Tuesday 14 July 1992 | Album Release | George Harrison
On 14 July 1992, Live In Japan — George Harrison’s 12th solo album — was released in the United States. Credited to George Harrison with Eric Clapton and Band, it had been released one day earlier in the United Kingdom on 13 July 1992. It was the last album to be released in Harrison’s lifetime, and the follow-up to the hugely successful Cloud Nine (1987).
The Album
Live In Japan was recorded during George Harrison’s 1991 Japanese tour — his first concert tour since the Dark Horse North American tour of 1974. The tour ran from 1 to 17 December 1991 and marked Harrison’s long-awaited return to the stage, accompanied by his close friend and collaborator Eric Clapton and a stellar band.
The album captured Harrison performing a career-spanning setlist that drew on his Beatles catalogue, his Wings-era collaborations, and his solo work — including tracks from All Things Must Pass, Cloud Nine, and the Traveling Wilburys. It was a document of one of the most warmly received tours of the early 1990s.
The Last Album of His Lifetime
Live In Japan holds a poignant place in George Harrison’s discography as the final album released during his lifetime. Harrison passed away on 29 November 2001, following a long battle with cancer. The posthumous album Brainwashed was released in 2002, completed by his son Dhani Harrison and Jeff Lynne.
The album’s release in July 1992 came at a time when Harrison was at peace with his public profile — content to let the music speak for itself, and increasingly focused on his garden at Friar Park and his spiritual life.
Chart Performance
Live In Japan did not chart in the United Kingdom. In the United States it peaked at number 126 on the Billboard 200. Its strongest chart performance came in Japan, where it reached number 15 on the Oricon chart — a fitting result for an album recorded there and dedicated to the Japanese audiences who had welcomed Harrison so warmly.
George Harrison and Eric Clapton
The partnership between George Harrison and Eric Clapton was one of the most enduring in rock history. Clapton had played lead guitar on Harrison’s While My Guitar Gently Weeps on The Beatles (the White Album) in 1968, and the two had remained close friends and collaborators ever since. Clapton had also played on All Things Must Pass (1970) and Cloud Nine (1987), and his presence on the 1991 Japanese tour gave the concerts an added dimension of musical depth and warmth.
Key Facts: 14 July 1992
| Date | Tuesday 14 July 1992 (US release) |
| UK release | 13 July 1992 |
| Album | Live In Japan |
| Artist | George Harrison with Eric Clapton and Band |
| Album number | 12th solo album; last released in Harrison’s lifetime |
| Recorded | December 1991, Japan tour |
| Chart positions | US: #126 Billboard 200; Japan: #15 Oricon; UK: did not chart |
| Previous album | Cloud Nine (1987) |
Friar Park, Henley-on-Thames — George Harrison’s home, where he spent much of his later life and where he passed away in November 2001.
George Harrison: The Quiet Beatle
Officially licensed George Harrison merch.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was George Harrison’s Live In Japan released?
Live In Japan was released on 13 July 1992 in the United Kingdom and 14 July 1992 in the United States. It was George Harrison’s 12th solo album and the last to be released during his lifetime.
Was Live In Japan George Harrison’s last album?
Live In Japan was the last album released during George Harrison’s lifetime. He passed away on 29 November 2001. The posthumous album Brainwashed was released in 2002, completed by his son Dhani Harrison and Jeff Lynne.
Who played on George Harrison’s Live In Japan?
Live In Japan was credited to George Harrison with Eric Clapton and Band. It was recorded during Harrison’s 1991 Japanese tour — his first concert tour since 1974 — with Clapton as a key collaborator and touring partner.
How did Live In Japan chart?
Live In Japan did not chart in the UK. In the US it peaked at number 126 on the Billboard 200. Its best performance was in Japan, where it reached number 15 on the Oricon chart.
What was George Harrison’s connection with Eric Clapton?
George Harrison and Eric Clapton had a close friendship and musical partnership spanning decades. Clapton played lead guitar on While My Guitar Gently Weeps in 1968, appeared on All Things Must Pass (1970) and Cloud Nine (1987), and joined Harrison for his 1991 Japanese tour, which was recorded for Live In Japan.
→ Paul McCartney live: Veterans Stadium, Philadelphia – 14 July 1990
→ Recording: Beef Jerky by John Lennon – 14 July 1974
→ Radio: Top Gear – 14 July 1964
→ 14 July in Beatles History
→ George Harrison: Beatles History, Solo Career, Songs & Legacy
→ John Lennon: Beatles History, Solo Career, Songs & Legacy
→ Paul McCartney: Beatles History, Solo Career, Songs & Legacy
→ Ringo Starr: Beatles History, Solo Career, Songs & Legacy
→ The Beatles Knowledge Hub
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