Watch Paul McCartney And Eric Clapton Perform “While My Guitar Gently Weeps”

George Harrison’s songwriting genius became more prominent as the Beatles’ years went on, eventually peaking as soon as he was free from the shackles of the band. “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” was included on the White Album, and served as Harrison’s commentary on the band’s internal struggles while they were in India for Transcendental Meditation. The discord continued when he presented the idea to the band, so he called in his close friend Eric Clapton to help in the recording.

Ever the mystic, George Harrison sought inspiration from scholarly and historic writings for themes to incorporate to his songs. The result was a gorgeous melancholic track that resolves with the chorus, and goes on in a seemingly circular fashion. The lugging progression, along with the constant tempo, is heavily improved by the scathing guitar solo of Clapton, bringing his blues into Harrison’s composition.

The song was performed during the Concert for George memorial for Harrison in 2002, exactly a year after his death. Eric Clapton participated in the event, and performed the song with Paul McCartney. George’s son Dhani is in the fray as well, with Ringo Starr providing drum backup for them.