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George Fest
George Fest
George Fest
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George Fest
Live album by
Various artists
Released26 February 2016
Recorded28 September 2014
VenueFonda Theatre, Los Angeles
GenreRock
LabelBMG, HOT
ProducerDhani Harrison, David Zonshine
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusicStarStarStar[1]
American SongwriterStarStarStarStarHalf star[2]
BlurtStarStarStarStarStar[3]
Consequence of SoundC+[4]
Glide MagazineStarStarStarStarStarStarStar[5]
MojoStarStarStarStar[6]
Pitchfork6.8/10[7]
PopMattersStarStarStarStarStarStarStarStar[8]
Renowned for SoundStarStarStarHalf star[9]
Rolling StoneStarStarHalf star[10]
Uncut7/10[11]

George Fest – subtitled A Night to Celebrate the Music of George Harrison – is a live album and concert DVD package documenting the George Fest tribute concert to former Beatle George Harrison, held at the Fonda Theatre in Los Angeles on 28 September 2014. The album and documentary were released on 26 February 2016.[12]

The 2014 concert coincided with the reissue of Harrison's Apple Records solo albums.[13][14] Among the many performers were Brian Wilson and Al Jardine of the Beach Boys, Dhani Harrison, Norah Jones, Wayne Coyne and Steven Drozd of the Flaming Lips, Conan O'Brien, Spoon's Britt Daniel, and Brandon Flowers of the Killers.[12] Other performers included Ben Harper, "Weird Al" Yankovic, Ann Wilson of Heart, and Ian Astbury.[15]

Track listing

[edit]

All songs by George Harrison unless otherwise noted.

Disc one
No.TitleMain performer(s)Length
1."Introduction"Conan O'Brien0:50
2."Old Brown Shoe"Conan O'Brien3:54
3."I Me Mine"Britt Daniel2:28
4."Ballad of Sir Frankie Crisp (Let It Roll)"Jonathan Bates, Dhani Harrison4:23
5."Something"Norah Jones3:13
6."Got My Mind Set on You" (Rudy Clark)Brandon Flowers4:29
7."If Not for You" (Bob Dylan)Heartless Bastards3:34
8."Be Here Now"Ian Astbury4:06
9."Wah-Wah"Nick Valensi5:26
10."If I Needed Someone"Jamestown Revival2:20
11."Art of Dying"Black Rebel Motorcycle Club4:14
12."Savoy Truffle"Dhani Harrison2:58
13."For You Blue"Chase Cohl, Brian Bell2:29
14."Beware of Darkness"Ann Wilson3:46
Disc two
No.TitleMain performer(s)Length
1."Let It Down"Dhani Harrison6:05
2."Give Me Love (Give Me Peace on Earth)"Ben Harper3:37
3."Here Comes the Sun"Perry Farrell3:13
4."What Is Life""Weird Al" Yankovic4:18
5."Behind That Locked Door"Norah Jones3:09
6."My Sweet Lord"Brian Wilson, Al Jardine5:21
7."Isn't It a Pity"The Black Ryder6:02
8."Any Road"Butch Walker4:13
9."I'd Have You Anytime" (Harrison, Dylan)Karen Elson3:05
10."Taxman"Cold War Kids3:32
11."It's All Too Much"The Flaming Lips8:21
12."Handle with Care" (Harrison, Dylan, Jeff Lynne, Tom Petty, Roy Orbison)Brandon Flowers, Dhani Harrison, Jonathan Bates, "Weird Al" Yankovic, Britt Daniel, Wayne Coyne3:25
13."All Things Must Pass"Ann Wilson, Dhani Harrison, Karen Elson, Norah Jones3:57

Charts

[edit]
Chart (2016) Peak
position
Australian Albums (ARIA)[16] 41
US Billboard 200[17] 114

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

George Fest

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George Fest was a tribute concert dedicated to the music of George Harrison, the former Beatle, held on September 28, 2014, at the Fonda Theatre in Los Angeles. The event featured performances of Harrison's songs by a diverse lineup of artists, including his son Dhani Harrison, Norah Jones, Brian Wilson, Ann Wilson, Brandon Flowers of The Killers, Conan O'Brien as host, and "Weird Al" Yankovic, among others. Organized by The Best Fest as a benefit for the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund, it highlighted Harrison's solo catalog alongside Beatles classics like "Something" and "Here Comes the Sun." The concert was recorded and filmed, resulting in a 2016 release comprising a three-disc set: a double live album and a concert DVD/Blu-ray capturing the full performance. This package, titled George Fest: A Night to Celebrate the Music of , showcased 27 tracks spanning Harrison's career, from his time with to post-Beatles works such as "" and "." The event underscored Harrison's enduring influence on , drawing a star-studded crowd and emphasizing themes of and in his honor.

Background

Conception and Purpose

George Fest originated in 2014 as a tribute concert celebrating the music of , directly tied to the reissue of his solo albums in the box set , released on September 22, 2014. This collection remastered and repackaged Harrison's first six solo albums from 1968 to 1975, commemorating milestones such as the 40th anniversary of (1974). The event's timing amplified the reissue's promotional efforts while providing a live platform to showcase Harrison's enduring catalog. The primary purpose of George Fest was to honor George Harrison's legacy by featuring live performances of his songs interpreted by a diverse lineup of contemporary artists from various genres, underscoring his wide-ranging influence on rock, pop, and beyond. Conceived by , George Harrison's son, the event served as a personal to his father, reflecting Dhani's desire to create an intimate, exploratory celebration rather than a formal replication of past homages like the . As Dhani explained, "We never really got to do a tribute concert in America, per se, and we wanted to do a small club show—something where we could really get inside the songs and not have to be so rigid with sticking to the plan of how the original recordings were done." Dhani Harrison played a central role in conceiving and organizing the event, curating the artist selection and participating in performances to emphasize fresh, genre-spanning takes on his father's work. Planning commenced earlier in , with the concert announced on September 4 and held on September 28 at the Fonda Theatre in , benefiting Relief Musicians Fund to support career musicians facing hardship—a nod to George Harrison's own philanthropic traditions.

Organization and Planning

The organization of George Fest was spearheaded by , son of , in collaboration with David Zonshine, who served as co-producers under the oversight of 's estate, and presented by The Best Fest. Their efforts focused on creating an intimate, celebratory tribute rather than a formal memorial, drawing from 's vision of a casual club setting for contemporary musicians. Planning commenced in early 2014, aligning with preparations for the reissue of George Harrison's solo albums as part of box set, which provided thematic synergy for the tribute. The event was publicly announced in early September 2014, with a venue change from the El Rey Theatre to the Fonda Theatre confirmed on September 15, culminating in the concert on September 28. Artists were selected by based on their demonstrated admiration for George Harrison's catalog and their potential to deliver innovative interpretations, particularly emphasizing younger performers and lesser-known tracks to inject fresh energy into the material. Invitees, including figures like and members of , participated voluntarily without compensation to maintain the event's collaborative spirit. Funding for George Fest came primarily from ticket sales and sponsorship, with all proceeds directed to the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund. The event was presented by Hot Records Ltd. and , with additional sponsorship from Jameson whiskey, which supported the production and promotion without influencing the artistic lineup.

The Concert

Event Details

George Fest was held on September 28, 2014, at the Fonda Theatre in , . The Fonda Theatre, a historic venue with a standing room capacity of 1,200, offered an intimate setting characterized by its packed, energetic crowd and celebratory vibe, enhanced by the theater's classic and close-quarters layout. Structured as a one-night tribute show, the event featured a succession of acts performing selections from George Harrison's catalog over approximately three hours. Attendance reached a sold-out capacity of over 1,000, drawing dedicated fans and professionals to the supporting the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund.

Performers and Setlist Highlights

George Fest featured a diverse lineup of performers paying tribute to George Harrison's catalog, including high-profile artists such as and of , (George's son), , and of , Conan O’Brien, of , of the Killers, , "Weird Al" Yankovic, of Heart, of the Cult, and contributions from members of The War on Drugs like Eric Pulido, alongside other acts including , , and of . The event showcased collaborative spirit, with many songs featuring guest appearances and ensemble backing to reinterpret Harrison's solo work and Beatles-era compositions. The setlist spanned Harrison's career, opening with the house band The Cabin Down Below performing "" and progressing through tracks like "" (Conan O’Brien with ), "" (Cold War Kids), "Be Here Now" (Ian Astbury), "Give Me Love (Give Me Peace on Earth)" (Ben Harper), "Got My Mind Set on You" (Brandon Flowers with Dhani Harrison), and closing with an all-star rendition of "." Key selections included songs such as "Something" and "," alongside solo highlights from like "" and "," emphasizing Harrison's spiritual and introspective themes. Notable performances included Dhani Harrison's emotional, contemplative delivery of "Let It Down," which captured the song's vulnerability through stripped-down arrangement and personal resonance as the performer's own father wrote it. and brought a harmonious, Beach Boys-infused warmth to "," infusing the spiritual anthem with layered vocals and evident ardor that stood out amid the evening's tributes. delivered a yearning, subtle reinterpretation of "," highlighting her nuanced phrasing, while "Weird Al" Yankovic offered a straight-faced, sincere take on "" without parody, adding unexpected gravity. These moments, along with improvisational jams like the collaborative "Handle with Care" featuring multiple guests, underscored the event's blend of reverence and innovation.

Release and Production

Recording and Production Process

The George Fest tribute concert was captured live on September 28, 2014, at the Fonda Theatre in through a and video setup designed to document the intimate performances honoring George Harrison's catalog. The production emphasized high-fidelity recording to preserve the raw energy of the event while allowing for subsequent refinements. Dhani Harrison and David Zonshine led the production as primary producers, overseeing the transformation of the live footage and sound into a cohesive album and video package. Live audio recording was handled by engineer Fred Archambault, with post-event mixing conducted by Paul Hicks and Ryan Williams to enhance clarity and balance across the diverse ensemble performances. Assistant production manager Laura Strayer supported logistical aspects during this phase. Video direction was provided by Rich Bond, who tailored the multi-camera filming to the tribute's celebratory format, focusing on captures of musicians' interactions and emotional deliveries to convey the event's communal spirit. editing commenced immediately after the concert, spanning from 2014 into early 2016, during which the team curated selections from the full setlist to highlight standout interpretations, such as innovative arrangements by contributing artists. Audio enhancements prioritized natural acoustics suited to the theater's ambiance, ensuring the final mixes reflected the tribute's blend of reverence and creativity without over-polishing the live essence.

Release Formats and Promotion

George Fest: A Night to Celebrate the Music of was released on February 26, 2016. The album and were made available in several formats, including a 2-CD/DVD combo, a 2-CD/Blu-ray edition, a triple 180-gram vinyl set, and digital download options; notably, no standalone DVD was offered at launch. It was released under Hot Records Ltd. in association with , with handling exclusive licensing in the on behalf of the George Harrison Estate; international distribution varied by region through local partners. Promotional efforts included an official trailer released on the George Harrison website and in December 2015, highlighting performances by artists such as and to build anticipation. Media announcements featured coverage in , which previewed the event's all-star lineup in September 2014 and reviewed the release in March 2016, emphasizing its ties to Harrison's legacy. The project also connected to Harrison's estate initiatives, with proceeds supporting the Material World Foundation.

Reception and Legacy

Critical Reviews

Critical reviews of George Fest: A Night to Celebrate the Music of , encompassing both the live and , generally praised the tribute's diverse interpretations of Harrison's catalog while noting inconsistencies in pacing and performer fit. The received a Metascore of 70 on , based on eight reviews, with five positive and three mixed assessments reflecting its status as a heartfelt but occasionally uneven homage. American Songwriter awarded the release 4.5 out of 5 stars, highlighting the emotional depth in performances such as Norah Jones's subtle rendition of "Something" and Ann Wilson's powerful take on "Beware of Darkness," which captured Harrison's spiritual essence. The review commended the variety of younger, edgier acts like Black Rebel Motorcycle Club's dark, grinding "Art of Dying," unearthing lesser-known tracks, though it critiqued odd choices like "Weird Al" Yankovic's involvement for occasionally disrupting the tone. Pitchfork rated the album 6.8 out of 10, appreciating the star power of contributors including , whose ardent "" evoked Harrison's devotional style, and Dhani Harrison's lively "" alongside a contemplative "." However, it faulted the pacing, describing ' "" as slack and borderline inebriated, and The Black Ryder's "" as overly static for an elegy, likening the overall vibe to a ramshackle session that prioritized amiability over innovation. Mojo gave it 4 out of 5 stars (80/100), acknowledging the inherent patchiness of multi-artist tributes but affirming that George Fest succeeded through its energetic flow and faithful nods to Harrison's songbook. The ensemble performance of "Handle with Care," featuring , , , and others, drew particular acclaim across reviews for its collaborative warmth and joyful chaos, embodying the Wilburys' spirit with a stage packed to 20 performers.

Commercial Performance and Impact

The live album George Fest: A Night to Celebrate the Music of , released on February 26, 2016, by BMG, achieved modest commercial success, entering charts with a niche appeal targeted at enthusiasts and tribute album collectors. It peaked at number 114 on the chart and number 41 on the Australian ARIA Albums Chart in March 2016. Initial sales were limited, reflecting the specialized nature of the release as a double-disc live recording of a 2014 tribute concert, though exact first-week figures were not widely reported beyond its chart entry. The album's performance underscored the enduring but targeted interest in Harrison's solo catalog, particularly following the 2014 reissue of his early works in box set. In terms of broader impact, George Fest contributed to heightened awareness of Harrison's music by featuring interpretations from contemporary artists such as , , and , helping to sustain streams and sales of his original recordings through cross-generational exposure. No major awards or nominations were associated with the release, but it reinforced the tradition of tribute events honoring Harrison, influencing subsequent celebrations of his legacy and supporting the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund. The project played a key role in cultural preservation, keeping Harrison's compositions relevant in live formats and fostering fan engagement with his post-Beatles oeuvre.

References

  1. https://www.georgeharrison.com/films/george-fest-2/
  2. https://www.georgeharrison.com/releases/george-fest-a-night-to-celebrate-the-music-of-george-harrison/
  3. https://consequence.net/2014/09/live-review-george-fest-at-the-fonda-theatre-in-hollywood-928/
  4. https://www.amazon.com/George-Fest-Night-Celebrate-Harrison/dp/B09HZTHRXM
  5. https://buzzbands.la/2014/09/30/photos-george-fests-star-lineup-celebrates-music-george-harrison-fonda-theatre/
  6. https://www.beatlesbible.com/2014/09/02/george-harrison-apple-years-1968-75-box-set-announced/
  7. https://www.npr.org/2016/02/28/468132551/the-quiet-beatles-long-shadow-dhani-harrison-on-sharing-his-dad-with-the-world
  8. https://liveforlivemusic.com/news/first-ever-george-fest-taps-all-star-lineup-for-george-harrison-tribute/
  9. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/watch-brian-wilson-weird-al-conan-salute-george-harrison-at-george-fest-241431/
  10. https://www.amazon.com/George-Fest-Celebrate-Harrison-Blu-Ray/dp/B01958Y46I
  11. https://www.georgeharrison.com/the-apple-years-68-75-boxset-coming-soon-2/
  12. https://www.georgeharrison.com/george-fest-a-night-to-celebrate-the-music-of-george-harrison/
  13. https://www.amazon.com/George-Fest-Music-Harrison-Various/dp/B01JR76KNM
  14. https://floodmagazine.com/1854/live-dhani-harrison-and-friends-come-together-at-the-fonda-to-celebrate-george-harrison-for-jamesons-george-fest-92814/
  15. https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/posts/la-et-ms-george-harrison-fest-benefit-sweet-relief-20140915-story.html
  16. https://www.georgeharrison.com/pre-order-george-fest-a-night-to-celebrate-the-music-of-george-harrison/
  17. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/all-star-george-harrison-tribute-concert-coming-to-cd-dvd-227106/
  18. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/the-best-fests-george-fes_b_5932370
  19. https://consequence.net/2014/09/george-harrison-be-honored-with-all-star-tribute-concert/
  20. https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/21607-george-fest-a-night-to-celebrate-the-music-of-george-harrison/
  21. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/george-fest-a-night-to-celebrate-the-music-of-george-harrison-185644/
  22. https://www.discogs.com/release/8180519-Various-George-Fest-A-Night-To-Celebrate-The-Music-Of-George-Harrison
  23. https://musicbrainz.org/release/0bd862ac-1286-4ed7-828d-ba5175371740
  24. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5265738/
  25. https://www.discogs.com/master/965740-Various-George-Fest-A-Night-To-Celebrate-The-Music-Of-George-Harrison
  26. https://music.apple.com/us/album/george-fest-a-night-to-celebrate-the-music/1439938487
  27. https://open.spotify.com/album/7odYWy0RM8LrwzVa5Kejd2
  28. https://www.georgeharrison.com/videos/george-fest-official-trailer/
  29. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZionmVDC40
  30. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/george-harrison-to-be-honored-at-star-studded-george-fest-110855/
  31. https://www.metacritic.com/music/george-fest-a-night-to-celebrate-the-music-of-george-harrison-live/various-artists
  32. https://americansongwriter.com/various-artists-george-fest-a-night-to-celebrate-the-music-of-george-harrison-cddvd/
  33. https://www.metacritic.com/music/george-fest-a-night-to-celebrate-the-music-of-george-harrison-live/various-artists/critic-reviews/?critic=mojo
  34. https://www.aria.com.au/charts/news/brit-rockers-the-1975-pick-up-first-aria-1
  35. https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/george-harrison-estate-and-dark-horse-records-bmg/
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