George Harrison, MBE (24 February 1943 – 29 November 2001) was an English rock guitarist, singer, songwriter, author and sitarist best known as the lead guitarist of The Beatles. Following the band's break up, Harrison had a successful career as a solo artist and later as part of the Traveling Wilburys super group where he was known as both Nelson Wilbury and Spike Wilbury. He was also a film producer, with his production company Handmade Films, involving people as diverse as Madonna and the members of Monty Python. From an initial exposure whilst a member of the Beatles, he maintained a high public profile regarding his religious and spiritual life.