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Solo forums => George Harrison => Topic started by: fendertele on September 15, 2007, 10:41:41 AM

Title: why is george labeled the quiet one ?
Post by: fendertele on September 15, 2007, 10:41:41 AM
i dont know why he is labeled the quiet one in every bit of Beatles footage ive ever saw, he is the most genuine and funniest of the four? He has such a quick wit and always seems like he's the boy from liverpool more so than the other 3 with ringo a close second.

Is this label more about him in general or when he is front of the camera ?
Title: Re: why is george labeled the quiet one ?
Post by: harihead on September 15, 2007, 04:10:10 PM
We've discussed this before-- remember where, mods? So there's more speculation on this if you can find it. :)

Anyway, from what I can tell, George started out quite chatty (look for 1963 YouTube clips), but gradually clammed up out of sheer boredom of answering the same questions again and again. By the time they'd reached America, the first buzz had worn off and George only spoke up when he cared to. You can still see him animated on occasion, but between Paul's willingness to answer anything, and John's wisecracks, he often didn't bother to say anything, so the American press invented this label to distinguish him from the others.

He wasn't quiet in person. Who said the quote "None of them are particularly quiet." I think it was Linda who reported coming to a Beatles dinner, and it sounded like there were 100 people in the house when there were, like, 6.  I love Michael Palin's remark about George in the Concert for George extras: "He could talk for England."

Larry Kane has a lovely chapter in his book "Ticket to Ride" where he gives his impression of each Beatle. Here's a quote specifically pertaining to George and his quietness:

Quote from: Larry Kane
George was always the most polite Beatle, but it seemed to me during this 1965 tour that George had suddenly blossomed into a more public figure. On the way to Houston, I sat down and recorded a relaxed George Harrison.

KANE: On your first US visit, George, you were known as the quiet Beatle, the somber, thoughtful and pensive one, and suddenly here in 1965 you've kind of, according to most people's way of thinking, opened up. You're talking a lot at the press conferences, a lot of the questions are directed at you. What's the reason for all of that?
HARRISON: Actually, I did talk about the same amount on the last tour. It's just that, you know, first of all, when we first came over here they didn't know us all that well. People, like, hang tags on you. Ringo was the cuddly one or something. Paul was the lovely one, and I was the quiet one, and John was the shouting one. I've been the same all along. I talk when I feel like it. I shut up when I don't feel like talking.

That last line tells you all you need to know about George Harrison: no pretense, no showboating, a strong sense of self and, for an entertainer in the glare of the spotlight, nary an ounce of superficiality. But he definitely was, on the second go-round of America, less shy and more willing to speak out.
Title: Re: why is george labeled the quiet one ?
Post by: Flaming Pie in the Sky on September 15, 2007, 05:07:43 PM
I always liked this little interview:

On the evening of December 20th 1966, each of the Beatles arrived separately for the group's scheduled recording session. Each was interviewed by ITN-TV just outside of EMI's Abbey Road Studios. The evening's session included John, Paul and George overdubbing the background harmonies for the song 'When I'm Sixty Four.' Ringo also added the large 'bell' percussion to the recording.
(You can read what Paul, John, and Ringo said in contrast to George here: http://www.geocities.com/~beatleboy1/db1966.1220.beatles.html)

Q: "Hi, can I stop you?"
GEORGE: "Well..."
Q: "I just want to ask you-- Do you think that in the New Year you're going to be going your own ways instead of being a group?"
GEORGE: "No. No."
Q: "No?"
GEORGE: (continuing through the doorway) "Definitely not."
Q: "What about another word?"
GEORGE: (from a distance) "There aren't any more words."

Title: Re: why is george labeled the quiet one ?
Post by: fendertele on September 15, 2007, 05:27:51 PM
lol jolly old ringo, one cheery guy
Title: Re: why is george labeled the quiet one ?
Post by: BlueMeanie on September 16, 2007, 01:24:20 PM
The media feel that they have to put labels on everyone. George's slightly more restrained approach at interviews - despite often being the funniest - got him labeled 'The Quiet One.' Purely a media invention, as was Posh, Sporty, Baby, Scary, and Ginger an invention by The BBC's Top Of The Pops magazine, and not by the band.
Title: Re: why is george labeled the quiet one ?
Post by: fendertele on September 17, 2007, 02:56:18 PM
yh i kinda understood the whole spice girls thing as it did kinda fit, it was just as you said he was often the wittiest and most pleasant at interviews , not all but some and i felt it was a bit of a mislabeling.
Title: Re: why is george labeled the quiet one ?
Post by: on September 17, 2007, 05:45:51 PM
What i like about George was that he was a very centerd person ,a screaming Hurricane of fans could rage around him and he just smileld made a joke and got on with the job in hand . Don't think he was quiet just COOL  :)

DaveRam :)
Title: Re: why is george labeled the quiet one ?
Post by: harihead on September 17, 2007, 06:19:43 PM
Quote from: 679
Don't think he was quiet just COOL  :)
Great comment, DaveRam!

Pattie says in her book how George reacted during the drug bust. Here is a quote:

Quote from: Pattie Boyd
I rang George at Apple. "George, it's your worst nightmare. Come home."
"What are you talking about?" he said.
"The police are here. Come home."

He said he would sort something out--he was always very calm. (Notes about the mysterious lump of cash found in George's boot.) Eventually George arrived and found us in the middle of this policeman's tea party. He was still calm but he wasn't happy. The police were obviously excited to meet him. They stood to attention and were almost elbowing each other to get closer to him while Sergeant Pilcher went into his "I am arresting you..." bit.

Not exactly a screaming hurricane of fans, but composed enough for my money! Just love the "It's your worst nightmare" -- "I'll sort something out" contrast.
Title: Re: why is george labeled the quiet one ?
Post by: BlueMeanie on September 17, 2007, 10:17:56 PM
Quote from: 679
What i like about George was that he was a very centerd person ,a screaming Hurricane of fans could rage around him and he just smileld made a joke and got on with the job in hand . Don't think he was quiet just COOL  :)

DaveRam :)

Nice comment Dave. You're not wrong! :)
Title: Re: why is george labeled the quiet one ?
Post by: on September 18, 2007, 10:14:22 AM
Thank You BlueMeanie , i just love watching George on the old Beatles film he's just great one of the good guys and their's not a lot of them around in show biz ?

DaveRam :)
Title: Re: why is george labeled the quiet one ?
Post by: wingsman on September 18, 2007, 03:05:50 PM
I've always liked George. He really was the quiet one. You're right Dave Ram about his attitude in all the Beatles early films. I love the fact that he always seems to be really peaceful and really more serious than the other three.
Title: Re: why is george labeled the quiet one ?
Post by: Andy Smith on September 19, 2007, 01:26:13 AM
I think all of them babbled on a lot in interviews! (even Ringo! :P)
I can see the Quiet One with George in the early days but i think he opened
up a lot later on, he was the one who always came out with a joke or something
out of the blue in Press Conference's! ;D
Title: Re: why is george labeled the quiet one ?
Post by: Kevin on October 08, 2007, 03:43:31 PM
Found this fun little quote on Wiki, which is discussing George's Byrds cover If I Needed Someone:
"If I Needed Someone" was the only Harrison composition played during any of the Beatles' tours; The Quiet Beatle otherwise only sang covers onstage."
The implication seems to be that the lack of Harrison songs played live had more to do with his natural reticence rather than the quality of his songs.
Title: Re: why is george labeled the quiet one ?
Post by: BlueMeanie on October 09, 2007, 12:00:30 PM
Quote from: 185
Found this fun little quote on Wiki, which is discussing George's Byrds cover If I Needed Someone:
"If I Needed Someone" was the only Harrison composition played during any of the Beatles' tours; The Quiet Beatle otherwise only sang covers onstage."
The implication seems to be that the lack of Harrison songs played live had more to do with his natural reticence rather than the quality of his songs.

It does doesn't it. Though in the old Cavern, and Hamburg days George probably sang a quarter of the songs. In fact he sung 4 songs at the Decca audition. Even when they did 25 minute sets he had a song - even if it wasn't his own. I think If I Needed Someone was the first song he'd written that could stand up alongside the Lennon/McCartney songs live.
Title: Re: why is george labeled the quiet one ?
Post by: Kevin on October 09, 2007, 01:07:16 PM
Quote from: 483

 I think If I Needed Someone was the first song he'd written that could stand up alongside the Lennon/McCartney songs live.

But still (from Wiki):"The song was heavily influenced by the music of The Byrds. Reportedly, Harrison sent an acetate of the song to Roger McGuinn
Title: Re: why is george labeled the quiet one ?
Post by: BlueMeanie on October 09, 2007, 01:23:58 PM
Quote from: 185

But still (from Wiki):"The song was heavily influenced by the music of The Byrds. Reportedly, Harrison sent an acetate of the song to Roger McGuinn
Title: Re: why is george labeled the quiet one ?
Post by: Kevin on October 09, 2007, 01:32:36 PM
It gets worse. Seems Here Comes The Sun is really a McQuinn/Clapton/Harrison composition:
"The song had its genesis with a songwriting collaboration between Harrison and close friend Eric Clapton called "Badge," recorded by Clapton's group Cream, and featuring an arpeggiated guitar riff that is similar to the one that forms the bridge of "Here Comes the Sun."
Harrison capoed his guitar on the 7th fret, resulting the final key of A major. He also used the same technique on his 1965 song "If I Needed Someone," which shares a similar melodic pattern."
Title: Re: why is george labeled the quiet one ?
Post by: Bobber on October 09, 2007, 01:48:20 PM
George fans on the rack.
Title: Re: why is george labeled the quiet one ?
Post by: BlueMeanie on October 09, 2007, 01:50:11 PM
Take cover!

Isn't the bridge in 'Badge' the bit that he wrote though?
Title: Re: why is george labeled the quiet one ?
Post by: Kevin on October 09, 2007, 02:02:59 PM
Quote from: 483

Isn't the bridge in 'Badge' the bit that he wrote though?

Details schmetails. Lets not get hung up on technicalities here. At best he ripped himself off.
Title: Re: why is george labeled the quiet one ?
Post by: Bill Harry on January 31, 2008, 06:33:33 PM
In August 1964 I did a series of four colour covers for Mersey Beat, each one of a solo Beatle. I had to give each one a name in the headline above the photo. When I came to John I thought: 'John Lennon: Literary Beatle.' With Paul it was 'Paul McCartney: Songwriter; for Ringo I put: 'Loveable Beatle: Ringo Starr.' Considering what to call George I put 'George Harrison: Quiet Beatle.' It's such a long time ago now that I don't know whether this was the first mention of him as the quiet Beatle. Does anyone know of an earlier time when he was called this in print?
Title: Re: why is george labeled the quiet one ?
Post by: Bobber on January 31, 2008, 07:11:39 PM
But WHY did you call him the Quiet Beatle then, Bill?
Title: Re: why is george labeled the quiet one ?
Post by: fendertele on January 31, 2008, 07:20:51 PM
as i originally posted in all the interviews around the time he was being labeled the quiet one, he always seemed to speak more than he would in the later years.
Title: Re: why is george labeled the quiet one ?
Post by: Bill Harry on January 31, 2008, 08:19:41 PM
Because I kept meeting George on so many occasions and he just seemed reluctant to be involved in the songwriting activities or the interviews. You only had to see his comments re school to know that he had strong opinions, but always seemed reluctant to voice them. I kept meeting him in clubs at night and asked why he wasn't writing songs. I pointed out that the first mention of any original Beatles song was one he'd written called 'Cry For a Shadow', which was mentioned on the front cover of issue No. 2 of Mersey Beat.
I asked him why he wasn't writing again, why all the original numbers were just Lennon & McCartney numbers. I asked him if he'd write a number with Ringo and he later told me he did. But God knows what it was or what happened to it. I saw him coming out of the Cabin club in Wood Street and took him back to the Mersey Beat office around the corner and gave him a Kingsize Taylor album, under the name 'The Shakers', which they'd sent me from Hamburg and I quizzed him again about him writing songs. Then, when I was with them at the ABC, Blackpool, George thanked me. I asked him what for. He said he was going out to the clubs one night and thought he'd bump into me and I'd be hustling him about writing a song again, so he thought of the title 'Don't Bother Me' and decided to write a song with that name. He told me he'd already received over seven thousand pounds in royalties.
As for the name, when I was thinking of what to call George it just struck me that he was the quietest member as he wasn't as vocal as John, Paul or even Ringo. But as far as I'm concernedc, he had a unique and bizarre sense of humour, and if you want to know about it, I'll tell you.
Title: Re: why is george labeled the quiet one ?
Post by: harihead on January 31, 2008, 08:41:57 PM
I love this anecdote describing George's choice of first song-- 'Don't Bother Me'  ;D

Bill, I'd adore hearing about his unique and bizarre sense of humour.

*sits down to listen*
Title: Re: why is george labeled the quiet one ?
Post by: fendertele on January 31, 2008, 11:23:52 PM
meet too :) *sits down to listen also*
Title: Re: why is george labeled the quiet one ?
Post by: An Apple Beatle on January 31, 2008, 11:58:46 PM
Well I'm definetly in Bill. ;)
Title: Re: why is george labeled the quiet one ?
Post by: DaveRam on February 01, 2008, 12:06:19 AM
Count me in Bill :)
Title: Re: why is george labeled the quiet one ?
Post by: Bill Harry on February 01, 2008, 10:04:50 AM

     George did have that dry
Title: Re: why is george labeled the quiet one ?
Post by: harihead on February 01, 2008, 01:46:25 PM
What's a baggy sweeger!?!?  ;D  ;D ;D

Thank you, Bill, this was adorable. I will never think of lungs the same way again. *slides down the couch along with the dog with no legs... I think I know that dog...*
Title: Re: why is george labeled the quiet one ?
Post by: HeatherBoo on March 16, 2008, 11:31:53 PM
Love all the comments and different points of view!  
I always thought, as stated before, that George probably just didn't talk quite as much as the others, but didn't have to.  He had that attitude (not a bad thing) and look that just screams "cool". And when he did talk and didn't say a whole lot, what little he did say was enough in itself.

Im new to the board btw, and happy to be here!
Title: Re: why is george labeled the quiet one ?
Post by: harihead on March 17, 2008, 02:04:52 AM
Hello, HeatherBoo! Welcome to the Forums. :)
Title: Re: why is george labeled the quiet one ?
Post by: fan numero uno on May 08, 2008, 12:18:53 AM
my dad says its not that George is really quiet and serious, its just that he has a darker sense of humor. " like me" he said. i'm not sure if i totally agree, because George was funny and witty, but i havent really seen that dark side he was talking about yet. if anyone understands what he meant by that, could you elaborate?
Title: Re: why is george labeled the quiet one ?
Post by: alexis on May 08, 2008, 04:05:29 AM
Quote from: 185
It gets worse. Seems Here Comes The Sun is really a McQuinn/Clapton/Harrison composition:
"The song had its genesis with a songwriting collaboration between Harrison and close friend Eric Clapton called "Badge," recorded by Clapton's group Cream, and featuring an arpeggiated guitar riff that is similar to the one that forms the bridge of "Here Comes the Sun."
Harrison capoed his guitar on the 7th fret, resulting the final key of A major. He also used the same technique on his 1965 song "If I Needed Someone," which shares a similar melodic pattern."

Are you mixing things up here?

Specifically, because George played that arpeggiated riff on both songs are you saying that therefore he didn't write it? I always thought it was George, and he just used it in two different songs. Is there something to the contrary that you are referring to?

Moving beyond that, excepting the riff (George's, right?), I don't recall much if any similarity between the two songs, do you? If not, why would "Here Comes the Sun" be a McGuinn/Clapton/Harrison composition?

I'm not completely gaga about George, but I think this is going a bit too far. But, if I'm wrong about this, please correct me!

Thanks!
Title: Re: why is george labeled the quiet one ?
Post by: harihead on May 09, 2008, 02:30:05 AM
Thanks, Alexis. Nice point.

Paul and John also on occasion used similar riffs/elements/chord progressions etc. from song to song. I think most songwriters do. But you can't plagiarize yourself!

Eric Clapton writes in his autobiography about watching George write HCTS in his garden, how cool it was watching him tweak and fashion it. He doesn't mention any contributions that he made, just his enjoyment at watching George work.
Title: Re: why is george labeled the quiet one ?
Post by: Oh Pineapple on July 18, 2008, 08:30:49 PM
TWO NAMES: John & Paul
There wasn't much hope for George or Ringo under John & Paul.
Lets face it, John & Paul got most of the attention half the time.
The only way for Georgie to prove himself, was through his music.
Which was limited to two or three, if not that, songs on each LP or album.
Same thing with Ringo.
But I do believe he got less than George, because he was the drummer.
Title: Re: why is george labeled the quiet one ?
Post by: PaulieBear on July 18, 2008, 08:33:16 PM
I think maybe because George seems to be more of a sit back and listen more than a talker like Paul. Maybe George just feels he doesn't have to justify himself to others.
Title: Re: why is george labeled the quiet one ?
Post by: Oh Pineapple on July 18, 2008, 08:38:48 PM
Yes that to of course, but it also deals a lot with the public's eye always on John & Paul.
If you watch most of their earlier interviews, maybe even later ones, most of the questions are directed to John & Paul.
I mean, when you think about it, it makes sense.
John always had something to say. (Good or bad hah)
And Paul was basically the hottie in the group, everybody wanted to hear him talk.
Title: Re: why is george labeled the quiet one ?
Post by: PaulieBear on July 18, 2008, 08:54:52 PM
when I think about it it's always been like that.

I mean on American Idol they call it the "Lennon/ McCartney" songbook. they DID write the majority of the songs but why not call it the Beatles songbook?
Title: Re: why is george labeled the quiet one ?
Post by: Oh Pineapple on July 18, 2008, 09:09:02 PM
Exactly, my point.
Title: Re: why is george labeled the quiet one ?
Post by: PaulieBear on July 18, 2008, 09:31:11 PM
Poor Ringo and George always left out  :-/
Title: Re: why is george labeled the quiet one ?
Post by: Jane on July 18, 2008, 09:37:00 PM
I ve read that people who knew George said that he was a very talkative person, in fact he would chat for hours on end. I think he was called the quiet Beatle cause he disliked arguing, never raised his voice and was always calm.
Title: Re: why is george labeled the quiet one ?
Post by: PaulieBear on July 18, 2008, 09:44:11 PM
probably
Title: Re: why is george labeled the quiet one ?
Post by: HeatherBoo on July 19, 2008, 12:22:29 AM
He's probably the type where your shy until you get to know someone then you open up.  Like me.  People first meet me they think I am sweet and innocent  ;D  Then they get to know me...some people don't get my sense of humor  :P
Title: Re: why is george labeled the quiet one ?
Post by: Jane on July 19, 2008, 09:26:43 PM
No, no! Very often George spoke first. Remember George was the first to speak to George Martin when they came to his studio, he critisized his tie! George wasn`t shy, by no means, he was just peaceloving, peaceable, quiet.
 Your sense of humour is great, HeatherBoo!!!
Title: Re: why is george labeled the quiet one ?
Post by: HeatherBoo on July 19, 2008, 10:41:37 PM
Thanks  8)
Title: Re: why is george labeled the quiet one ?
Post by: Jane on August 14, 2008, 08:00:57 PM
" But in his private life, he was a man of wit and humor who made his friends laugh." - Yoko Ono.
He wasn`t a reserved. tongue-tied man.
Title: Re: why is george labeled the quiet one ?
Post by: Okay on August 16, 2008, 04:22:10 AM
Coming from Yoko, that's a compliment
Title: Re: why is george labeled the quiet one ?
Post by: iamheandwearealltogether on August 27, 2008, 03:24:30 PM
i always liked george. i dont think he really was the quiet one, he was just more peaceful and serious. and i know what being quiet is! :(
Title: Re: why is george labeled the quiet one ?
Post by: Bill Harry on November 13, 2010, 11:41:46 AM

When I was putting together separate Mersey Beat covers of each member of the Beatles in August 1964 I had to give them a title to use above the image. For Ringo I put 'Loveable Beatle.' For John I put 'The Literary Beatle', For Paul I put 'Songwriter' and I tagged George 'the Quiet Beatle.'
I've no idea whether this was the very first time that name was used in relation to George, it was just something I personally put down to describe each member.
Can anyone tell me if there is an instance of George being referred to as the Quiet Beatles prior to this date?
Title: Re: why is george labeled the quiet one ?
Post by: Bobber on November 15, 2010, 09:08:25 AM

Can anyone tell me if there is an instance of George being referred to as the Quiet Beatles prior to this date?

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought that it was done in the USA when they were there in February 1964.
Title: Re: why is george labeled the quiet one ?
Post by: larainefan on November 17, 2010, 05:04:35 PM
Bill, I'd love to read the rest of what you wrote on page 2, from Feb 2008, but it's cut off after the first few words, I guess since it's an older post.  Do you mind reposting that bit?  Thanks!
Title: Re: why is george labeled the quiet one ?
Post by: Bobber on January 25, 2011, 01:57:23 PM
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought that it was done in the USA when they were there in February 1964.

I was right I guess. Found this:

HE was dubbed the “quiet Beatle” throughout his career with the band but George Harrison’s older sister has now shattered the myth.

Louise Harrison says the “quiet” nickname only came about due to a severe throat infection from which her late brother was suffering when the Beatles made their US debut in February 1964 on the Ed Sullivan Show.

With interest in the group reaching fever pitch Stateside, she says their manager Brian Epstein was adamant that the US press should not be told there was anything wrong with George so he simply remained silent during public appearances.

“Him being quiet is a myth,” insists Louise, 79. “When he came to do the Ed Sullivan Show he had just come in from Paris and had a 104-degree temperature and a terribly bad throat. Brian Epstein said ‘you can’t let the press know there’s anything wrong’.”

And George, who died at the age of 58 in 2001, lived with the “quiet” tag for the rest of his life.