Spotlight on a dark horse

The Beatles took the stage at San Francisco's Candlestick Park on August 29, 1966, for what was their final live concert, other than their brief appearance on the roof above Abbey Road studios.

Over the next two years, their focus was on studio work, initially with their masterpiece, Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, then the White Album, followed by Abbey Road.

As these sessions developed, particularly by 1968, the professional relationships were imploding. Alongside this, though, the one known as the quiet Beatle was increasingly making his mark, providing classics like While My Guitar Gently Weeps, Something and Here Comes the Sun, all equal to anything that Lennon and McCartney had brought to the Beatles' table.

George Harrison also went on to a highly successful post-Beatles career, with a series of hit albums and singles.

Sadly, Harrison died in 2001, but now there are two magnificent tributes to his legacy, both with the Beatles and his subsequent career. Both carry the title Living In the Material World, after one of his albums.

The DVD is an astonishing glimpse into Harrison's life, lovingly crafted by renowned director Martin Scorcese. His affinity for his subject is obvious and he has garnered a unique story of one of rock music's true icons.

Similarly, the coffee table book provides a breathtaking expose of his life, this time developed by his wife, Olivia, with a Scorcese foreword.

From his humble early life in Liverpool, his coming of age in Hamburg, his significant contribution to the Beatles and his long solo career, we are offered a tantalising portrait, through numerous photos, diaries, letters, memorabilia and through the many people whose lives Harrison touched.

If the Beatles hold any currency in your household, I can recommend the DVD and the book highly. Living in the Material World takes us into territories that have provided a backdrop to our lives for the past half century.