George Harrison, the legendary lead guitarist of The Beatles, is remembered not only for his profound musical contributions but also for his deep spirituality and humanitarian efforts.

Yet, beyond the spotlight and iconic songs, Harrison’s reflections on his early days in Liverpool reveal fascinating stories about the people who almost shaped the Beatles’ journey.

Among these figures is Lewis Collins, a talented musician and actor who nearly joined the band but chose a different path.

Recently, Harrison broke his silence on Collins, shedding light on their shared history and the intriguing “what-if” moments of rock history.

Born in Liverpool in 1943, George Harrison’s passion for music ignited early, influenced by rock and roll pioneers like Chuck Berry and Elvis Presley.

By his mid-teens, Harrison had met Paul McCartney and John Lennon, forming the Quarrymen, which evolved into The Beatles.

This burgeoning music scene was vibrant, filled with young musicians honing their craft in clubs like the Cavern and Iron Door.

Lewis Collins was part of this same energetic Liverpool circuit.

Known for his rhythmic drive and charismatic stage presence, Collins was an emerging talent with a natural flair for music.

His involvement with local bands such as the Eyes and the Georgians allowed him to explore rhythm and blues and early rock and roll, earning him a respected place among Liverpool’s musicians.

The Beatles’ early years were marked by constant changes, including the replacement of their original drummer Pete Best.

Paul McCartney was searching for a drummer who could complement the band’s evolving sound, and it was Mike McCartney, Paul’s younger brother, who suggested Lewis Collins as a potential candidate.

George Harrison later recalled Collins’s natural confidence and timing, qualities that made him stand out in Liverpool’s music scene.

Despite the opportunity, Collins declined to audition for The Beatles. This decision, while seemingly minor at the time, became a legendary crossroads in music history.

Harrison reflected on this moment with a mix of amusement and admiration, acknowledging that life sometimes steers people toward their true destinies.

For Collins, that destiny was not behind a drum kit but in front of the camera as an actor.

After turning down the Beatles, Collins continued his musical pursuits as a passionate hobby rather than a full-time career.

His work with the Eyes and the Georgians showcased his versatility and understanding of music beyond mere rhythm-keeping.

Harrison noted that Collins had a feel for melody and structure that hinted at songwriting potential.

Eventually, Collins transitioned into acting, where his stage confidence and charisma found a new outlet.

His role as Bod in the television series “The Professionals” brought him fame and demonstrated the same cool toughness Harrison remembered from their Liverpool days.

Harrison admired Collins’s ability to follow his own path, even when it meant walking away from a monumental opportunity.

While Collins pursued acting, Harrison’s journey with The Beatles soared.

As the youngest member, he contributed distinctive lead guitar styles and introduced Eastern musical influences, notably through his use of the sitar.

Songs like “Norwegian Wood” and “Within You Without You” reflected his fascination with Indian classical music and spirituality.

Harrison’s songwriting evolved from limited contributions to penning some of The Beatles’ most beloved songs, including “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” “Something,” and “Here Comes the Sun.

” Praised for emotional sincerity and musical sophistication, his work expressed themes of longing, faith, and love.

Following The Beatles’ breakup, Harrison’s solo career flourished with the triple album *All Things Must Pass*, featuring hits like “My Sweet Lord” and “What Is Life.”

His devotion to spirituality and humanitarian causes deepened, exemplified by organizing the historic Concert for Bangladesh in 1971.

Harrison’s personal life was marked by profound love and spiritual searching. His marriage to Patty Boyd, a muse for several iconic Beatles songs, was both inspiring and challenging.

The pressures of fame and his growing spiritual pursuits created emotional distance, leading to their eventual divorce.

Boyd’s later relationship with Eric Clapton, inspired by unrequited love, added complexity to this famous love triangle.

Later, Harrison found lasting companionship with Olivia Arias, with whom he shared a deep spiritual connection and a stable family life.

Olivia stood by him through trials, including a violent home invasion in 1999 and his battle with cancer, remaining his steadfast support until his peaceful passing in 2001.

In reflecting on Lewis Collins, George Harrison emphasized the unpredictability of life and the importance of following one’s own rhythm.

Collins’s decision not to join The Beatles was not a failure but a choice that led him to his true calling.

Harrison mused that everyone who passed through The Beatles’ orbit had a reason, shaping the band’s story in seen and unseen ways.

The Liverpool music scene was full of such stories—musicians who almost became part of history or who found fame in other creative avenues.

For Harrison, these moments were part of the rich tapestry of life, reminding us that success is not always about being in the spotlight but about authenticity and purpose.

George Harrison’s legacy extends beyond his music. His spiritual quest, humanitarian efforts, and personal integrity continue to inspire generations.

His reflections on Lewis Collins add a human dimension to the Beatles’ mythos, revealing the interconnectedness of talent, choice, and destiny.

Lewis Collins’s brush with The Beatles remains a fascinating footnote in rock history, illustrating how close paths can come to converging before diverging toward different futures.

Harrison’s respect for Collins’s individuality and quiet determination highlights the universal truth that every artist must follow their own tempo.

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