Boss of Beatles empire dies
Neil Aspinall, a close friend of the Beatles and the man who ran the Apple music empire, has died, his family said today.
The 66-year-old worked as a roadie and accountant for the band before becoming chief executive of Apple Corps, and was known by some in the industry as the real “Fifth Beatle”.
In a statement released on behalf of 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.
When they started the band, he was their road manager and minder. As their 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 quit it only last year.
He died in hospital in New York after a brief illness and is survived by his wife Suzy and five children.
