Honoring a Timeless Tribute with Something by Paul McCartney & Eric Clapton (2002)
Few songs carry the emotional weight and timeless beauty of George Harrison’s Something, and the 2002 live performance by Paul McCartney and Eric Clapton at the Concert for George breathes new life into this Beatles classic. Captured at London’s Royal Albert Hall on November 29, 2002, a year after Harrison’s passing, this rendition radiates reverence, friendship, and quiet reflection, offering a heartfelt embrace for those who cherish music with soul—especially an older audience with a refined ear for melody and meaning. Released on the Concert for George album, the performance is a poignant homage, blending McCartney’s tender warmth with Clapton’s soulful precision, creating a moment that feels like a shared memory under a starlit sky.
Something is a lush ballad, its gentle rhythm and intricate layers showcasing the genius of Harrison’s 1969 composition from Abbey Road. McCartney opens with a delicate ukulele, his soft, emotive voice carrying a nostalgic intimacy as he recalls playing it for George, as noted in Guitar World. At the 1:50 mark, the song shifts to its iconic Beatles arrangement, with Clapton’s fluid guitar—echoing Harrison’s original solo—adding a heartfelt depth. The lyrics—“Something in the way she moves, attracts me like no other lover”—evoke a universal longing, delivered with a sincere grace that honors Harrison’s legacy. Backed by a stellar band, including Ringo Starr and Jeff Lynne, the performance blends rock reverence with orchestral elegance, creating a timeless tribute. For listeners who value authenticity, this balance of raw emotion and polished craft is a treasure, a testament to music’s power to bridge past and present.
The performance’s profound resonance lies in its context. Organized by Harrison’s widow, Olivia, and son, Dhani, with Clapton as musical director, the concert celebrated George’s life, as detailed in Rolling Stone. McCartney, at 60, brought a brother’s love, his ukulele nod reflecting George’s affection for the instrument, while Clapton, a lifelong friend, channeled personal grief into every note, having played on the original 1969 track, per Society of Rock. Their collaboration—described in CheatSheet as a moment of McCartney’s humility—captures a shared history, with Paul admitting unfamiliarity with some of George’s work, yet pouring heart into the tribute. For those who appreciate craftsmanship, the performance’s dynamic shift—from solo intimacy to full-band grandeur—mirrors the complexity of friendship, loss, and memory.
For a mature listener, Something is a meditation on legacy—the way loved ones linger in our lives, their presence felt in every note and gesture. It’s the kind of song you might play on a quiet evening, perhaps with a flickering candle, letting its soothing melody stir thoughts of those who’ve shaped your path, much like McCartney’s tree anecdote about George in NPR. Performed in 2002, it offers a timeless solace, its hopeful spirit resonating with those who’ve known both joy and sorrow. For an audience that recalls The Beatles’ era or loves music that endures, it’s a track that doesn’t demand tears but earns them, weaving a gentle spell of remembrance.
The Concert for George was a pinnacle, uniting icons like Tom Petty and Billy Preston, as noted in Far Out Magazine. McCartney and Clapton’s Something stands as its heart, a cherished milestone for fans who’ve followed their journeys or discovered them later. It’s a reminder of why Harrison’s music endures: it’s rooted in love, connection, and humanity. Something isn’t just a song—it’s a farewell, delivered with a soulful grace that echoes forever.
Video
Here’s a link to enjoy Something by Paul McCartney & Eric Clapton (Live at the Concert for George, 2002) on YouTube: