Some additional photos from the George Harrison Walk of Fame dedication

George Harrison's star surrounded by flower tributes. (Photos by Lou Simon)

Yes I'm Gonna Be A Star! Hollywood Walk of Fame Ceremony

by Lou Simon

(Special field report  for Joe Johnson's Beatle Brunch, Beatlefan Magazine, Ken Dashow's "Breakfast with the Beatles" and Steve Marinucci's AbbeyRd and Examiner.com.)

      On Tuesday, April 14, the 2,382nd star was dedicated on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The address is 1750 Vine Street - right in front of the door to the Capitol Records tower, just a few steps from John Lennon's much photographed star on the same street. This new addition to the most famous sidewalk in the world is a tribute to the caring person and outstanding musician and composer we all love so much: George Harrison.

      The ceremony started promptly at 11:30 AM with the introduction of the dignataries in attendance: Composer/producer David Foster, actor Ed Begley, Jr., Harrison's Traveling Wilbury bandmates Tom Petty & Jeff Lynne, Eric Idle of Monty Python & Rutles fame, and of course Olivia and Dhani. At the top of the list were actor Tom Hanks with his wife, Rita Wilson....and Sir Paul MCcartney!

      Following introductory remarks by Leron Gubler, the President/CEO of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, Tom Hanks and Eric Idle each gave short speeches. Tom talked about how January 1964 was the date the world changed forever. Eric joked about George's various guitars used through the years and complimented Paul on being such a loyal friend to George =
right throught to the end. He went on to say that George passed away at Paul's home and that's why Eric never stays over at John Cleese's house.

      Olivia then took to the stage and talked about George's spirit and love for people and peace. She spoke of how much he loved L.A. because it was easy to meet people on the streets and be himself. She asked Dhani if he had any comments and he simply said, "Hare Krishna".

      The star was then unveiled by Dhani and Olivia who were both very much taken with it. Olivia placed a white flower on the star and looked skyward. They then posed for pictures at the star with their gathered friends around and headed inside to the famous Capitol Studio A for.

     Inside, there was a large Vegan buffet, a beautiful cake made to look like the star itself and lots of hugging and chatting with all the aforementioned luminaries mixing with record mogul Mo Ostin, movie director Richard Donner, Heartbreaker Mike Campbell and dozens more.

      Much conversation revolved around Phil Spector's conviction as many of his productions provided the soundtrack for the afternoon.

      Complementing the day's activities, Capitol/EMI announced the release of "Let It Roll: Songs By George Harrison," the first ever solo career spanning collection of his hits, scheduled for June 16th. No word yet on a track listing, or whether it will be a single or multi-disc set, though it was announced that George's best known Beatles-era songs "Here Comes The Sun", "Something" and "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" will be represented by live versions from the Concert For Bangla Desh.

      It was a fitting tribute to George's legacy and legend and although the party crowd faded after a few hours, the star will be on display forever providing a destination for pilgrims who head to Hollywood to pay homage to the Capitol Tower and the stars dedicated to the Fab Four.