Farewell to Beatles linchpin Neil Aspinall

Apr 8 2008 Liverpool Daily Post

Neil Aspinall, the former road manager of the Beatles and managing director of Apple Corps, who has died, aged 66.

STELLA McCartney and Yoko Ono attended the funeral of "fifth Beatle" Neil Aspinall yesterday.

The private service took place in Twickenham following Aspinall’s death last month.

The Who star Pete Townshend and Beatles producer Sir George Martin were among the mourners.

Sir Paul McCartney is abroad, but sent flowers and his family’s condolences.

Ringo Starr was not seen at the service, but his wife Barbara Bach did attend the private gathering at the Church of St Mary the Virgin. Aspinall, the Beatles’ guide and the mastermind of Apple, died, aged 66, last month.

He worked as a roadie and accountant for the band before becoming chief executive of Apple Corps.

In a statement released on behalf of Sir Paul and Starr at the time his death was announced, Apple Corps said: "As a loyal friend, confidant and chief executive, Neil’s trusting stewardship and guidance has left a far-reaching legacy for generations to come.

"All his friends and loved ones will greatly miss him but will always retain the fondest memories of a great man."