George Harrison Played The Greatest Prank On Phil Collins

In yet another attempt to dispel the ridiculous labeling of George Harrison being "the quiet Beatle," I offer up a real gem. Not only was George friendly and outgoing to his pals, but he was apparently known to play a good gag on someone. In the annals of fantastic jokester-ing, this may take the cake. I found out George Harrison played the greatest prank on Phil Collins, and Phil told me the story himself.

Phil Collins and George Harrison first worked together on George's 1970 masterpiece, "All Things Must Pass," and it was his playing on that track that gave birth to a truly killer gag. Back in 2005, I had the pleasure of chatting with Phil Collins. We have had some nice conversations in the past, and this time was no different. We covered a lot of different subjects, and the interview was going to air around the time of George's birthday. I asked Phil about playing on George's "All Things Must Pass," and also asked him to share a good George Harrison story. I was not prepared for the hilarious tale he relayed about being punked by a Beatle. Kudos to you, George!

Hear the story of how George Harrison played the greatest prank on Phil Collins here:

George Harrison passed away November 29, 2001, and he left behind an incredible body of work for us to enjoy. Deep within those beautiful songs of his are some sage words that have surely made me think and brought me comfort over the years. I wanted to share a few of my favorites with you today. Miss you, George.

When you've seen beyond yourself
Then you may find peace of mind is waiting there.
And the time will come when you see we're all one
And life flows on within you and without you.

Some things take so long
but how do I explain
when not too many people
can see we're all the same?
And because of all their tears
their eyes can't hope to see
the beauty that surrounds them.
Isn't it a pity.

Watch out now, take care
beware of the thoughts that linger
winding up inside your head.
The hopelessness around you
in the dead of night.

Beware of sadness.
It can hit you,
it can hurt you,
make you sore and what is more,
that is not what you are here for.

Remember now,
be here now.
And it's not like it was before.
The past, was, be here now.
And it's not like it was before
it was.

Scan not a friend with a microscopic glass.
You know his faults, now let his foibles pass.
Life is one long enigma, my friend
So read on, read on,
The answer's at the end.

It's easier to tell a lie than it is to tell the truth.
It's easier to kill a fly than it is to turn it loose.
It's easier to criticize somebody else
Than to see yourself.

It's all too much for me to take
The love that's shining all around you
All the world's a birthday cake
So take a piece, but not too much.

We've got to save the world
Someone's children they may need it
So far we've seen
The big business of extinction bleed it
We've got to save the world.

If you don't know where you're going,
Any road will take you there.

The soul does not love, it is love itself.
It does not exist, it is existence itself.
It does not know, it is knowledge itself.