Wednesday 9 August 1967 | New York to London
On 9 August 1967, George Harrison, his wife Pattie Harrison, Neil Aspinall (The Beatles’ road manager and close confidant) and Alexis ‘Magic Alex’ Mardas returned to England after a week’s break on the West Coast of the United States. They flew back to London via New York.
The West Coast Visit
During their time in the United States, the Harrisons spent time with Ravi Shankar and other Indian musicians — a reflection of George’s deepening commitment to Indian classical music and spirituality that had been growing since 1966. They also spent time with Derek Taylor, The Beatles’ former publicist who was then working in Los Angeles, and with Jenny Boyd, Pattie’s sister.
The visit took place during the Summer of Love, and the West Coast — particularly San Francisco and Los Angeles — was at the epicentre of the counterculture movement that The Beatles had helped inspire. George had famously walked through Haight-Ashbury in San Francisco earlier that summer, on 7 August 1967, an experience that left him disillusioned with the hippie scene he encountered there.
The group returned to England just days before The Beatles would gather to hear the news of Brian Epstein’s death on 27 August 1967 — an event that would profoundly alter the course of the band’s history.
George Harrison — officially licensed merch
George Harrison Live Portrait T-Shirt in black.
Key People
| George Harrison | Lead guitarist of The Beatles; deeply engaged with Indian music and spirituality by 1967 |
| Pattie Harrison | George’s wife; model and photographer; later the inspiration for ‘Something’ and ‘Layla’ |
| Neil Aspinall | The Beatles’ road manager and one of their closest associates; later head of Apple Corps |
| Alexis ‘Magic Alex’ Mardas | Greek electronics inventor who had become part of The Beatles’ inner circle; head of Apple Electronics |
| Ravi Shankar | Indian sitar maestro who had introduced George to Indian classical music; a close friend and mentor |
| Derek Taylor | The Beatles’ former publicist, then working in Los Angeles; later head of Apple Records press |
| Jenny Boyd | Pattie Harrison’s sister; later married Mick Fleetwood of Fleetwood Mac |
George Harrison — officially licensed merch
George Harrison Sun & Moon T-Shirt in black.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did George Harrison visit the United States in August 1967?
George and Pattie Harrison spent a week on the US West Coast, spending time with Ravi Shankar and other Indian musicians, with former Beatles publicist Derek Taylor, and with Pattie’s sister Jenny Boyd. The visit coincided with the Summer of Love.
Who was Alexis ‘Magic Alex’ Mardas?
Alexis Mardas was a Greek electronics inventor who became part of The Beatles’ inner circle in the late 1960s. He was appointed head of Apple Electronics and accompanied George Harrison on the August 1967 US trip.
What happened shortly after George Harrison returned from America in August 1967?
Brian Epstein, The Beatles’ manager, died on 27 August 1967 — just over two weeks after the Harrisons returned from the US. His death profoundly affected the group and marked the beginning of a new and more turbulent chapter in their history.
→ The Silkie record You’ve Got To Hide Your Love Away – 9 August 1965
→ August in Beatles History
→ On This Day in Beatles History
→ The Beatles Knowledge Hub
Shop George Harrison merch: Live Portrait T-Shirt | Sun & Moon T-Shirt | Beatles T-shirts
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