| When a friend asks for help, wonderful things can happen. |
East Pakistan and West Pakistan were one country separated by India and culture. Operation Searchlight, a brutal crackdown by West Pakistan forces on the rising tide of political upheaval and cultural differences, led to the start of the Bangladesh Liberation War on March 26. By December, East Pakistan had won their freedom and became the independent country of Bangladesh.
The effect of the war left thousands of refugees stranded in India and, with a recent cyclone adding to the problem, became a humanitarian disaster. Ravi Shankar asked his good friend if there was some way he could help. Both Harrison and Shankar released singles (Bangladesh.jpg) and Joi Bangla ) to increase public awareness of the problem and plans were started to hold a small fund-raising concert in New York. George asked a few of his friends and the rest, as they say is history (first stage appearance by George since 1966, first stage apperance by Dylan since Isle Of Wight in 1970).
Two concerts held on Aug 1 at Madison Square Garden resulted in one 3-LP box set (with 64 page booklet) released near Christmas and a film the following spring (3/72). The first rock concert to raise money for a charity was not without its problems and details can be found at the links.
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The Concert For Bangladesh |
| Apple STCX-3385 | |
| 12/20/71 BB | |
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  stunning photos. Some of these photos became album covers! Look for 'em! |
 Side One | ||
| George Harrison & Ravi Shankar | Introduction | 6:16 |
| Ravi Shankar | Bangla Dhun | 16:19 |
| Side Two | ||
| George Harrison | Wah-Wah | 3:15 |
| George Harrison | My Sweet Lord | 4:16 |
| George Harrison | Awaiting On You All | 2:37 |
| Billy Preston | That's The Way God Planned It | 4:05 |
| Side Three | ||
| Ringo Starr | It Don't Come Easy | 2:38 |
| George Harrison & Leon Russell | Beware Of Darkness | 3:26 |
| George Harrison | Introduction Of The Band | 3:00 |
| George Harrison | While My Guitar Gently Weeps | 4:39 |
| Side Four | ||
| Leon Russell | Jumpin' Jack Flash/Youngblood | 9:11 |
| George Harrison & Pete Ham | Here Comes The Sun | 2:51 |
| Side Five | ||
| Bob Dylan | A Hard Rain's Gonna Fall | 5:04 |
| Bob Dylan | It Takes A Lot To Laugh, It Takes A Train To Cry | 2:54 |
| Bob Dylan | Blowin' In The Wind | 3:34 |
| Bob Dylan | Mr Tambourine Man | 4:06 |
| Bob Dylan | Just Like A Woman | 4:14 |
| Side Six | ||
| George Harrison | Something | 3:05 |
| George Harrison | Bangladesh | 4:14 |
Concert section:
George Harrison-guitars, vocals
Eric Clapton-lead guitar
Jesse Ed Davis-lead guitar
Don Preston-lead guitar
Leon Russell-piano
Billy Preston-organ
Ringo Starr-drums
Klaus Voorman-bass
Carl Radle-bass
Jim Keltner-drums
Badfinger-rhythm guitars, backing vocals
The Hollywood Horns: Jim Horn, Allan Beutler, Chuck Findley, Jackie Kelso, Lou McCreary, Ollie Mitchell
Backing vocalists: Don Nix, Jo Green, Jeanie Greene, Marlin Greene, Dolores Hall, Claudia Linnear
Acoustic section (side five):
Bob Dylan-guitar, harmonica, vocals
George Harrison-guitar, vocals
Ringo Starr-tambourine
Leon Russell-bass
Produced by: George Harrison & Allen Klein
Note: Joan Baez also recorded a charity single
to support those in need.