The Concert for George was a heartfelt tribute that brought together some of the biggest names in music to honor the late George Harrison. Held on the first anniversary of his passing, the event showcased an unforgettable lineup of legendary artists. One of the most moving performances of the night was “My Sweet Lord,” featuring Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Eric Clapton, and Billy Preston, among others.
Billy Preston, often dubbed the “fifth Beatle,” took center stage with a powerful vocal performance and his signature Hammond organ playing. As a longtime friend and collaborator of Harrison, Preston’s soulful interpretation of “My Sweet Lord” deeply resonated with the audience. The performance struck such a chord that it has become the most-watched video on Harrison’s official YouTube channel, racking up an impressive 137 million views.
Clapton, a key figure in the event, played a stunning 12-string guitar, while McCartney contributed on piano and Starr kept the rhythm steady on drums. Adding a personal touch to the tribute, George’s son, Dhani Harrison, joined in on guitar and harmonized in the background, drawing attention for his striking resemblance to his father. Other notable musicians, including Jeff Lynne and Marc Mann, added layers of rich instrumentation with acoustic and slide guitars.
The impact of the concert extended beyond a single song. Clapton’s rendition of “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” became another fan favorite, ranking as the second most-watched video on Harrison’s channel. His expressive guitar work, combined with McCartney’s piano and vocals, created a nostalgic and deeply emotional performance. Clapton’s iconic lead guitar licks, reminiscent of the original studio version, added a special touch that delighted fans.
Viewers were particularly touched by Preston’s performance, leaving heartfelt comments such as, “Billy Preston was born to sing this song. He absolutely nailed this vocal,” and “Billy put his whole heart and soul into this tribute to his dear friend. Rest in peace to both legends.”
The Concert for George took place on November 29, 2002, at London’s Royal Albert Hall. Organized by Harrison’s widow, Olivia, and their son Dhani, with Clapton serving as the musical director, the event raised funds for the Material World Charitable Foundation, a charity Harrison had founded to support humanitarian causes.
