Tributes as ‘Fifth Beatle’ Neil Aspinall dies, aged 66

Mar 25 2008 by Alan Weston, Liverpool Daily Post

THE man who ran the Apple music empire, and was described as “the fifth Beatle”, has died at the age of 66.

Neil Aspinall was described as closer to all of The Beatles than anyone, and 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 McCartney and Ringo Starr, the company described him as a “great man” who would be missed.

In the statement, also on behalf of Beatle widows Yoko Ono and Olivia Harrison, 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.”

Aspinall went to school with McCartney and George Harrison at the Liverpool Institute for Boys, and would later become a co-founder of Sir Paul’s Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts.

As the band’s popularity grew, he stayed with them as an assistant and fixer until 1968, when he became manager of Apple Corps.

Taking on the role on the condition that he would do it “only until they found someone else”, he only left the role last year.

He died in hospital in New York after a brief illness, and is survived by his wife, Suzy, and five children.

Aspinall is credited with developing the Beatles brand and overseeing the recent publications of re-packaged Beatles music, film and memorabilia.

He acquired the rights to photographs and film footage that went into the making of the Beatles Anthology TV, video series and autobiography.

He also organised the Anthology series of hits and out-takes, on which he was the executive producer.

The company said that, during the last 20 years when he ran Apple, The Beatles sold more than 70m albums.

In later years, he led Apple’s legal dispute with Apple computers over logo rights, and a royalties dispute between the band and EMI.

He had a reputation for being extremely hard-nosed in business, fiercely loyal to the band and reluctant to speak to the media.

Grandfather Aspinall was said by his family to have died after “a brief illness and a glorious life”.

Born in October, 1941, to Liverpool parents evacuated to Prestatyn, North Wales, Aspinall was a school pal of Sir Paul McCartney and George Harrison.

They formed the “Mad Lad” gang, sharing cigarettes, “doing ridiculous things together” and, as teenagers, adding John Lennon to the group.

After a brief stint as an accountant, when his friends formed The Beatles with Pete Best and then Ringo Starr, Aspinall remained at the centre of the gang.

The Beatles’ first road manager, Aspinall would drive them between gigs in an old Commer van, doubling up as minder, spotlight operator, confidant, fixer and personal assistant.

Following the death of the Beatles’ manager Brian Epstein in 1967, Aspinall was asked to take over management of Apple Corps.

The organisation, which guards the Beatles’ legacy, was founded by the Fab Four and has since been involved in legal disputes over trademarks and royalties. Aspinall fell ill with lung cancer two months ago and was cared for in New York.

Aspinall’s wife Suzy and his five children, who described him as “the centre of our universe”, were with him when he died.

Former Apple press officer Geoff Baker previously described Aspinall as “the fifth Beatle and the architect of all The Beatles’ success over the past 15 or 20 years”.

Days after Aspinall’s departure was announced, it was disclosed that the Beatles had settled a long-running £30m royalties row with music giant EMI.

Aspinall was described by Apple aide and ABC TV producer David Saltz as “the most brilliant and inspirational guy.”

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alanweston