Video: 'George Harrison Beverly Wilshire Hotel, Los Angeles Press Conference - 23 October 1974'

(Wednesday, October 23, 1974, 11:42 a.m. PDT) — George Harrison dismissed any hope of a Beatles reunion as mere fantasy today, stating bluntly that the legendary band would only consider reuniting if they were financially desperate.

“The only way we’d really do it is if we were all broke,” Harrison told reporters during a press conference at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Los Angeles ahead of his upcoming North American tour.

“Having played with other musicians, I don’t even think the Beatles were that good,” said Harrison.

“The biggest break in my career was in 1963 getting into the Beatles. The biggest break since then is getting out of them.”

The group, consisting of Harrison, Ringo Starr, John Lennon and Paul McCartney, disbanded in 1970.

The former Beatle, 31, is preparing to embark on his first concert tour in eight years, which will kick off on November 2 and span 27 cities, including Vancouver, British Columbia, and New York.

In a more personal revelation, Harrison confirmed that he and his wife, former model Pattie Boyd, have separated. When asked if he planned to file for divorce, Harrison quipped, “No, that’s as silly as marriage.”

Harrison and Boyd, who married in 1966, have been one of rock’s most high-profile couples.

Boyd is currently dating Eric Clapton, Harrison’s longtime friend and former guitarist of the disbanded group Cream. Harrison expressed no ill will over the relationship.

“I’m pleased about it,” he said. “He’s an old friend of mine, and I’d rather have her with him than some other dope.”