Graeme Thomson on George Harrison: Behind the Locked Door

'A magisterial biography… Thomson’s book adds something new to this conversation…' ~ Chicago Tribune

Graeme Thomson writes about music and popular culture for The Guardian, Spectator, Pitchfork, Radio Times and Uncut. 

Small Hours, his biography of cult singer-songwriter John Martyn, was a 2020 Book of the Year in the Sunday Times, the Financial Times, the Telegraph and the Herald. Under The Ivy: The Life & Music Of Kate Bush was described by the Irish Times as ‘the best music biography in perhaps the past decade’.

Behind The Locked Door is Graeme's rich, insightful account of George Harrison’s extraordinary life and career. Join us for what will be a fantastic talk as Graeme discusses this newly remastered edition of his definitive account of George’s compelling, contradictory life.

What's more, we're delighted to say that Ross Wilson of the band Blue Rose Code has kindly agreed to play a selection of George Harrison songs at the event.

As a Beatle, Harrison underwent a bewilderingly compressed early adulthood, buffeted by unprecedented levels of fame and success. After Beatlemania left him unsettled and unfulfilled his became a quest for deeper meaning which travelled far beyond the parameters of his former band and indeed music itself.

This elegant, in-depth biography tracks him assiduously through his many changes and conflicts, from schoolboy guitarist to global superstar, God seeker to independent film-maker, Formula One enthusiast to UNICEF Fundraiser, and marks the perennial struggle of a man attempting to walk a spiritual path lined with temptation.

Drawing on scores of new interviews with close friends and collaborators, rigorous research and critical insight, George Harrison: Behind The Locked Door is the ultimate account of the motives and varied achievements of an often misunderstood man. It is also an intimate character study, beautifully illustrating the eternal yin and tang of Harrison's nature.

"An excellent biography" MOJO

"An insightful, rigorous and beautifully written atomisation of the youngest Beatle's life" The National

"Brings new colour and understanding to his story. A must for George fans" Hot Press

"Do we need another book on the Beatles? In this case, definitely" San Francisco Chronicle