“The Quiet Beatle” vs. Neil Young: The Bob Dylan Anniversary Concert That Fueled George Harrison’s Beef

As more source material comes out about the Beatles, fans are discovering much more about The Beatle they thought they had figured out: George Harrison. In past years Harrison had always been presented as the “Quiet Beatle.” However, as his legend lives on this persona has been shed as folks learn that the artist pulled no punches when it came to speaking his mind.

This information was made public in a 1992 recording session video where viewers can watch Harrison openly criticize Neil Young’s guitar playing. “I’m not a Neil Young fan, personally” Harrison states, “[Young’s playing] it is good for a laugh.”

Harrison goes on to bag Young’s style in the video. He also notes where this musical disagreement all originated—Bob Dylan’s ’30th Anniversary Concert’ at Madison Square Garden in 1992. The concert took place shortly before the release of Harrison’s 1992 recording session.

Dylan’s 30th Anniversary Concert

The concert included a star-studded lineup: Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, Harrison, and Young. Despite the talent on stage, Harrison believed that Young did the show a grave disservice with his lead playing. In the middle of Young’s solo Harrison looked at Clapton and said “What’s going on?” Clapton’s simple response-“don’t look at me, it’s not me.”

In addition to Young’s performance at the Dylan show, the song Harrison scrutinizes in the recording session is Young’s album Rust Never Sleeps. “It’s mainly his voice…his singing is even worse than me,” Harrison says about the 1979 album. This creative disagreement adds up, as Harrison is considered a guitar savant and Young a poetic lyricist. They do not do the same thing, simple as that.

Young’s Admiration

What is most shocking about his dispute is that Young openly praised Harrison in the Beatles in years past. In a 1975 Rolling Stone Article written by the famous Cameron Crowe, Young articulated his admiration by saying, “I remember singing Beatles Tunes.”

Subsequently, in 1999, Young gave a heartwarming speech about Paul McCartney at his induction into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame. “The Beatles meant a lot to me,” Young humbly said in the induction speech.

It might be refreshing for Harrison fans to hear that the individual subverted what people thought about him and decided to speak up. Nevertheless, Harrison is one of the best musicians of all time. So, who cares about what he likes and doesn’t like? We all have opinions.

(Photo by Steve Morley/Redferns/Getty Images)