The electrical industry boasts some famous names. Among them, lead guitarist of the most popular band of all time, was George Harrison. Many people are thankful that this young man left his early electrician work in Melbourne for a life of music.
At the tender age of sixteen, George dropped out of high school to take on the career path of an electrician’s apprentice in 1959. He saw this is as a way to earn a reliable living, as hopes for the band did not yet extend past playing in pubs on the weekends. The company was Blackler’s Stores in his hometown of Liverpool, the city now synonymous with the Beatles. This particular famous department store, on the corner of Elliot and Great Charlotte Street, proved to be of assistance not only to George, but also to the original drummer, Pete Best. Best bought his drum kit from the Blackler’s music department. Some reports suggest that Harrison had actually wanted to apply for a window dressing job that had been advertised in the window previously, but which had since been replaced with a notice looking for an apprentice electrician.
Harrison’s choice to go for the electrician job was heavily influenced by his father, who did not see music as a feasible career option. His push for his youngest son to join the electrical force was clear when he presented George with a set of electrician’s tools one Christmas morning. The idea was to create a family garage business, where George’s electrical skills would complement his older brother Harry’s motor mechanic career and his other brother Peter’s panel beating skills.
He only worked briefly in this role at Blackler’s for a few short months, as at his own admittance he blew things up too often. This knowledge about Harrison’s previous career choice came about in an interview when asked about what he would have done with his life had it not been for Beatles fame. He responded by saying that he was a poor electrician, and suggested that he was actually fired from his apprenticeship. Whether he was actually dismissed or simply left of his own volition is still uncertain. This was also in the time when trades such as electricians were very poorly paid, and experienced harsh conditions. These factors combined to paint a bleak picture of the electrical trade, and the lure of life as a musician was too strong.
Despite the comment about his poor skill, Harrison learned some valuable lessons from his time as an electrician, which he would make use of throughout life. Most notably, when the band started doing some more serious gigs, Harrison had an extensive knowledge of the wiring and sound equipment. As a result, he was often given this important responsibility of setting up and sound checking. His knowledge and skill with electrical and rigging equipment no doubt expanded during the years of touring and performing. So much so, that he set up his own multitrack home recording system at his Esher residence.
The world is glad that Harrison realised his true calling early in life and left the electrical business. Today, the industry attracts much more interest, with high safety standards, good wages and general enhanced conditions. The training is strict and long, to ensure those who become electricians are the very best of the best, and more motivated than a young George Harrison was all those years ago. For experienced electrician talent in Melbourne that is in a league of its own, get in touch with Twin Electrics and Plumbing at http://twinelectrics.com.au/.
At the tender age of sixteen, George dropped out of high school to take on the career path of an electrician’s apprentice in 1959. He saw this is as a way to earn a reliable living, as hopes for the band did not yet extend past playing in pubs on the weekends. The company was Blackler’s Stores in his hometown of Liverpool, the city now synonymous with the Beatles. This particular famous department store, on the corner of Elliot and Great Charlotte Street, proved to be of assistance not only to George, but also to the original drummer, Pete Best. Best bought his drum kit from the Blackler’s music department. Some reports suggest that Harrison had actually wanted to apply for a window dressing job that had been advertised in the window previously, but which had since been replaced with a notice looking for an apprentice electrician.
Harrison’s choice to go for the electrician job was heavily influenced by his father, who did not see music as a feasible career option. His push for his youngest son to join the electrical force was clear when he presented George with a set of electrician’s tools one Christmas morning. The idea was to create a family garage business, where George’s electrical skills would complement his older brother Harry’s motor mechanic career and his other brother Peter’s panel beating skills.
He only worked briefly in this role at Blackler’s for a few short months, as at his own admittance he blew things up too often. This knowledge about Harrison’s previous career choice came about in an interview when asked about what he would have done with his life had it not been for Beatles fame. He responded by saying that he was a poor electrician, and suggested that he was actually fired from his apprenticeship. Whether he was actually dismissed or simply left of his own volition is still uncertain. This was also in the time when trades such as electricians were very poorly paid, and experienced harsh conditions. These factors combined to paint a bleak picture of the electrical trade, and the lure of life as a musician was too strong.
Despite the comment about his poor skill, Harrison learned some valuable lessons from his time as an electrician, which he would make use of throughout life. Most notably, when the band started doing some more serious gigs, Harrison had an extensive knowledge of the wiring and sound equipment. As a result, he was often given this important responsibility of setting up and sound checking. His knowledge and skill with electrical and rigging equipment no doubt expanded during the years of touring and performing. So much so, that he set up his own multitrack home recording system at his Esher residence.
The world is glad that Harrison realised his true calling early in life and left the electrical business. Today, the industry attracts much more interest, with high safety standards, good wages and general enhanced conditions. The training is strict and long, to ensure those who become electricians are the very best of the best, and more motivated than a young George Harrison was all those years ago. For experienced electrician talent in Melbourne that is in a league of its own, get in touch with Twin Electrics and Plumbing at http://twinelectrics.com.au/.
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