Categories: Stories

This Colossal Concert With George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton Today In 1971

John Lennon agreed to take part in the concert, however, Harrison stipulated that Lennon’s wife Yoko could not perform with him. Lennon agreed, but left New York two days before the event following an argument with Ono regarding his and Harrison’s agreement, so that was the end of that.

Paul McCartney declined because of bad feelings caused by The Beatles’ legal problems on their breakup. McCartney told Rolling Stone years later, “George came up and asked if I wanted to play Bangladesh and I thought, blimey, what’s the point? We’re just broken up and we’re joining up again? It just seemed a bit crazy”. Ringo Starr did, however, appear.

At the press launch for the event, the former Beatle was asked by a reporter, “Why Bangladesh?” Harrison replied, “Because I was asked by a friend if I would help, you know, that’s all”. His friend was Indian musician Ravi Shankar (who surprised us all a few years back when we discovered he was the father of the very talented Norah Jones).

UNITED STATES – JULY 27: George Harrison and Ravi Shankar speak to reporters about benefit show for East Pakistan refugee children. (Photo by Leonard Detrick/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images)

This was a reclusive time for Dylan – and the first proper live show since his Isle of Wight appearance in ’69. Dylan didn’t disappoint, performing “Blowin’ In The Wind”, “Mr. Tambourine Man”, and “Just Like A Woman” backed by Harrison and his all-star band.

George Harrison

Harrison had to shell out his own money to maintain the fund after legal problems froze all proceeds. The triple album release (the second in a row by Harrison) hit #1 in the UK and #2 in the U.S. and received the Grammy award for Album of the Year.

How much money did the concert raise in the end? Click “Next” to find out.