George Martin: RIP
 

Insane and impossible trying to come up with a few concise sentences to sum up the musical contributions of this man to the modern landscape of popular music. Both directly, and by his eternal influence.

Just gonna cue up Revolver and cry a little bit.

I went through a phase were I didn't like The Beatles, because of the whole assertion that they were "greatest band in the world." What really changed my whole perspective was watching a Rockumentary about The Beatles and listening to Sir George Martin speak about the band. When he told his stories he would affectionately refer to them as "the boys." I no longer seen them as overrated or overhyped, whatever have you. Through his eyes I was opened up to a whole other personal side of the band. I remember I would watch that documentary dozens of time just to hear him talk. I always admired how articulate and professional he was. His anecdotes were interesting and amusing. George Martin was a true English gentleman. He was someone I really respected.

He was the one who played the harpsichord for the song "In My Life." In some ways he was the fifth Beatle, kinda like Ian Stewart was a sixth Stones, but more. He really change the face of music.

The harpsichord is actually a sped up piano because he couldn't play the speed of what The Beatles wanted. RIP to the slow harpsichordist.

Songwriting brilliance.

I'm surprised McCartney didn't say it was a bummer.

Damn.

It is the fate that awaits us all, and he had a fantastic run. RIP

RIP, kind Sir!

George helped Jeff Beck kick start his career in the mid 70s. Awesome mix on this one.

^ Those three albums, Blow By Blow, Wired, and There & Back, my fave JB

^ Nice clip from Drive/Car/Sea, but for me this is the best clip so far in this thread. It's just full of wonderful moments:-

The mutual respect and affection that GM and BW have for each other is quite touching. Although years ago these guys were in different camps, they were on the same page at the same time; giving pop a sophistication that few had imagined possible. And here the bond which that ambition made is palpable - I especially like the bit where the puzzled, but ever-polite GM, tries to make sense of BW's remark about his chest exploding!

Also memorable for me is the opening sequence; GM, complete with sun hat, enjoying himself at the wheel of an over-the-top convertible. Don't miss the traffic build up at 00:28 - can't you just hear those drivers behind GM thinking, "Why doesn't that old idiot drive faster!" :laughing:

Hearing God Only Knows that way....... Wow. Blown away.

Yes, Chula, God Only Knows is a beautiful song. I used to have it on a UK-released EP when I was a kid.

An elderly GM reminisces about not welcoming Ringo on his studio debut with the Beatles:-

Damn, video not available in the US.

Story goes that during a lot of the recording of Sgt. Pepper, Lennon would be tripping on LSD. He'd hang out up on the roof of Abbey Road Studios until it was time for him to lay down a track. George would summon him, he'd do his bit, and then retreat back to the roof. It worked.

^ Don't worry - it's really short, not as good as Farewell's

^ Yes, I can imagine that. GM once said that he knew the Beatles were doing pot in the studio, but out of respect, they never lit up in front of him.
^ Nice clip, Chula! I haven't seen that video footage before and you chose a fabulous song with lots of George Martin production input. In fact, in an interview GM picked out that song as demonstrating the sometimes overlooked quality of John's voice. "Spinetingling" is I think the word he used about John's opening lines.