When you think of the Beatles and the Go-Go's, you might not immediately connect them. But in 1989, a surprising collaboration bridged these two iconic acts, resulting in a pop gem that still shines today.
Belinda Carlisle, the Go-Go's lead singer, was working on her third solo album, Runaway Horses, when producer Rick Nowels suggested they needed a special touch for the track "Leave a Light On." Carlisle recalled, "Rick said we should get someone cool and with a distinctive style to play the lead guitar part. I thought for a moment and said 'What about George Harrison?'"
It wasn't just a random idea. Carlisle had met Harrison briefly in San Remo, Italy, and her husband, Morgan Mason, had connections through his work on Sex, Lies, and Videotape, a film produced by Harrison's Handmade Films. When they reached out, Harrison responded immediately, saying he'd love to help.
Getting Harrison was a major coup, as he rarely collaborated outside his own projects. But his motivation was simple: he admired Carlisle's voice. And he didn't just play any solo—he crafted a slide guitar part that he later called his favorite. "It had its own little tune which related to the tune Belinda was singing, but it's also a little composition in its own right," he said. He even joked about getting a blister from recording it.
The song itself is a masterpiece of pop songwriting. Written by Carlisle, Nowels, and Ellen Shipley, it tells the story of a woman leaving her love to find herself, asking him to "leave a light on" as a symbol of hope for her return. Carlisle's vocal performance is pleading and powerful, perfectly capturing the emotional conflict.
Harrison's solo is the perfect complement, adding a layer of soulful melancholy that elevates the track. It's no wonder the song became a hit and remains a fan favorite.
Years later, after Harrison's passing, his widow Olivia reached out to Carlisle. She had found a cassette of Runaway Horses while cleaning and wanted Carlisle to know how much George loved her voice. It's a touching testament to the mutual respect between these two artists.
For fans of classic rock and pop, this collaboration is a reminder of the magic that can happen when legends come together. If you're interested in more stories about iconic musicians, check out our piece on the Beatles' 1966 masterpiece or explore rock legends who embraced disco.
