Every time members of The Beatles find their way back to the same stage, it becomes a moment that music lovers never forget. But few reunions shine as brightly as the time George Harrison and Ringo Starr joined forces for a fiery rendition of “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” during the Prince’s Trust Rock Gala in 1987. The performance wasn’t just a nostalgic Beatles moment—it was a gathering of rock’s finest. Alongside Harrison and Starr stood icons like Eric Clapton, Phil Collins, Elton John, Jools Holland, Mark King, and Jeff Lynne, making it a true all-star spectacle.
The original studio version of “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” is legendary for its distinctive guitar solo by Eric Clapton—a rare collaboration that brought a bluesy fire to The Beatles’ sound. During the 1987 live jam, Harrison and Clapton reignited that same magic, trading licks around the 3:40 mark in an electrifying guitar duel that stands as one of rock’s greatest onstage moments. Their chemistry was undeniable—two masters locked in pure musical conversation, pushing each other to the limit.
Vocally, Harrison delivered one of his most impassioned performances. Known more for his delicate musicianship than his vocal power during his Beatles years, he sounded soulful and commanding here—proof of how far he’d come as a singer and performer. His voice, full of grit and emotion, gave the song new life and depth.
Fans around the world were captivated. The performance has since garnered over 26 million views on YouTube, making it the most-watched video on the Prince’s Trust Music channel. Harrison would later bring that same spirit to another gem from his solo career, “Give Me Love (Give Me Peace on Earth),” a heartfelt anthem of hope from his 1973 album Living in the Material World. The live version radiates warmth, capturing Harrison’s signature blend of spiritual depth and musical grace.
Originally released on The Beatles’ White Album in 1968, “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” remains one of Harrison’s crowning achievements as a songwriter. Inspired by a spontaneous exercise drawn from the ancient Chinese text I Ching (The Book of Changes), Harrison explained in The Beatles Anthology, “I decided to write a song based on the first thing I saw upon opening any book – as it would be relative to that moment. I picked up a book, opened it, saw the words ‘gently weeps,’ and began to write.”
And from that single moment of chance, one of rock’s most enduring masterpieces was born—a song that continues to weep, resonate, and inspire generations.
