The four-word message that Beatles icon George Harrison used to cheer up his friends

“George always had a mix of spirituality and silliness,” our source said. “He could talk about the meaning of life one minute and make a Python joke the next. That’s what Eric liked about him.”

After Harrison’s death from cancer, Idle was one of many close friends – along with Ravi Shankar, Tom Petty and Jeff Lynne – who attended his intimate memorial service in Los Angeles. He has since said that Harrison’s influence remains with him every day.

“George made you realize you couldn’t waste a minute,” the source said. “He wasn’t afraid of death – he saw it as part of the joke of life. That’s why his friends loved him. He helped them see how lucky they were to be here in the first place.”

Idle’s new one-man show, which he describes as “a mix of comedy, music and philosophy – with one fart joke”, is touring Britain.

He says he still channels Harrison’s perspective when life feels overwhelming.

“George taught me not to take it all so seriously,” he said. “Every day could be your last, so make it funny.”