36: Beatle to Beatle Tributes

Posted on | July 26, 2009 | 1 Comment

Writing about Ringo’s version of I Call Your Name inspired me, so I thought I’d do a post of Beatle to Beatle tribute songs — songs that one Beatle wrote for another after their death.

First up, the first Beatle to Beatle tribute ever written, George Harrison’s song for John Lennon, All Those Years Ago. It’s a great song, includes lots of Beatles references, is unbelievably sweet, and perhaps best of all, features musical contributions from Ringo Starr and Paul McCartney.

Next up, the most recent Beatle to Beatle tribute, Ringo Starr’s song for George Harrison, Never Without You. Admittedly, it’s not a musical masterpiece, but it’s a lovely and heartfelt tribute. Especially so knowing how close George and Ringo were throughout their lives.

And lastly, Paul McCartney’s song for John Lennon. My husband thinks that it’s sappy. While I’m rarely one to defend Paul against charges of sappiness (I’m usually the one laying them), I think it’s beautiful. You can listen to the album version here. But I’m posting this live version below, because it is one of the most touching things I’ve ever seen. Twenty-five years after John’s death, Paul Fucking McCartney is so overcome with emotion that he’s almost rendered unable to sing. Really, it’s incredibly moving.

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