Synopsis
George Harrison performs as a busker surrounded by surreal street activity in this playful, nostalgia-filled look back at his years with The Beatles. Appearing in a Sgt. Pepper-inspired outfit, he plays guitar while extra arms emerge around him and familiar musicians drift through the scene. Ringo Starr appears as both roadie and drummer, while other cameos turn the performance into a comic reunion. The video's visual jokes reference Beatle history, Apple Records, psychedelic imagery and the extraordinary pressures of 1960s fame.
Factoids & Trivia
- The video was filmed at Greenford Studios in London on December 18, 1987, ahead of the song's 1988 single release.
- Ringo Starr appears repeatedly, first as Harrison's roadie and later behind the drum kit. Jeff Lynne, who co-wrote and co-produced the song, also appears.
- Elton John makes a brief cameo by dropping a coin into Harrison's cup. Percussionist Ray Cooper and former Beatles aide Neil Aspinall are also seen.
- Aspinall carries a copy of John Lennon's 1971 album "Imagine," giving the video a discreet visual link to all four Beatles.
- Harrison wears an outfit modeled on the distinctive uniform he wore on the cover of The Beatles' "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band."
- The green apple is a reference to Apple Records, the Beatles' label. Harrison's multiple arms also connect the Beatles imagery with the Indian religious iconography that had long influenced his work.
- Paul McCartney was unavailable when the main footage was shot. Harrison later said that McCartney suggested using someone else in a walrus costume and letting viewers assume it was him.
- The video received six nominations at the 1988 MTV Video Music Awards, including Video of the Year, Best Concept Video, Breakthrough Video, Best Art Direction and Best Special Effects.