George Harrison Wrote This Song the Day He Quit The Beatles

The Beatles famously broke up in 1970, sparking emotional reactions from fans all over the world. What is lesser known is how George Harrison briefly quit the band during the Let It Be sessions. This was featured in the documentary Get Back, released in 2021. On January 10, 1969, Harrison stood up during a recording session and announced, “Well, I’ll be leaving the band now,” and left. Paul, John, and Ringo weren’t sure if he was serious and resumed sessions regardless. It was during this time that Harrison began writing a song declaring his frustrations. The result was “Wah Wah,” and was included on Harrison’s debut solo record, All Things Must Pass.

In January 1969, the band was rehearsing at Twickenham Film Studios for their upcoming televised performance to mark their return. The rehearsals weren’t going as planned, and Harrison was frustrated with how McCartney wanted him to play. Harrison was also frustrated with Lennon, who shot down his songwriting while presenting “I, Me, Mine” to the group. Other songs dismissed by the group around this time include “All Things Must Pass,” “Let It Down,” and “Hear Me, Lord.” Feeling unappreciated, Harrison announced his departure. He told the group to place an ad in the NME for a new guitarist and left. That same afternoon, Harrison wrote “Wah Wah.” Harrison later confirmed the song was about his Beatles bandmates, McCartney in particular.

The second verse states, “You made me such a big star / being there at the right time,” directly stating how he saw himself in the band. Harrison eventually returned to the sessions and finished the album with the band. They scrapped the idea of a televised performance. Instead, The Beatles played their iconic rooftop concert on top of the Apple Corps building on Savile Row.

“Wah Wah” Became the First Song Harrison Performed Live in His Solo Career

Following The Beatles’ breakup in 1970, Harrison went into the studio for his solo debut. The first track he taped was “Wah Wah.” Harrison brought in Phil Spector to give the song the Wall of Sound treatment. Featured musicians on the track include Ringo Starr, Eric Clapton, Billy Preston, Bobby Keys, and members of the band Badfinger.

“Wah Wah” was the first song played live by Harrison at the launch of his solo career. Performed at the Concert For Bangladesh in August 1971, Harrison and his band recreated Phil Spector’s wall of sound. With Ringo on drums, along with others featured on the studio recording, Harrison delivered a legendary live version of the track. Many fans prefer this live version over the studio track.

George Harrison’s All Things Must Pass was a massive success, released in November 1970. The album hit No. 1 on the US Billboard Top LPs chart and the UK Albums chart. Additionally, the album reached No. 1 on the US Cash Box and Record World charts. All Things Must Pass was a global success as well, hitting No. 1 in Australia, Canada, Norway, Spain, Sweden, and the Netherlands. George Harrison was finally receiving the credit he deserved as a songwriter after releasing a triple album of many iconic tracks. All Thing Must Pass is considered to be Harrison’s magnum opus.