Inside The Final Year Of George Harrison’s Life
By LORENZO TANOS
History - Music
Billboard Interview
At the end of 2000, George Harrison shared in a Billboard interview that he was in good spirits after suffering injuries when a home invader stabbed him.
He also talked about the 30th-anniversary reissue of his 1970 album, "All Things Must Pass." He said he wanted to remaster other albums and even teased his next solo album.
All Things Reissue
Harrison re-released "All Things Must Pass" on January 23, 2001, giving listeners a remixed version of songs from the original triple album and five bonus songs.
Bonus songs included "Beware of Darkness," an acoustic dig at controversial former Beatles manager Allen Klein, and ballad "I Live for You," which didn’t make the original album.
Session Work
Harrison helped classic rock icons on their records, such as the April 2001 release "Double Bill" from former Rolling Stones bassist Bill Wyman and the Rhythm Kings.
"Double Bill" also featured other reputable musicians such as former Procol Harum keyboardist Gary Brooker, veteran session guitarist Albert Lee, and '60s hitmaker Georgie Fame.
Lung Cancer
In the spring of 2001, Harrison underwent surgery at the Mayo Clinic for a cancerous lump in one of his lungs, and the operation was successful.
Harrison's lawyer issued a statement in May 2001 confirming the former Beatles guitarist was in great shape. He told The Independent, "George has made an excellent recovery."
Brain Tumor
Per the Chicago Tribune, Harrison was at the Oncology Institute of Southwest Switzerland in May and June 2001, where he underwent radiation treatment for a brain tumor.
To reassure fans that he was still in good shape, Harrison made a statement to ABC News: "I am feeling fine, and I am really sorry for the unnecessary worry."