Pattie Boyd Harrison Clapton

Info

Born: March 17, 1944

Met George Harrison on first day of shooting of A Hard Day's Night, in which she played the schoolgirl on the train whose only line is "Prisoners?!"

Marriage:

Married George Harrison on January 21, 1966 at Epsom Register Office in Surrey . The two had lived together for about a year before they were married.

Attendees at wedding included: Paul McCartney

What the Beatles were doing that night: This was during a long break between touring in December and the recording of Revolver beginning in April.

As the Beatles were breaking up, George became more and more adulterous. This deeply hurt Pattie and she began to "seek comfort in the arms of others". She had an affair with George's good friend Eric Clapton just to spite George. This plan backfired, however, when Eric fell in love with her, only to have her return to George. This saga is detailed in the lyrics to 'Layla' which was written about her. She also had an affair with the Rolling Stones' Ron Wood. Eventually George's behavior took the toll on the marriage and Pattie turned to Eric. It is remarkable that George and Eric remained amicable during this turn of events.

Divorce: 1977

Later marriages: Eric Clapton on March 27, 1979 in Tuscon until their divorce in 1986

Guests included: George Harrison and Olivia Arias (his second wife), Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Mick Jagger, Elton John, Lonnie Donegan, Jeff Beck, and Ray Cooper.

Interesting Facts

The songs 'Layla' and 'Wonderful Tonight' by Derek & the Dominoes (Clapton's pseudonym) and Eric Clapton respectively were written about her.

She sings backup (along with Yoko Ono) on 'Birthday' (it should be clear which line).

Wild Honey Pie was included on the White Album because Pattie liked it.

Pattie was just as interested in Indian culture as George and it was she who introduced George and, in turn, the Beatles to the Maharishi.

Pictures

Quotes

The following quotes are from Hunter Davies' Authorized Biography of the Beatles (McGraw-Hill Book Co., 1968) and were compiled c. 1967:

(In reference to George's Indian interests): "He's very independent and he's breaking out more and more. He's found something stronger than the Beatles, though he still wants them to share it."

(In reference to publicity): "I keep thinking, this time it will be okay. No one will know and even it they do, they won't care. That trip to LA last year...to my horror, there were TV cameras and hundreds of girls screaming."

"But I can't get over the fans always hanging round the house, even now...They got into our bedroom the other day and stole a pair of my trousers and George's pajamas."

"They were doing their Christmas show at Hammersmith...I scraped my hair back so that I would look completely different and no one would recognize me. I don't know how anyone did, but a few did and started punching me."

"It comes out with new people you meet as well. You think, here's a nice person, then they say something which shows they think I'm different."

"I just don't want to be the little wife sitting at home. I want to do something worthwhile."

"They all belong to each other." (in reference to Beatles) "George has a lot with the others that I can never know about."

"I met them and they said hello. I couldn't believe it. They were so like how I'd imagined them to be. They were just like pictures of themselves coming to life."

"When I was asking George for his (autograph), I said could he sign it for my two sisters as well. He signed his name and put two kisses each for them, but under mine he put seven kisses. I thought he must like me a little."

(In reference to fan letters): "The letters upset me a lot. They were really nasty and said awful things, especially from the states."

Links

There is a page from someone whose IRC name is Pattie Boyd.


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This page is maintained by Melissa K. Carroll

Last pondered over 2/11/97