Recently, unearthed and just released is a historic interview with
George and legendary radio personality, Levi
“Who Loves You” Booker. The first released part of this interview covers
George’s and John’s troubles with the law and drugs,
and how George believes he and John were set up by corrupt cops. This is
the first time, the public has heard George’s side of the story, and
how it almost derailed him from ever returning back to the United
States.
 | |
| Chicago Stadium images, before and after the Indian set/ George’s stage clothes change. |
This interview was recorded during George’s first ever solo tour in
the United States in 1974. George was the first ex-Beatle to ever tour
the United States with his 45-date Dark Horse Tour, supporting his new
album at the time “Dark Horse.”
The first part of this exclusive interview has just been released,
and expect more excerpts from this wide-ranging interview to be released
over the coming days and weeks. Before its digital release, the only
other known location for this interview is deep in the archives of the
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
The biggest star who visited was George Harrison. He was on tour and visiting Houston with jazzman Tom Scott. At the same time he visited Houston, Elton John released "Lucy in The Skies With Diamonds." Many rock stars listened to KLOL during their off time while in town, and that was exactly what George Harrison was doing after his concert.
He called. He asked in his unmistakeable Cockney accented voice, "Who sang that song?" after Levi played it on the air. Apparently he had never heard this version of the Sgt. Pepper classic. He said "I had a little bit of something to do with that song coming into being." Levi thought it was a put on by some KLOL listener. Levi didn't believe he was really talking to George Harrison.
Levi said, "I know the real George Harrison is in town, and he isn't you. If you're the real George Harrison, come down to our studios. I won't believe it otherwise." He discussed the idea with Tom Scott and they decided that it would be a good promotional opportunity. George said that he would be there soon.
Soon, there was a knock at the door, and it was George Harrison and Tom Scott. George and Tom stayed several hours talking to Levi on the air. One part of that conversation was about money and happiness. George had plenty of the former, and was working hard on the latter.
Levi told him that he believed that money would give him personal happiness, if he could ever get a lot of it. George disagreed. Levi said, "Tell you what George, Give me $100,000.00, which was a ton of money at the time, and I'll show you the happiness it will give me."
I believe that George was actually considering doing exactly that. He took his time in responding as if he were considering conducting some kind of experiment in human behavior.
But, unfortunately for Levi, George said, "You wouldn't want the problems that would come with that money." "I can't do that to you." Levi said, "Try me George, do it to me George, do it to me." But, Levi received nothing, except a good time on the air with George Harrison... a great memorable experience.
He called. He asked in his unmistakeable Cockney accented voice, "Who sang that song?" after Levi played it on the air. Apparently he had never heard this version of the Sgt. Pepper classic. He said "I had a little bit of something to do with that song coming into being." Levi thought it was a put on by some KLOL listener. Levi didn't believe he was really talking to George Harrison.
Levi said, "I know the real George Harrison is in town, and he isn't you. If you're the real George Harrison, come down to our studios. I won't believe it otherwise." He discussed the idea with Tom Scott and they decided that it would be a good promotional opportunity. George said that he would be there soon.
Soon, there was a knock at the door, and it was George Harrison and Tom Scott. George and Tom stayed several hours talking to Levi on the air. One part of that conversation was about money and happiness. George had plenty of the former, and was working hard on the latter.
Levi told him that he believed that money would give him personal happiness, if he could ever get a lot of it. George disagreed. Levi said, "Tell you what George, Give me $100,000.00, which was a ton of money at the time, and I'll show you the happiness it will give me."
I believe that George was actually considering doing exactly that. He took his time in responding as if he were considering conducting some kind of experiment in human behavior.
But, unfortunately for Levi, George said, "You wouldn't want the problems that would come with that money." "I can't do that to you." Levi said, "Try me George, do it to me George, do it to me." But, Levi received nothing, except a good time on the air with George Harrison... a great memorable experience.
No comments:
Post a Comment