When We Was Fab
George Harrison released the song When We Was Fab on his 1987 album Cloud Nine. The lyrics serve as a nostalgic reflection by Harrison on the days of Beatlemania during the 1960s. During that era, the Beatles were first referred to as "the Fab Four". Harrison looked back at those years with a sense of longing and memory. He wanted to capture the feeling of being part of that cultural phenomenon in song form. The track became one of his most popular songs over time. It appeared on compilations like Best of Dark Horse 1976, 1989 in 1989 and Let It Roll in 2009.
The recording references the psychedelic sound that the Beatles had helped popularise in 1967 through its use of sitar, cello, and backwards-relayed effects. A string quartet adds texture similar to many Beatles songs from that period. The fadeout contains a nod to the melody of Drive My Car. Critics noted similarities to songs such as I Am the Walrus from 1967 and The Continuing Story of Bungalow Bill from 1968. Cash Box magazine described the result as a historical re-creation wrapped up in one song. They called it complete with cellos, George Martin-like edits, sitars, and time machine sounds. One reviewer said it sounded like a Beatles song circa Magical Mystery Tour.
Harrison co-wrote the song with Jeff Lynne, who also co-produced the track alongside Ringo Starr. Gary Wright played piano on the session while Bobby Kok handled the cello parts. Harrison himself performed lead vocals along with acoustic and electric guitars, keyboards, sitar, and backing vocals. Jeff Lynne contributed bass guitar, keyboards, and backing vocals. Ringo Starr appeared among the other musicians on the track playing drums and providing backing vocals. This collaboration marked a reunion of sorts for former band members working together again after decades apart.
The music video was directed by Kevin Godley and Creme and filmed at Greenford Studios in London on the 18th of December 1987. It features a many-armed Harrison busking in front of a brick wall. Numerous people pass him by including British musicians he had previously collaborated with. Elton John makes an appearance putting a coin in Harrison's cup. Percussionist Ray Cooper also appears briefly. Neil Aspinall holds a copy of John Lennon's 1971 Imagine album. Paul McCartney was rumoured to have appeared in the walrus suit though he later denied being available that day. The video received six nominations at the 1988 MTV Video Music Awards including best art director for Sid Bartholomew.
In the United Kingdom, it peaked at number 25 on the UK Singles Chart. In the United States, the song peaked at number 23 on Billboard magazine's Hot 100 chart. It was Harrison's last top 40 hit in the US. This marked the second such hit where lyrics reflect on his years as a Beatle following All Those Years Ago from 1981. The single reached number 20 on Canadian RPM 100 charts and number 7 on Canada RPM Adult Contemporary lists. It climbed to position 35 in Australia and number 38 on Belgian Ultratop Singles Flanders. West German Media Control Singles placed it at number 40 while Irish Singles Chart showed position 24.
The single cover incorporates Klaus Voormann's 1966 line drawing of Harrison which was used in album art for Revolver. Letters ER from the title are visible along with a similar updated drawing of Harrison twenty-two years later again by Voormann. Voormann explained that he took the same picture from the Revolver cover and put a new George on the bottom. The video includes numerous visual metaphors referencing Harrison's time with the Beatles including a green apple representing Apple Records logo. Harrison wears his distinctive outfit from Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band cover. His multiple arms evoke many-armed gods of Hindu traditions. These elements combined created a rich visual narrative connecting past and present.
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Common questions
When was the song When We Was Fab released by George Harrison?
George Harrison released the song When We Was Fab on his 1987 album Cloud Nine. The music video for the track was filmed at Greenford Studios in London on the 18th of December 1987.
Who co-wrote and produced the song When We Was Fab with George Harrison?
Harrison co-wrote the song When We Was Fab with Jeff Lynne who also co-produced the track alongside Ringo Starr. Gary Wright played piano while Bobby Kok handled cello parts during the session.
What chart positions did the single When We Was Fab achieve internationally?
In the United States the song peaked at number 23 on Billboard magazine's Hot 100 chart where it became Harrison's last top 40 hit. It reached number 25 on the UK Singles Chart and climbed to position 35 in Australia.
How does the music video for When We Was Fab reference Beatles history visually?
The video features a many-armed Harrison busking in front of a brick wall while wearing an outfit from Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band cover. Visual metaphors include a green apple representing Apple Records logo and letters ER visible on the single cover.
Which psychedelic instruments are used in the recording of When We Was Fab?
The recording references the psychedelic sound that the Beatles had helped popularise in 1967 through its use of sitar cello and backwards-relayed effects. A string quartet adds texture similar to many Beatles songs from that period.