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The Rolling Stones and George Harrison
Once a Beatle and the first celebrity musician to see the Stones play at the Crawdaddy Club, Richmond, in March 1963. His visit eventually motivated the Richmond and Twickenham Times newspaper to report on the Stones and to get Andrew Oldham to see them. The rest is history.
As history has it, George Harrison’s friendship with Brian Jones dates back to the early days of The Rolling Stones’ rise to fame. As a member of The Beatles, Harrison was the first famous musician to catch the Stones live, attending their performance at the Crawdaddy Club in Richmond in March 1963. This wasn’t just a casual visit—it was a pivotal moment in rock history. Harrison’s presence at that gig caught the attention of local press, and it was his visit that led the Richmond and Twickenham Times to cover the band. This media attention sparked a chain of events that eventually led to Andrew Loog Oldham, the Stones’ manager, taking notice of the band.
What makes Harrison’s involvement even more significant is his unique approach to music. He was the first of the Beatles to incorporate the sitar into his music, influencing a generation of rock musicians, including Brian Jones. George’s use of the sitar in songs like Norwegian Wood was revolutionary, and it didn’t take long for Jones to develop a deep admiration for George’s innovative sound. They bonded over their mutual love for Eastern music, which had a lasting impact on both of their careers.
Their friendship wasn’t just about music; it was rooted in a shared understanding of the challenges and joys of being a musician in the spotlight. Though the relationship between Harrison and Jones wasn’t always publicized, it was a significant part of both men’s musical journeys. The early support of the George Harrison for the Stones and his introduction to them through the Crawdaddy Club played a crucial role in shaping their future.
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Stones Data on Substack
