Olivia Harrison Launches Concert For George In Australia
11 Mar 2005
Olivia Harrison was in Sydney for a week-long promotion for the Concert for George limited edition. The campaign began on Monday 28th February with interviews for radio, television and press.
The book launch was held at the Shangri La Hotel on Friday 4th March with many Genesis customers in attendance. Those present included Richard Neville and artist Martin Sharp who, back in the Sixties, shared living quarters at the Pheasantry in the Kings Road with Eric Clapton. Rock writer and historian Glenn A. Baker introduced the evening and handed over to Brian Roylance to provide some background to the project.
Brian fondly recalled how he and George Harrison had accompanied Derek Taylor to Sydney to promote Fifty Years Adrift, remembering that George had always thought of Sydney as being 'like Liverpool with sunshine'. Brian went on to say that 'people had thought that George had owned or financed Genesis Publications but he didn't - he gave something far more precious than money, he gave his time and enthusiasm'.
Brian handed over to television presenter Melissa Doyle who conducted a question and answer session with Olivia Harrison, which had the audience spellbound.
The evening was a huge success and the general feeling amongst all who were able to view the book was that this title is one of Genesis' finest books, or the finest, to date.
The next book launch will be at the Taschen store in Beverly Hills on Tuesday 15th March. Others are in preparation for New York, Hamburg and Milan.
At the book launch Olivia presented the children's charity 'Variety' with the original signed poster that was reproduced in the Deluxe copies of the Concert for George limited edition book. The poster is being auctioned online to aid underprivileged children. Check our site for further details.
Warner Bros Records presented Olivia with a platinum disc to celebrate successful sales of The Concert For George DVD and CD.
Olivia signed a special commemorative book plate at the Shangri La Hotel.
Olivia is interviewed by Glenn A. Baker for Channel 9
