Challenges Faced by George Harrison: Obstacles and Turning Points

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 24, 2025

Life is full of challenges, and George Harrison faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.

George Harrison was a renowned English musician, singer, and songwriter, best known as the lead guitarist of the Beatles. Often referred to as "the quiet Beatle," he significantly contributed to the band's success. Harrison's musical explorations extended beyond traditional rock, as he embraced Indian culture and incorporated Indian instrumentation and Hindu-aligned spirituality into the Beatles' music, broadening the scope of popular music. His unique guitar style and spiritual influences distinguished him within the group and as a solo artist.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Legacy & Impact

1960: Hamburg Residencies and Deportation

In 1960, the Beatles played at the Indra and Kaiserkeller clubs in Hamburg, but George Harrison was deported for being too young to work in nightclubs, cutting the tour short.

January 1969: Harrison Quits the Beatles

In January 1969, frustrated by creative tensions and other issues within the group, George Harrison quit the Beatles during the filmed rehearsals at Twickenham Studios but returned 12 days later.

1971: Copyright Infringement Lawsuit Filed

In 1971, Bright Tunes sued George Harrison for copyright infringement over "My Sweet Lord", alleging its similarity to the 1963 Chiffons hit "He's So Fine".

1973: Producing Little Malcolm

In 1973, George Harrison produced the feature film Little Malcolm, but the project was overshadowed by litigation related to the Beatles' business ties with Allen Klein.

1974: Separation from Pattie Boyd

In 1974, George Harrison and Pattie Boyd separated due to his infidelities.

1976: Copyright Infringement Case Ruling

In 1976, the United States district court ruled that George Harrison subconsciously plagiarized "He's So Fine" in his song "My Sweet Lord". Harrison denied deliberately plagiarizing the song but lost the case.

1977: Divorce from Pattie Boyd finalized

In 1977, George Harrison's divorce from Pattie Boyd was finalized, with Boyd citing his infidelities and substance abuse as reasons.

1991: HandMade Films Ceases Operations

In 1991, HandMade Films ceased operations due to financial difficulties.

1996: Judgement Against O'Brien

In 1996, George Harrison won an $11.6 million judgment against Denis O'Brien for fraud and negligence related to HandMade Films.

May 1997: Final Television Appearance and Cancer Diagnosis

In May 1997, George Harrison made his final television appearance on a VH-1 special to promote Ravi Shankar's album, Chants of India. Shortly after, he was diagnosed with throat cancer.

December 1999: Attack at Friar Park

On December 30, 1999, George Harrison and his wife Olivia were attacked at their home, Friar Park, by Michael Abram, who stabbed Harrison multiple times.

May 2001: Cancerous Growth Removal

In May 2001, it was revealed that George Harrison had undergone an operation to remove a cancerous growth from one of his lungs.

November 2001: Radiotherapy Treatment in New York

In November 2001, George Harrison began radiotherapy at Staten Island University Hospital in New York City for lung cancer that had spread to his brain.