George Harrison and Pattie Boyd: The Rise and Fall of a Legendary Love Story
George Harrison's marriage to Pattie Boyd came to an end in 1977 after years of drifting apart. Harrison had written a song years earlier that reflected the gradual breakdown of their relationship. Boyd was only 21 when Harrison proposed to her, and they initially seemed destined for each other. However, as time passed, they grew apart, and their love faded.
Boyd, a model, took on various acting roles to kickstart her career, including a commercial directed by Richard Lester. Lester later cast her in "A Hard Day's Night," where she met Harrison. Despite initial hesitations, Boyd and Harrison had instant chemistry and eventually started dating. Their relationship was idyllic in the beginning, with Harrison being described as sweet and adored by Boyd's family.
Speculation surrounds Harrison's songs and whether they were inspired by Boyd. While it's believed that 'Something' was written with her in mind, Harrison downplayed her influence. Their relationship began to unravel in the late '60s, and Harrison later had an affair with Maureen, Ringo Starr's wife, leading to the end of both marriages.
In 1972, Harrison realized that his marriage to Boyd was coming to an end while staying in New York. Alone in his hotel room, he wrote the poignant song 'So Sad' about the collapse of their relationship. The song reflects a sense of quiet resignation and acceptance of the emotional distance that had grown between them.
Despite knowing their relationship was over, Harrison hesitated to end it and tried to make it work. Two years after writing 'So Sad,' his affair with Maureen came to light, leading Boyd to leave him for Eric Clapton. Despite the turmoil, Harrison and Boyd remained amicable, with Harrison even performing at her wedding to Clapton.