Beck kicks off George Harrison Week on 'Conan' with 'Wah-Wah'

The ever-versatile Beck kicked off Conan O’Brien’s George Harrison Week with a cover of “Wah-Wah,” the 1970 hit from the Beatle’s acclaimed solo album, All Things Must Pass. Conan’s weeklong tribute to the musician will also feature live performances by Norah Jones, Dhani Harrison, and Paul Simon.

Beck’s cover was an authentic tribute to the original tune, slightly pared down production-wise and colored with Beck’s laid-back style.

The launch of Conan’s tribute week coincided with the release of George Harrison: The Apple Years 1968-75, a deluxe compilation/reissue of Harrison’s first six solo albums, produced by Apple Records. “Wah-Wah” was the first track recorded on All Things Must Pass, which Harrison started to record at Abbey Road during the Let It Be sessions and then released in 1970, following Paul McCartney’s departure from the band.

Harrison’s solo work marked an experimental departure from the Beatles’ sound—fueled by his artistic clashes with bandmates Paul McCartney and John Lennon—during the band’s temporary dissolution and ultimate breakup. The Phil Spector-produced single and album did well on charts and with critics.