George Harrison Stayed At Pier Walk (Shore Road Inn) — 55th Anniversary Exhibit

We’re honored to share exciting local music history: newly unearthed photos and research from the Deerfield Beach Historical Society confirm that George Harrison spent quiet time here on Deerfield Beach in November 1970—and during that visit he lodged at what was then the Shore Road Inn, the very property that is now Pier Walk Deerfield Beach. 

This was a pivotal moment for Harrison—between the breakup of The Beatles and the release of his landmark solo album All Things Must Pass (Nov.27, 1970). Seeking peace and anonymity, he visited family living in Deerfield Beach and enjoyed the calm of our breezy beach town.

To mark the 55th anniversary of his visit, the Deerfield Beach Historical Society (in partnership with the City of Deerfield Beach) will present a special photo exhibition: “George Was Here: The Best Kept Secret in Deerfield Beach,” opening Friday, Nov.7,2025.

Fun fact for our guests: When Pier Walk was the Shore Road Inn in 1970, Harrison preferred to keep things under the radar. Locals who recognized him were asked to keep his presence a secret until he’d left town.

Exhibit at a Glance

• What: George Was Here: The Best Kept Secret in Deerfield Beach—a photography exhibit featuring18 never‑before‑seen images
• When: Fri., Nov.7, 2025 (6–9 p.m.)&Sat., Nov.8, 2025 (1–8 p.m.)
• Where: Johnny L. Tigner Community Center, 435 S.W. 2nd Street, Deerfield Beach, FL 33441
• Bonus events: Opening‑night reception with Dark Horses (6–8 p.m., Nov.7),screening of A Hard Day’s Night(Oct.17), Driveway Friday Concert with Strawberry Lane (Oct.24), and a deep‑dive lecture on Nov.19 at the Old School House (323N.E. Eller Drive)
• Info: admin@deerfield-history.org / deerfieldbeachhistoricalsociety.com

If you’re planning to attend the exhibition, Pier Walk is just a short stroll from the beach, steps from dining, and central to the venues listed above—making it an ideal place to stay while you explore Deerfield Beach’s role in rock history.

Official Press Release

Rarely Seen Photos of George Harrison in South Florida Unearthed: Exhibit Opens in Deerfield Beach, Site of Harrison’s Post-Beatles Retreat

Deerfield Beach, FL—Sept.8, 2025—The Deerfield Beach Historical Society in partnership with the City of Deerfield Beach is thrilled to announce a once-in-a-lifetime exhibition of newly unearthed photographs featuring George Harrison, affectionately known as the “quiet Beatle.” The exhibition, titled “George Was Here: The Best Kept Secretin Deerfield Beach” showcases rare and intimate glimpses of Harrison’s secretive time visiting his family who were residents in Deerfield Beach during a pivotal period in music history—November 1970—between the breakup of The Beatles and the release of his monumental award-winning solo album, All Things Must Pass.

The exhibition features a collection of 18 never-before-seen photographs capturing Harrison’s moments of reflection, relaxation, and inspiration during his brief but profound visit to Deerfield Beach. Harrison was visiting his maternal uncle and aunt, Edmund and Mimi French, who resided in the area from 1967 to 1987. These images provide a rare insight into a period of transformation for one of the most iconic figures in music who escaped the limelight of The Beatles after their breakup a few months prior by getting away to sleepy South Florida.

Reportedly, when anyone in town recognized him, Harrison asked them to please keep his visit a secret until he departed the breezy beach town. Harrison used this time to rest following the breakup of the Beatles and while he was contemplating next steps in his solo career. He was deeply involved in Indian spirituality and meditation, and the tranquility of a beach town offered him the kind of peace he needed to reflect and prepare for the next chapter of his life. In South Florida, far from the limelight of Beatlemania, he was accompanied by his then-wife, Patti Boyd, and longtime Beatles assistant Mal Evans. 

“This is more than just an exhibit; it’s a window into a turning point in the life of George Harrison and in rock history,” said photographer Tom Craig, who has worked with The Deerfield Beach Historical Society to arrange the exhibition. 

This event is part of a series of Beatles-related offerings from the Deerfield Beach Historical Society this season, which includes a screening of the musical comedy film A Hard Day’s Night (1964) on October 17 at 7 p.m. at the Deerfield Beach Historical Society Cultural Center & Museum; Driveway Friday Concert, a performance by local musicians Strawberry Lane, on October 24 from 6-9 p.m. at the Deerfield Beach Historical Society Cultural Center & Museum; the photo exhibition November 7-8 (times listed below) at the Johnny L. Tigner Community Center, and a detailed lecture about the discovery of these Florida photos of George Harrison on November 19 at 7 p.m. at the Old School House, 323N.E. Eller Drive, Deerfield Beach. 

Taking a respite in South Florida came after Harrison has just completed recordings of his first solo album to be released after the Beatles disbanded, All Things Must Pass, which was his first major post-Beatles statement. The ambitious triple album full of songs overlooked by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, was released November 27, 1970. It introduced his slide guitar sound and spiritual themes that would become a trademark of his subsequent solo albums. The album made a bold statement that Harrison was no longer to be considered eclipsed by his former bandmates and was a critical success. 

“We are honored to share these intimate moments with the public and celebrate the legacy of an artist who left an indelible mark on the world,” said Jeff Fisk, local historian and Board Member of the Deerfield Beach Historical Society. Fisk will present the November 19 lecture to explain the photo discovery and historical research done to produce this exhibition 

The Deerfield Beach Historical Society photo exhibition event will also feature special programming, including an opening night reception, 6-8 p.m., Friday, November 7 with an acoustic duo Dark Horses performing music from All Things Must Pass and more. On site, a video archivist available to record any personal remembrances for residents who were here at the time and saw Harrison in the area. 

The photographs were recently discovered in a private collection and have been meticulously restored for this exhibition. This marks the first time they will be displayed publicly, making the event a must-see for fans of George Harrison, The Beatles, and music history alike–as well as that era of South Florida life. 

Exhibition details:

What: “George Was Here: The Best Kept Secret in Deerfield Beach” Photography Exhibit

When: Friday, Nov.7 from 6-9 p.m. and Saturday, Nov.8 from 1-8 p.m.

Where: Johnny L. Tigner Community Center, 435 S.W. 2nd Street Deerfield Beach 33441

For more information, contact:Admin@Deerfield-History.org

Media are invited to a pre-event interview opportunity on site at 5 p.m. Friday, Nov.7 with RSVP to contacts listed below.

This unique exhibition is made possible thanks to the generous support of the Deerfield Beach Historical Society in partnership with the City of Deerfield Beach and contributions from local sponsors. 

About the Deerfield Beach Historical Society

The Deerfield Beach Historical Society is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the rich history of Deerfield Beach. Through educational programs, exhibits, and community events, the society strives to connect residents and visitors to the stories that shape our community.

For more information about the exhibit and related events, visit https://deerfieldbeachhistoricalsociety.com website or The Deerfield Beach Historical Society on Facebook. Contact: Jeff Fisk 954-592-6873 phone or jfisk348@gmail.com email or Tom Craig 954-242-7286 phone or tcraigphoto@gmail.com email. Media inquiries/RSVP for Nov. 7 interviews: Margot Winick, margotwinick@gmail.com, (305) 308-7738

Plan Your Stay at Pier Walk

Looking to be part of this moment in music history? Book your stay at Pier Walk—modern, walkable, and steps from the sand—on our official site: www.pierwalkdeerfieldbeach.com