Here's the text for the Concert for George film release (and later DVD). Thanks to Amber H.:
New Documentary Film Celebrates the Music of George Harrison Through Performances by Legendary Musicians
BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 9, 2003 -- Concert For George in U.S. Theatres Oct. 3
for Limited Theatrical Release; Musical Director Eric Clapton Performs with Harrison's Closest Friends
Rock music's most celebrated musicians gathered at Royal Albert Hall in London on Nov. 29, 2001, to pay tribute to one of their own, the legendary George Harrison, on the one year anniversary of his death. On that magical night, Harrison's closest friends gathered to perform a collection of his music for a
live audience. Concert For George is far more than a concert film; it is a soulful cinematic tribute to a musician whose vision transcended the ordinary and whose talents contributed to a revolution in the music industry.
Under the musical direction of Harrison's longtime friend Eric Clapton, the film captures an emotional gathering of musicians such as Jeff Lynne, Paul McCartney, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Billy Preston and Ringo Starr. Truly a rare moment in music history, this documentary showcases these legends of
music not likely to perform together on the same stage again. Concert For George is masterfully directed by famed British director David Leland, whose credits include Wish You Were Here (BAFTA winner), HBO's Band of Brothers television series and The Traveling Wilburys video Handle With Care. The film transports
viewers to Royal Albert Hall, beautifully shot, digitally remastered and recorded in 5.1 surround sound.
The film will open theatrically on Oct. 3 in New York, Los Angeles and select regional markets.
"The Concert For George was all I hoped it would be. The glue that held it
together was our love for George. I don't think I've ever heard a band play with
so much emotion and respect," said Olivia Harrison.
"All I wanted to do was really share our love for George and his music," said
Eric Clapton of his vision for the Concert For George.
"George kept up a relationship with everybody on that stage like old friends,
old pals on stage, hanging out in rehearsals and backstage with everybody. It
was a great way of getting closure, because we all had our stories and our
memories and our laughter and our sad points of view, and it was just so great
to be around all these people for me, that you could laugh and cry about, you
know different moments in our life that George had touched," said Ringo Starr.
All proceeds from the concert, the film and the DVD will go to The Material
World Charitable Foundation, founded by Harrison in 1973.
About The Production
A @radical.media Production, produced by Ray Cooper, Harrison's longtime film
producing partner, Olivia Harrison and Jon Kamen, the documentary is meant as
a celebration and tribute to George Harrison's extraordinary musical career.
Under the direction of Leland and Director of Photography Chris Menges, the
film captures the beauty of Royal Albert Hall from more than a dozen camera
locations. The film was shot in High Definition and digitally mastered with sound
recorded in 5.1 surround. The entire producing team was aware that the
concert had an intimate feel that night -- a feeling that required non-intrusive
camera points and discreet filming. The result is a unique experience that truly
makes viewers feel as if they've taken a seat in Royal Albert Hall and have an
emotional connection to the music and the performers. The legendary Eric
Clapton, who created a palette of music spanning Harrison's entire career, oversaw
the complete musical effort as Musical Director. Harrison's longtime music
producing partner, Jeff Lynne (also of The Traveling Wilburys), performed as
well as collaborated on audio elements of the concert. A few special interviews
and backstage moments are woven into the film, giving viewers a sense of the
extraordinary bond Harrison shared with his friends and family, and how deeply
they felt for him.
About The Performance
Each musician in the Western lineup had a personal friendship with George,
and many from the Indian orchestra were chosen because of their history with
George. The group spent three emotional weeks rehearsing George's songs and
collectively grieving the loss of their dear friend.
Eric Clapton led the performers through music from George Harrison's spanning
much of George's career. Clapton led the band with Jeff Lynne singing "I Want
To Tell You," "Inner Light" and "Give Me Love." Tom Petty performed "Taxman"
and "I Need You" along with the Wilburys' number, "Handle With Care." Ringo
Starr brought the crowd to an emotional peak with "Photograph," a song he
co-wrote with Harrison. Paul McCartney played a bit of ukulele, one of Harrison's
favorite instruments, and joined the band for "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" and
"For You Blue." The audience was treated to the Monty Python team performing
some of Harrison's favorite skits, including participation from surprise guest
Tom Hanks. The show also pointed to Harrison's spiritual side with Anoushka
Shankar and a 16-piece orchestra of Indian musicians performing a special
composition by her father and Harrison's mentor, Ravi Shankar. The piece was
entitled Arpan, meaning offering.
Joe Brown closed the evening with the old standard, "I'll See You In My
Dreams," a loving and appropriate sentiment.
About The Material World Foundation
The Material World Charitable Foundation was established by George Harrison
in 1973 to sponsor diverse forms of artistic expression and to encourage the
exploration of alternative life views and philosophies. The Foundation also
supports established charitable organizations with consideration to those with
special needs. Funds for the activities of the Foundation have and will continue
to come from copyrights donated by George Harrison.
Concert For George will be distributed internationally by ArenaPlex LLC. The
DVD of Concert For George will release in November 2003 worldwide. For more
information, please also visit www.concertforgeorge.com
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