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Excerpts from When the Sun Shines

#by Ranchor Prime

1968

A new musical called Hair was attracting record audiences in London. It had originated in New York off Broadway as …

The devotees chanted nightly to the crowds on the pavement outside the Shaftesbury Theatre, where Hair was showing. They were …

The cast of Hair performed the Hare Kṛṣṇa chant each night, but they did so while naked. A cultural revolution …

In this time of self-discovery and spiritual adventure the Beatles were leaders of the revolution. If they became Kṛṣṇa conscious, …

Savile Row, December 1968

The Beatles were looking for new talent. They had been exploited by the corporate music world, so now, following the …

Taking them at their word the devotees launched a campaign to get the Beatles’ attention. They sent them a gift …

They had no way of knowing if their campaign had been fruitful, but the opportunity to find out came in …

“Hi, I’m at the airport with some friends. Can you come and get us?” It was Rock Scully from San …

Śyāmasundara drove to the airport, and three hours later the aging Ford Popular rounded the corner into Betterton Street crammed …

Gurudāsa had been friends with Kesey previous to meeting the devotees. As author of the cult novel One Flew Over …

“We’ve got an appointment to meet George Harrison tomorrow. You can come too.”

Bringing another apple pie, Śyāmasundara walked to Savile Row, home of Apple Records. Rock’s party was already inside causing the …

“You must be a friend of George’s,” she said kindly. “Come in with me.”

Once in the crowded foyer he delivered his pie to the receptionist, who promised to pass it on to George, …

“Where have you been?” he exclaimed.

George sat down beside Śyāmasundara. “I’ve been waiting ages to meet you. I’ve seen Kṛṣṇa people in America, but I …