George Harrison’s sitar mastery in the early Norwegian Wood performance
In the journey of musical legend, some moments are captured in fleeting glimpses—early recordings that offer a fascinating look at the creative chaos and inspiration that defined an era. Recently, the Beatles offered a tantalizing peek behind the curtain with an early version of their hit ‘Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)‘, a recording that highlights the spontaneous magic behind some of their most iconic songs.
This preview is part of an expanded Special Edition of the classic album ‘Rubber Soul‘, which is set to be released on October 2. This expanded package celebrates the 1965 masterpiece by including previously unreleased session recordings, home demos, and new double A-sides like ‘Day Tripper / We Can Work It Out‘.
The track featured in the preview, ‘Norwegian Wood’, was actually an early attempt, dubbed ‘Second Version – Take 2‘. It emerged from the very first day of sessions for ‘Rubber Soul‘ and featured George Harrison’s groundbreaking introduction of the sitar. This wasn’t just a song; it was a snapshot of how the band experimented with new sounds.
The recording showcased a unique blend of instrumentation. While the final version is beloved, this early take revealed the band assembling their sound: John Lennon’s acoustic guitar, Paul McCartney’s bass, Ringo Starr’s drums, and George Harrison exploring the sitar, adding drone notes that gave the track its distinctive texture.
George Harrison himself reflected on this spontaneous creation. He noted how the process unfolded: “When we were working on ‘Norwegian Wood’, it just needed something and it was quite spontaneous. I picked the sitar up and kind of found the notes. We put it on and it seemed to hit the spot and that was it.” This moment captures the essence of how new ideas often ignite the most powerful music.
The finished version, which was newly mixed by producer Giles Martin and engineer Sam Okell, stands as a testament to the band’s evolving artistry. It captures the feeling of discovery that permeates the entire catalog.
The expanded reissue package offers fans an incredible depth of material, ranging from the Standard and Deluxe editions to the comprehensive Special Edition Super Deluxe, which boasts 68 tracks. This ultimate edition includes the new stereo mix of ‘Rubber Soul‘, original mono masters, and invaluable extras like Lennon and McCartney’s previously unreleased demos.
Beyond the music itself, the celebration of the Fab Four extends into cinematic and public experience. The band is gearing up for the first ever Official Global Beatles Day, and their legacy is being brought to life through a major four-film series. This series, slated for release in 2028, will follow the band through different perspectives, starring actors like Paul Mescal as Paul McCartney and Barry Keoghan as Ringo Starr.
Adding to the tribute, an iconic London landmark, 3 Savile Row, is set to open its doors to the public for the first time next year, offering the first official Beatles fan experience at this celebrated location.
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