George Harrison rejoins The Beatles

On January 10, 1969, George Harrison walked out of the “Get Back” sessions at Twickenham Film Studios, no longer able to endure the growing tensions within the group. A meeting between the four Beatles on January 12 failed to resolve the issues, as George left early without committing to rejoining. On January 13 and 14, Paul McCartney, John Lennon, and Ringo Starr reconvened at Twickenham, but their efforts lacked enthusiasm and direction.

On this day, January 15, the four Beatles met again for a five-hour meeting at Brookfield, Ringo Starr’s home in 1968 / 1969. George outlined his conditions for returning: the planned live TV special would have to be scrapped, and rehearsals for the new album relocated from Twickenham to Apple’s basement studio, then under construction by Alexis “Magic Alex” Mardas. Despite these demands, George agreed to continue being filmed while making the new album.

The other Beatles accepted George’s terms.

The following day, January 16, the Twickenham set was dismantled, and the equipment was moved to Apple Studios, setting the stage for a fresh start. On January 20, the four Beatles restarted their rehearsals at 3 Savile Row.

It was decided that it would be better if we just got back together and finished the record. Also, you see, Twickenham studio was very cold and not a very nice atmosphere, so we decided to abandon that and go to Savile Row, into the recording studio.

George Harrison – From “The Beatles Anthology” book, 2000

Going further

The Beatles Diary Volume 1: The Beatles Years

With greatly expanded text, this is the most revealing and frank personal 30-year chronicle of the group ever written. Insider Barry Miles covers the Beatles story from childhood to the break-up of the group.

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