George Harrison's Estate Unveils Never-Before-Heard, Newly Mixed "Be Here Now" and Video

George Harrison’s Estate Unveils Never-Before-Heard, Newly Mixed “Be Here Now” and Video

October 24, 2024

George Harrison’s estate has culled the latest preview from the esteemed guitarist’s 50th-anniversary reissues of Living in the Material World, unveiling a never-before-heard “Take 8” of “Be Here Now.” The aforementioned revisited track was originally recorded on October 12, 1972, and has since been mixed by triple Grammy Award-winning sound engineer Paul Hicks. To build upon the experience, a new animated video directed by Mathew Newton and Leah Marie Newton has been paired with today’s delivery as a visual centerpiece, featuring art from Ram Dass’ book by the same name.

Debuting in May 1973, Harrison’s Living in the Material World was his highly praised second solo LP of original music. It arrived after the 1970 Beatles’ cessation and subsequent unveiling of his critically acclaimed All Things Must Pass, which preluded the artist’s 1971 spearheaded charity concert, turned triple live LP Concert for Bangladesh. During this highly prolific period for Harrison, Living in the Material World received gold certification within two days of its release by the Recording Industry Association of America, further solidifying a high standard that would remain a fixture of Harrison’s output.

Relying on a core group of musicians to assist with the original set, Harrison tapped Nicky Hopkins, Gary Wright, Klaus Voorman and Jim Kentner, as well as added contributors, Ringo Starr, Hohn Barham, and tabla master, known for his later work for the Grateful Dead’s Mickey Hart, in Planet Drum, Zakir Hussain. Drawing on tracks that initially permeated the airwaves for the first time nearly 50 years ago, the newly reworked collection offers further renderings of collaborative studio moments, such as “Sunshine Life For Me (Sail Away Raymond),” featuring The Bands’ Robbie Robertson, Levon Helm, Garth Hudson and Rick Danko, as well as a reappearance from Ringo.

According to the press release, Harrison’s archival team has assembled and will release a chronological capture of the LP, giving fans and listeners insights that will provide further resonance when making sense of production and studio time. As a complete package, the 50th-anniversary reissue of Living in the Material World will be offered in various formats, including 2LP and 2CD Deluxe Editions, which pair new mixes of the original album with session outtakes.

“Finally, we are overjoyed to present to you the 50th anniversary package of George Harrison’s ‘Living in the Material World’. For those of you who are just discovering this album; This record was released in service and with deep love for all our Brothers and Sisters around the world who populate this dualistic system we live in called Earth. Peace be upon all sentient beings,” offered Harrison’s son, Dhani.

Olivia Harrison, wife of the late musician shared her own sentiment on the impending release, providing the statement via press release:

“I hope you revisit Living in the Material World or discover it for the first time, and as you listen, share George’s wish for himself and mankind…..

Give me Love

Give me Peace on Earth.”

Follow this link for complete information on packaging offerings for the set, which is due out on November 15, 2024.