10 Songs That Prove George Harrison’s Solo Years Were Better Than You Think
3. When We Was Fab
Not publically prone to sentiment or nostalgia, George Harrison was the most reluctant participant in The Beatle’s 90’s reunion-of-sorts for the Anthology series.
It’s not surprising. He often seemed ambivalent to the fame the group had brought him. Also he found himself condescended to and stifled by Lennon and McCartney and was afforded more respect by musicians like Eric Clapton or Bob Dylan.
Surprising then, that his 1987 comeback album Cloud Nine featured When We Was Fab. A nostalgic song that evokes The Beatles musically and lyrically.
Perhaps it was the influence of collaborator and known Beatlephile Jeff Lynne who co-wrote and co-produced the track.
The use of sitar, cello and backwards effects recall The Beatles’ psychedelic period. Ringo Starr also features on drums for some added Beatle authenticity. The result is one of George’s most beloved solo offerings.
The Beatles references spill over into the single’s music video, co-starring Ringo and featuring a left handed bassist in a walrus suit as a nod to Paul McCartney. The Beatles’ road manager Neil Aspinall wanders into shot holding a John Lennon album to complete the line-up.