GEORGE HARRISON's SURPRISE LIVE RETURN

In December 1969, George Harrison made an unexpected and brief return to the live stage by touring the UK with the American soul/rock ensemble Delaney & Bonnie & Friends. This stint represented his first series of public performances since 1966.

George Harrison was inspired to join the tour after attending one of their concerts in London.

He began performing with them in Bristol and participated in five total performances across various English cities, including Liverpool, Birmingham, Sheffield, and Croydon. Due to the schedule, two shows were played each night.

During the Liverpool performance, Harrison was convinced to sing the Carl Perkins classic, “Everybody’s Trying To Be My Baby.” Before starting the song, he simply commented on the sentimental nature of being back on stage in his hometown, stating, “This brings back so many memories.”

Delaney Bramlett (playing George Harrison’s rosewood Fender Telecaster), Bonnie Bramlett, George Harrison (playing ‘Rocky’), Eric Clapton and Jim Gordon performing live onstage (Photo by Redferns)

Significantly, this period also introduced Harrison to the slide guitar technique, which would become a signature element of his future work.

After the short UK run in early December 1969, Harrison continued his association with the musical couple Delaney and Bonnie Bramlett as the tour moved to Copenhagen, Denmark.

He appeared as a member of their backing band for three consecutive nights at the Falkoner Theatre in the Danish capital. These Copenhagen dates were the final ones where Harrison officially performed as part of the Delaney & Bonnie touring group.