Confession: I stabbed George Harrison

Subject: I stabbed George Harrison
From: Gern
Date: 30 Dec 99 - 10:16 AM

I confess to the hideous stabbing of George Harrison, and you should, too. We are all guilty of this crime. We idolize our musicians and celebrities, endeavor to entrap them in our phony world of glitz and glamor, and contain them in glass cages as if their confinement validates our existence. Mark David Chapman sought to establish his identity by killing John Lennon, the one person on earth who meant no harm to anyone. Now George has been stabbed, and whether or not the culprit was a disoriented "fan," the pain he created was an unfair price for George and his wife to pay for such well-intended talent and appeal. I stabbed George; I shot John, and I, along with all the other over-indulged fans, need to be stopped before we destroy all human creativity.

Subject: RE: Confession: I stabbed George Harrison
From: Brakn
Date: 30 Dec 99 - 10:26 AM

Threads are definately getting worse!

Subject: RE: Confession: I stabbed George Harrison
From: Peter T.
Date: 30 Dec 99 - 10:36 AM

I haven't been openly rude to anyone on this site before, but as someone who has had a love and respect for all the Beatles, through all their glories and foibles, I personally resent your remarks and think you are an idiot. yours, Peter T.

Subject: RE: Confession: I stabbed George Harrison
From: Gern
Date: 30 Dec 99 - 10:44 AM

What a shame to see Mudcat regulars resorting to rudeness in the face of a sincere regret posted over a person I have respected. Can we exchange feelings about music and life without such intolerance? My remarks clearly indicate sympathy for this victim, and a willingness to share in the guilt of the crime. Are these the words of an 'idiot'? Harrison has been driven into a hermit's existence, by his own admission, by the all-pervasive star machine and the violent death of his best friend at the hands of a fan. If these thoughts make you uncofortable, I certainly understand. If my expressing these thoughts make you hostile, perhaps you should step out of the way and let others repsond

Subject: RE: Confession: I stabbed George Harrison
From: catspaw49
Date: 30 Dec 99 - 10:55 AM

Happy to......You're an idiot. Peter is quite correct. The whole idea that everyone is resposible for everything is ludicrous. Sorry about George, but other folks get stabbed, shot and killed daily and I feel for them and their families, but that I am responsible is absurd.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Confession: I stabbed George Harrison
From: Bert
Date: 30 Dec 99 - 10:59 AM

It certainly is sad news Gern. I hope that George and his wife soon recover.

I don't really agree with you about us all being guilty. Stars deliberately seek the limelight and are aware of the risks involved. I think that the media however could help the situation a lot by refusing to print the names of the deranged criminals who attack public figures.

Bert.

Subject: RE: Confession: I stabbed George Harrison
From: MMario
Date: 30 Dec 99 - 11:01 AM

ON the other hand, Gern, if you wish to feel responsible, go ahead and do so. In fact, we could blame you for a great many things, such as the y2k hysteria, the idiotic double celebration of the millenium, original sin, and the death of the betelguesean tittittle avianoids.

Subject: RE: Confession: I stabbed George Harrison
From: Skipjack
Date: 30 Dec 99 - 11:01 AM

I personally think you're both wrong, but not eejits. I am diametrically opposed to the deification and veneration of fellow musicians. When reputations grow, and musicians become out of reach, for the simple social exchanges such as sharing a pint or two, I no longer service that relationship.

This hysterical media-fest is manna to the chattering classes (that's us, too, by the way!) and has absolutely sod all to do with a bunch of muso's who churned out some smashing tunes a couple of decades back.

Hopefully this thread will die before the media circus.

Subject: RE: Confession: I stabbed George Harrison
From: JedMarum
Date: 30 Dec 99 - 11:02 AM

Gern - I disagree with you. I do not share blame in this tragic event. Like you, I have held George and the Beatles in high regard for their musical contribution - and for the catalyst affect they had on a changing social consciousness - but I never idolized them, I never cast them into a glass cage, and I never felt ownership over their existence. I understand that these possessive behaviours you ascribe to all of us, individually - can be attributed to a the 'mob' psyche, from some perspectives - but it cannot be applied to all collectively and certainly far from he truth in most cases.

This sad event causes pain in the hearts of all his 'fans' - and that, indeed is probably part of the would-be assailant's motivation. I understand the pain you feel for George, and hence your strong statements - but I, for one, am willing to absolve you of guilt in this matter. I suspect most of us here will feel the same way.

Subject: RE: Confession: I stabbed George Harrison
From: bbelle
Date: 30 Dec 99 - 11:24 AM

Gern ... you pays your money, you takes your choice. Mega Stars make millions and the nature of the beast is that they lose their anonymity. It's sad ... but no one is to blame except the person who did the deed. I was attacked last year outside my home by a man ... because I am a woman ... and did not blame all men for being men. And, if your argument is that I am not famous so it doesn't mean as much ... I agree with my compatriots above ... moonchild

Subject: RE: Confession: I stabbed George Harrison
From: Wesley S
Date: 30 Dec 99 - 11:29 AM

Some people draw attention to themselves by attacking famous people and others draw attention to themselves by posting inflamitory threads like "Confession: I Stabbed George Harrison" In my humble opinion.

Subject: RE: Confession: I stabbed George Harrison
From: MTed
Date: 30 Dec 99 - 11:32 AM

Gern,

Since you've confessed this crime to us, will you turn yourself in, or should we? But don't try to pin it on us--we are a live and let live crowd--

Subject: RE: Confession: I stabbed George Harrison
From: harpgirl
Date: 30 Dec 99 - 11:34 AM

....look before you leap, Gern!

Subject: RE: Confession: I stabbed George Harrison
From: Jeri
Date: 30 Dec 99 - 11:36 AM

Gern, I don't agree with taking responsibility for something I don't support and can't do anything about. If you want to look at the real root cause, it's probably capitalism.

I've known of quite a few folk musicians who could have "made it" in the pop world, and chose not to. They didn't want the glamor, the power, or the lifestyle. All they wanted was to continue to make music and earn enough money to live on. I think most of the folks in this forum don't buy into that "you have to be hugely famous to be successful" crap.

And the guy who was murdered in "your home town" last night deserves outrage too, but he wasn't famous.

Subject: RE: Confession: I stabbed George Harrison
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 30 Dec 99 - 12:00 PM

Doggone, it seems ya can't 'fess up to anything anymore. Now Gern, if you'd only titled this "Is George Harrison Folk?", and then slipped in your little secret a few postings along, you'da been home free.

Rick

Subject: RE: Confession: I stabbed George Harrison
From: MTed
Date: 30 Dec 99 - 12:13 PM

George Harrison is a wonderful ukulele player, (and is very fond of George Formby) and, interestingly, most Beatles tunes(especially early ones) feel really natural, when played on the uke--(sorry, but it seemed like a little thread creep was needed here!!!)

Subject: RE: Confession: I stabbed George Harrison
From: katlaughing
Date: 30 Dec 99 - 12:16 PM

A better title for the thread would've definitely helped!

Subject: RE: Confession: I stabbed George Harrison
From: annamill
Date: 30 Dec 99 - 12:24 PM

I didn't know that the betelguesean tittittle avianoids were dead!

Gern. I'm very sorry that some other idiot stabbed George, but to take responsibility because we made George famous is idiotic. Someone up there said that when a musician gets beyond sitting and having a beer or two they would no longer service that relationship. Isn't that all that fame is? Everyone wanting to sit and have a couple of beers with you. Now make that millions of people wanting to sit and have a couple with you and...well, you can see the problems incurred. Why should I feel guilty because George and his family can live in wonderful splendor any way he chooses and can go anywhere in the world at any time and be accepted with love and admiration.

He could have been walking through Central Park and some mugger, not knowing who they stabbed, may have stabbed him.

Oh, this whole thing is idiotic!

Love, annap

Subject: RE: Confession: I stabbed George Harrison
From: harpgirl
Date: 30 Dec 99 - 01:32 PM

...we need another thread creep like a hole in the head...

Subject: RE: Confession: I stabbed George Harrison
From: Mbo
Date: 30 Dec 99 - 01:48 PM

What's all this about George getting stabbed?! Why wasn't this in the news!! I love that man's music, and I am totally shocked to hear about this attack! Does anyone know anything about this? Is he OK? Did they catch the jerk who did it? I must know!! BTW "Apple Scruffs" makes a great skiffle tune!

--Mbo

Subject: RE: Confession: I stabbed George Harrison
From: longhair
Date: 30 Dec 99 - 02:03 PM

That's what the hell is wrong w/ the world and our country now, collective guilt, nobody is responsible for their own actions anymore. If somebody goes nutso and kills somebody it's because society did them wrong. What a bunch of BS!!! I didn't stab George Harrison or his wife. The guy that broke in his house did! Is that you Gern?? If so we need to get you locked up as soon as possible. Craziest shit I've ever heard of!! Damn!!!

To all sane people of Mudcat, I would like to apoligize for the above rant!!! longhair

Subject: RE: Confession: I stabbed George Harrison
From: Áine
Date: 30 Dec 99 - 02:08 PM

No apology needed, longhair. And I couldn't agree with you more, my friend.

Subject: RE: Confession: I stabbed George Harrison
From: Hasek
Date: 30 Dec 99 - 02:35 PM

It has been reported CBC that George was stabbed 4 times in the chest area but should recover. His wife was hurt over the head but did not require hospitalization.

Subject: RE: Confession: I stabbed George Harrison
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 30 Dec 99 - 02:47 PM

Gern makes some valid points about the cult of celebrity. In the absence of any valid religious beliefs among the masses, money becomes a sacrament, and fame a form of sainthood. I don't buy the argument that we all individually share guilt when a public figure is assassinated, but there is a degree of truth in the statement that fame reduces many individuals possessed of great talent to mere icons of fame, and as symbols they become targets of those sick individuals who would achieve their fame through the destruction of people like Lennon and Harrison.

Subject: RE: Confession: I stabbed George Harrison
From: katlaughing
Date: 30 Dec 99 - 02:49 PM

From the DRUDGE REPORT's links:

Beatle Harrison Stabbed By Intruder

Beatle George Harrison is in hospital after being stabbed in the chest as he grappled with a knife-wielding intruder at his mansion.

The guitarist suffered an inch deep wound and his wife Olivia was also injured as they overpowered the attacker, who was arrested by police on suspicion of attempted murder.

Their ordeal - almost 19 years after Harrison's fellow Beatle John Lennon was shot dead by an obsessive fan outside his New York apartment - began when they heard a noise at their secluded home in Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire.

They raised the alarm and confronted the intruder as police went to the scene.

Thames Valley Police said a man, understood to be aged 33 and from Liverpool, is being questioned about the incident at Friar Park, the Harrisons' home for more than 20 years.

Merseyside Police later searched an address in Huyton, Liverpool, in connection with the incident. Michael Abram is registered on the electoral roll as living at the flat.

Although there has been no official comment on the motive for the attack, police sources said they do not believe it was a simple burglary and they are looking at a more "sinister" explanation.

A hospital official who spoke to Mr Harrison said he had also ruled out burglary.

Mark Gritten, chief executive of the Royal Berkshire Hospital where the star was taken, said that although the Beatle was shocked by what had happened, he had not lost his sense of humour.

"The quote he gave me was that the man wasn't a burglar but that he certainly wasn't auditioning for the Traveling Wilburys (Harrison's band)," Mr Gritten said.

Subject: RE: Confession: I stabbed George Harrison
From: JedMarum
Date: 30 Dec 99 - 02:59 PM

CBS got it wrong, as Kat's quote above points out, Harrison recieved a single stab wound, did not require surgery to repair and is in good/stable condition. Check out the headlines here.

Subject: RE: Confession: I stabbed George Harrison
From: Mbo
Date: 30 Dec 99 - 03:15 PM

Thanks folks. I'm glad they got the guy. Ha ha, good old George! I love the Traveling Wilburys! I hope George recovers to make many more Wilbury albums. Get well soon, George!

--Mbo

Subject: RE: Confession: I stabbed George Harrison
From: Hasek
Date: 30 Dec 99 - 03:18 PM

Thanks Liam !!!!!!

Subject: RE: Confession: I stabbed George Harrison
From: jabjo
Date: 30 Dec 99 - 03:21 PM

Whilst the title of this thread is doubtlessly couched in unfortunate terms, it does raise some salient points.

As a huge Beatles fan, I listen, I read, I hear and I consume gossip about the band, almost 30 years after their demise.

For good or bad, I'm more interested in George Harrison's life than I am with the man or woman who lives a few doors down the street, and certainly those who live a few streets away...

I can understand those who feel agreived by the suggestion that George's stabbing was 'their' fault.

I do however think that you are generally missing 'Germs' point.

If none of us had ever bought a Betles record, George would not have been stabbed today.

Of course, this does not mean that we are personally guilty.

Jabjo

Subject: RE: Confession: I stabbed George Harrison
From: Jeri
Date: 30 Dec 99 - 03:25 PM

I can't understand why people are so upset with Gern's post. I'm not debating, I simply don't understand. I also don't understand why, if it's simply his ideas people don't agree with, folks are calling him "idiot" and "creep." If this were another forum, I'd be tempted to say people didn't actually read what he'd written, or try to understand it, and just knee-jerked at the title and first line. (And I still don't agree with him, but find that a poor excuse for name-calling.)

Subject: RE: Confession: I stabbed George Harrison
From: katlaughing
Date: 30 Dec 99 - 03:27 PM

If none of us had ever bought one of their albums (BTW, I have an original 45rpm of Help!), he mostly likely wouldn't have all of the privileges that come of money and fame, also. Good ole Catch-22, that. Be careful what you ask for, right?

Subject: RE: Confession: I stabbed George Harrison
From: Peter T.
Date: 30 Dec 99 - 03:42 PM

Jeri (glad you got home safely), you are the only person for I would dignify this nonsense by continuing to contribute to it. If you read the original post, as you suggest, you will note that I am asked (as a fan or member of the human race or some other rhetorical crap) to confess ("you should too") to stabbing George Harrison, and by more than implication to killing John Lennon. I consider that to be idiotic, rude, and insulting to thousands of people who would have done much to keep John from getting killed. Gern's reply, is if anything, more idiotic. If he or she had spent some time on planet Earth, then he or she would have noticed that started a conversation with such accusatory language -- attempting to drag everyone down into his or her ridiculous guilt trip -- is likely to get things off on the wrong foot. I am only glad that George Harrison at least has retained his sense of humour -- I lost mine with this crap some time ago. yours, Peter T.

Subject: RE: Confession: I stabbed George Harrison
From: InOBU
Date: 30 Dec 99 - 04:39 PM

George was stabbed? Where was I? Havent I seen the news for a few days? Wierd? Humph!? Hope he is OK.
Oh, one more thing... I didnt do it.
Neither did you Gern. It is ok to feel hopeless at times like this, but I dont even think Mr. H would blame his well meaning fans. I think he would like a card telling him you made a small donation to a charity he cares about as a get well wish.
Stay cool everyone - unless you are up here in the North East, then stay warm,
Seasons best
Larry

Subject: RE: Confession: I stabbed George Harrison
From: Peter T.
Date: 30 Dec 99 - 04:39 PM

Sorry, lost a little grammar in my rant (a sign of intemperance) -- "for whom", and "having started".
yours, Peter T.

Subject: RE: Confession: I stabbed George Harrison
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 30 Dec 99 - 04:50 PM

Some people will do the most extraordinary things to get noticed.

At least sticking a post with a daft thread title and a slightly off kilter premise is a reasonably harmless way of saying "Look at Me", compared with stalking some famous person.

Subject: RE: Confession: I stabbed George Harrison
From: Jeri
Date: 30 Dec 99 - 04:52 PM

Thanks for explaining, Peter. I had an initial reaction to Gern's first post of "whaddya mean 'we?'"

There are plenty of excuses people can dream up to justify evil deeds. Blame it on family, friends, co-workers, the "system," anything but one's self. If criminals believe these excuses are reason enough to commit crimes, then perhaps those who facilitate them doing so really are guilty.

I'm outta here.

Subject: RE: Confession: I stabbed George Harrison
From: Durham Lad
Date: 30 Dec 99 - 05:18 PM

I can't agree with your sentiments Gern. That tabloid headline sure woke me up though. Is this going to start a trend?

Subject: RE: Confession: I stabbed George Harrison
From: Bill D
Date: 30 Dec 99 - 05:23 PM

"mea culpa, mea culpa...mea ambigua culpa"

(no, I will not explicate)

Subject: RE: Confession: I stabbed George Harrison
From: Bill D
Date: 30 Dec 99 - 05:24 PM

(though I think that should be 'culpe'

Subject: RE: Confession: I stabbed George Harrison
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 30 Dec 99 - 05:58 PM

Naah, "culpa" is what we always used to say till we got de-Latinised. Unless there is some highpowered macaronic pun that I don't understand.

Subject: RE: Confession: I stabbed George Harrison
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 30 Dec 99 - 06:32 PM

Gern, apart from the fact that I think that your suggestion that we are all guilty is outrageous, when you say "John Lennon, the one person on earth who never meant to harm anybody" aren't you begin guilty of another absurd form of idolotry? Do you really know whether John Lennon had any more or less intention to harm anybody than me or anybody else that has ever lived on earth?

Also, I am a little confused by "... unfair price for George and his wife to pay for such well intended tallent and appeal". Are you suggesting that it would be fair for somebody less talented or with less appeal to be stabbed?

Jon

Subject: RE: Confession: I stabbed George Harrison
From: catspaw49
Date: 30 Dec 99 - 06:48 PM

Ya know Jon, you just keep amazing me all the time!!!

Spaw

Subject: RE: Confession: I stabbed George Harrison
From: Helen
Date: 30 Dec 99 - 06:54 PM

I think this debate is similar to the debate about whether the paparazzi held some responsibility for Princess Diana's death. Was it the fault of journalists & photographers for chasing her because she was famous, or was it her fault for being famous (& enjoying the trappings of fame & wealth) or was it the fault of the general public for demanding more & more information about her? Or was it the fault of the media for creating that demand?

Interesting topic for debate. I think Gern's creative expression and lateral thinking should be acknowledged. He/she could have said it in a less complex way, and more boringly ordinary, but hey, this is the Mudcat, & we are complex, and we aren't boringly ordinary.

I see what you are saying, Gern, and I agree with your sentiments, but not necessarily agree with taking on personal responsibility, because I don't tap into the idolatry of famous people because it goes against my egalitarian nature.

Helen

Subject: RE: Confession: I stabbed George Harrison
From: Mike Billo
Date: 30 Dec 99 - 07:00 PM

For a little perspective on what an insular world we "music heads" live in, this morning my father (age 84),and my step-brother ( age 54, elementary school principal), were over visiting. When I heard the news about GH on the radio I ran into the room where they were both with my daughter(age 19, college student), and oldest son(age 15 high school student).

I yelled,"George Harrison and his wife have been stabbed!!"

All four of them asked in unison,"Who's George Harrison?"

Subject: RE: Confession: I stabbed George Harrison
From: catspaw49
Date: 30 Dec 99 - 07:10 PM

I think that about sums it up Mike.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Confession: I stabbed George Harrison
From: Mbo
Date: 30 Dec 99 - 07:13 PM

What's this world coming to? Maybe they'd know him if they heard one of his songs...

--Mbo

Subject: RE: Confession: I stabbed George Harrison
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 30 Dec 99 - 08:05 PM

I heard a brief news report that referred to how "Harrison and his wife overpowered the attacker." My mind boggles at the thought of peaceful, spiritual George overpowering anyone, let alone a knife-wielding maniac. I'd like to picture him clubbing the intruder with a sitar, or baffling him with that dry Harrisonian humor we've all become familiar with.

Subject: RE: Confession: I stabbed George Harrison
From: kendall
Date: 30 Dec 99 - 08:13 PM

Am I innocent because I have never bought a Beatles album? Following the previous logic, I'm as innocent as a new born. (almost choked on that one) :-)

Subject: RE: Confession: I stabbed George Harrison
From: Áine
Date: 30 Dec 99 - 08:21 PM

And I almost choked reading it . . .

With a kiss and hug to my favorite (virgin) Yankee, Áine

Subject: RE: Confession: I stabbed George Harrison
From:
Date: 30 Dec 99 - 08:49 PM

I've no desire to be in this one. Bye folks!

Art Thieme