GEORGE HARRISON - WHEN WE WAS FAB

Released: January 25, 1988

Charted:  US: #23  UK: #25 

"When We Was Fab" is a nostalgic reflection by George Harrison on the days of Beatlemania during the 1960s. Released on his 1987 album "Cloud Nine," the song also served as the second single from the album in January 1988. Co-written with Jeff Lynne, who also co-produced the track, the recording pays homage to the psychedelic sound popularized by the Beatles in 1967, incorporating sitar, cello, and backward-relayed effects. Notably, Harrison's former Beatles bandmate Ringo Starr is among the musicians contributing to the track. The accompanying music video, directed by Kevin Godley and Lol Creme, is known for its innovation.

Jeff Lynne's collaboration with George Harrison on "When We Was Fab" extended beyond writing to production, with Lynne co-producing the track along with the entire "Cloud Nine" album. Lynne, a huge Beatles fan, contributed to the song's distinctive sound, particularly noticeable in the cello part played by Philharmonia Orchestra member Bobby Kok. 

The genesis of the song occurred during a trip to Australia in 1986, where Harrison and Lynne improvised on a grand piano after a visit to the Adelaide Grand Prix. The initial chords and verse melody were recorded on cassette and later refined during the album recording process in England. The bridge of the song was borrowed from another piece they were working on, completing the track with finalized lyrics.

Harrison incorporated a subtle nod to Bob Dylan by including the line "It's all over now, Baby Blue," which is the title of a 1965 Dylan song. This connection became more significant in 1988 when Harrison, along with Jeff Lynne, joined Dylan, Roy Orbison, and Tom Petty in the supergroup The Traveling Wilburys. Additionally, "Baby Blue" is also the title of a song by Badfinger from their album "Straight Up," a project Harrison started producing but left to organize the Concert For Bangladesh. The song concludes with a touch of sitar played by Harrison, harkening back to Beatles tracks like "Norwegian Wood" and "Within You Without You" where he showcased the instrument.