When We Was Fab

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as we spin "When We Was Fab" by George Harrison from his 1987 album Cloud Nine. This track is a nostalgic nod to the Beatles' heyday, with Harrison playfully reflecting on the Fab Four's Beatlemania era. Co-written and co-produced with Jeff Lynne of Electric Light Orchestra, the song drips with psychedelic vibes, featuring sitar, cello, and backward effects that echo the Beatles' 1967 sound. Harrison originally called it "Aussie Fab" while writing it in Queensland, Australia, before finalizing the lyrics to capture that "fab" essence. The music video, directed by Godley & Creme, is packed with Beatles references, like a green apple for Apple Records and Harrison in his Sgt. Pepper suit. Ringo Starr appears as a roadie and drummer, while Elton John drops a coin in Harrison’s cup. There’s even a walrus-suited bassist, rumored to be Paul McCartney, though McCartney later clarified he wasn’t available, suggesting Harrison put someone else in the suit and teased it was him.

Another cool tidbit comes from the song’s artwork, designed by Klaus Voormann, who blended a young Harrison from the Revolver cover with a 1987 version, tying past and present together. Harrison himself said in a 1987 interview with Good Morning America that the song’s layered overdubs, like cellos and backing vocals, made it tricky to perform live. The lyrics wink at Beatles tracks like "I Am the Walrus" and "Drive My Car," and even slip in a Bob Dylan nod with "It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue," which some fans think might also reference Badfinger’s Pete Ham, a close friend of Harrison’s. Posts on X from the official @GeorgeHarrison account highlight the single’s release on January 25, 1988, noting its chart success and starry video cameos. The song hit number 23 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 25 in the UK, Harrison’s last US top 40 hit, making it a bittersweet cap to his chart career.

George Harrison, born February 25, 1943, in Liverpool, England, kicked off his musical journey as a teenager obsessed with rock ‘n’ roll. He picked up the guitar early, inspired by skiffle and artists like Lonnie Donegan and Elvis Presley. At 15, he joined the Quarrymen, a skiffle group led by John Lennon, which evolved into the Beatles by 1960. Harrison’s role as lead guitarist and his growing songwriting chops shaped the band’s sound, with hits like "Something" and "Here Comes the Sun." His interest in Indian music, sparked by a sitar he stumbled upon during the filming of Help! in 1965, led to collaborations with Ravi Shankar and brought Eastern influences to Western pop. After the Beatles split in 1970, Harrison launched a solo career with the triple album All Things Must Pass, a critical and commercial smash. His work often blended spirituality, humor, and sharp guitar riffs, reflecting his quest for balance between the material and mystical.

Harrison’s legacy lives on through his music and philanthropy, like the 1971 Concert for Bangladesh. Sadly, he passed away in 2001, but his official channels keep his spirit alive. Check out georgeharrison.com for news and archives. Follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates and throwbacks. Fans can dive deeper at sites like The Beatles Bible, which covers Harrison’s solo work, or join discussions in groups like the George Harrison Fans on Facebook. Zoo Freaks, keep those vibes fab and stay tuned for more from the Zoo Crew!