George Harrison dies of cancer

Published December 1, 2001

LONDON, Nov 30: “Quiet Beatle” George Harrison, a contemplative musician who brought a spiritual touch to the world’s most famous pop group, has died of cancer at the age of 58.

For millions of grieving fans it was the end of an era. Tragedy had hit the Fab Four again: and now there were only two.

“He was a lovely guy and a very brave man and had a wonderful sense of humour. He is really just my baby brother,” said fellow Beatle Paul McCartney outside his London home.

The soft-spoken guitarist Harrison died in Los Angeles, finally overpowered by the disease that consumed his final years. His wife Olivia and son Dhani were at his side when he died on Thursday.

“He died with one thought in mind — love one another,” said long-time family friend Gavin de Becker on Friday.

McCartney, whose wife Linda died of cancer, paid tribute to Harrison’s bravery as death approached. The only other surviving Beatle, Ringo Starr, mourned a “best friend”.

“We will miss George for his sense of love, his sense of music and his sense of laughter,” the Beatles’ drummer said.

Outside the Abbey Road studio where the Beatles recorded most of their very many hits, tearful fans paid tribute to a lost icon and a lost age. They scribbled messages on the wall and laid flowers in tribute, blind to the rain around them.

“He’ll be on my mind today. I’m going home. I’ll light a candle, say a little prayer,” said American Jade Funk.

“Goodbye George, God Bless,” said fellow fan Geraldine Scott.

FLAGS LOWERED: Liverpool, the northern English birthplace of the Beatles, put official flags at half mast. A book of condolence was opened for the guitarist who wrote “All Things Must Pass”.

“There is a hollow feeling over the whole city that will take a long time to go away. It feels like part of the city is missing,” said Stephen Bailey, who runs the Beatles memorabilia shop in Liverpool.—Reuters

Opinion

Editorial

Aid dependency
Updated 03 Mar, 2025

Aid dependency

Govts need to increase funding in critical areas such as healthcare that have been affected by USAID shake-up.
Failing women
03 Mar, 2025

Failing women

OUR justice system has truly failed to protect women, a recent SSDO report has revealed. With conviction rates...
Cold world
03 Mar, 2025

Cold world

WESTERN countries do not have a heart for poor, non-white migrants. A recent BBC News report comprising leaked ...
The vanquished
Updated 02 Mar, 2025

The vanquished

A system of justice that is publicly perceived to be skewed cannot deliver judgements that the public will accept unquestioningly as objective and just.
Cricket overhaul
02 Mar, 2025

Cricket overhaul

PAKISTAN’S team management has pleaded for time and patience. Cricket head coach Aaqib Javed took responsibility...
Local representation?
02 Mar, 2025

Local representation?

THE disdain that major political parties harbour towards local governments is no secret. No party in power wants to...