official Charts
  63. DHANI HARRISON
  64. Line-Up 2025 - Glastonbury Festivals
  65. https://www.discogs.com/release/1431687-thenewno2-thenewno2
  66. https://www.progarchives.com/album.asp?id=44781
  67. https://www.discogs.com/master/787314-thenewno2-You-Are-Here
  68. https://www.discogs.com/release/3769761-Thenewno2-Choose-What-Youre-Watching
  69. Choose What You're Watching - Single - Album by thenewno2
  70. You Are Here - thenewno2 | Album - AllMusic
  71. https://www.discogs.com/release/3148431-thenewno2-EP002
  72. ‎Ep002 - EP - Album by thenewno2 - Apple Music
  73. EP002 - EP by thenewno2 | Spotify
  74. First Listen: thenewno2, 'thefearofmissingout' - NPR
  75. You Are Here - Album by thenewno2 | Spotify
  76. ‎thenewno2 - Apple Music
  77. Fistful of Mercy: As I Call You Down - Glide Magazine
  78. As I Call You Down - Fistful of Mercy | Album - AllMusic
  79. As I Call You Down [Audio CD] Fistful of Mercy 601091063129| eBay
  80. Fistful of Mercy - As I Call You Down - Ben Harper
  81. Fistful of Mercy announce album tracklist, tour dates, free download
  82. Fistful of Mercy - Live at Vintage Vinyl 10/05/10 - YouTube
  83. https://www.discogs.com/artist/2029832-Fistful-Of-Mercy
  84. Wu-Tang Clan – The Heart Gently Weeps Lyrics - Genius
  85. Farewell | Spotify - Spotify
  86. Reprise - song and lyrics by UNKLE, Dhani Harrison - Spotify
  87. Dhani Harrison - Let It Down Live at George Fest [Official Live Video]
  88. Something (Tribute to The Beatles, 2014), 720p, HQ audio - YouTube
  89. George Harrison…All Things Must Pass 50th Anniversary Remix ...
  90. Living In The Material World 50th Anniversary Available November ...
  91. Dhani Harrison on the making of Living in the Material World
  92. Dhani Harrison says Free As a Brid and Real Love to be remixed ...
  93. All You Need Is Love: Sola Káradóttir & Dhani Harrison's ... - Vogue
  94. George Harrison's Son, Dhani Harrison, Marries—and the Bride ...
  95. George Harrison's Son Files for Divorce - TMZ
  96. Sólveig Káradóttir and Dhani Harrison get divorced - Iceland Monitor
  97. All Things Must Pass 50th Anniversary - George Harrison
  98. Massive George Harrison 'All Things Must Pass': Inside New Reissue
  99. 'Living In The Material World' 50th Anniversary Out Now
  100. Dhani Harrison on the making of Living in the Material World - Yahoo
  101. The Material World Foundation
  102. The Material World Foundation launches The Inner Light Challenge
  103. The George Harrison Fund for UNICEF
  104. About - The Material World Foundation
  105. The Material World Foundation (@thematerialworldfoundation)
  106. LIVE: Dhani Harrison and Friends Come Together at the Fonda to ...
  107. Live Review: George Fest at the Fonda Theatre in Hollywood (9/28)
  108. The Acoustic stage announces its 2025 Festival line-up
User Avatar
No comments yet.