McCartney Times

In 1974, as Apple was winding down, George Harrison and Ringo Starr both wanted to help new artists, so rather than trying to salvage Apple Records, each ex-Beatle created their own label. Ringo Starr established Ring’o Records, while George Harrison created Dark Horse Records, set up to be a much smaller scale label, releasing records from new artists as well as some of his old friends, with an eye to eventually releasing his own solo music. While Dark Horse had an encouraging beginning with a hit single from Splinter in 1974, the label started suffering some problems, failing to establish itself the way Harrison hoped. However, some incredible music from a variety of artists was created from 1974 to 1977 and some of Harrison’s best solo material would come out on that label. In the end, Dark Horse Records would only release George Harrison’s solo work (for the most part), but since 2020, Dhani Harrison has taken over the reins and has made Dark Horse a viable label once again, signing Cat Stevens, Billy Idol and releasing music from Joe Strummer and Leon Russell. Finally, in 2023, it was announced that Harrison’s entire solo catalogue was going to be rereleased on Dark Horse. This book tells the story of the label from the beginning, through its struggles and to its new and exciting renaissance.

Contributor: John Bezzini