Lost Tapes: George Harrison 1987 WNEW Interview

We've opened the vaults at WNEW, quite literally, and found some amazing gems in the dusty old boxes filled with reel-to-reel tapes.

In this classic WNEW interview from 1987 ex-Beatle George Harrison talks with DJ Dave Herman.

1987 was the comeback year for George. He hadn't released an album for five years, since the flop of Gone Troppo. This time he released Cloud Nine, his biggest record since All Things Must Pass in 1970.

Cloud Nine was a special album featuring an all-star band of Jeff Lynne, Eric Clapton, Ringo Starr and Elton John. One year later he would form the Traveling Wilburys with Jeff Lynne, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty and Roy Orbison.

George and Dave reflect on how the Beatles might sound like Electric Light Orchestra if they were still together and interpret a song from Cloud Nine — When We Were Fab.

One bit of interesting trivia that comes out is that Phil Collins played drums as a very young man on a track on All Things Must Pass. George also reveals that he does not necessarily keep up with other '80s bands, seeing music trends as pretty bland, at least when it comes to radio play.

Dave Herman takes a risk by asking George Harrison about his love triangle with Eric Clapton (Eric fell in love with and married George's wife) — George is forthcoming and still remained a close friend of Eric to that day.

George Harrison 1987 WNEW Interview with Dave Herman

Remember this interview when it originally aired? Hearing it for the first time? Share your memories and impressions in the comments below!