BEATLES MAGAZINE: GEORGE HARRISON RECONNECTED WITH TONY SHERIDAN IN GERMANY

Sunday, 1 February 2026

GEORGE HARRISON RECONNECTED WITH TONY SHERIDAN IN GERMANY

In 1977, George Harrison reconnected with Tony Sheridan in Germany during a promotional event for his latest record, Thirty Three & 1/3. During a press conference held for the album's debut, the two musicians were seen together, capturing a moment that bridged Harrison's solo success with his early rock-and-roll roots.

Sheridan had been a pivotal figure during the Beatles' formative years, specifically during their 1960–1961 residency in Hamburg. Having already established himself in Britain through television appearances on Oh Boy!, Sheridan crossed paths with the group at the Top Ten Club. This collaboration eventually caught the eye of Polydor producer Bert Kaempfert.

The partnership culminated in a marathon recording session on June 22, 1961, where the Beatles served as Sheridan’s backing band for a rock-and-roll rendition of the traditional song "My Bonnie." While George Harrison played lead guitar on the track, the actual solo was an overdub performed by Sheridan himself.

When the single was released in Germany in October 1961, the group was credited as "The Beat Brothers" because the label felt the name "The Beatles" wouldn't resonate with German audiences.

Despite the name change, the record climbed to number five on the German charts and was released in the UK by early 1962. Most significantly, "My Bonnie" served as the catalyst for the band's global success; it was a customer's request for this specific German import that prompted record store owner Brian Epstein to visit the Cavern Club in November 1961 to see the band for himself, effectively changing the course of music history.

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