The Beatles: George Harrison refused an OBE just two years before his death
On this day, 19 years ago, The Beatles’ George Harrison tragically lost his life to lung cancer. On November 29, 2001, the 58-year-old passed away from his illness in his Hollywood Hills mansion in the USA. He was surrounded by his family, including his wife of 23 years, Olivia Harrison.
Years later, it was reported that Harrison actually turned down an OBE just two years before his death.
According to a report at the time, the OBE was recommended for Harrison by the Department for Culture, Media, and Sport.
The department said Harrison “should be recognised for his contribution to the music industry”.
The citation read: “He was a member of a band that many people would say is the best thing that Britain has ever produced, and possibly the best in the world, The Beatles.”
