Sunday 19 September 2010

Beatles Manager Brian Epstein

On 19 September 1934 Brian Epstein was born in Rodney Street, Liverpool to Harry and Malka Epstein, a wealthy Jewish family with roots in Russia.

Brian Epstein will always be remembered as the manager of The Beatles, although he also managed Cilla Black, Gerry & the Pacemakers, Billy J. Kramer and the Cyrkle.

In 1961 Brian was the owner of NEMS (North End Music Stores) and he allegedly first heard about the Beatles when customers were asking for "My Bonnie" with The Beatles as backing group. He decided to check out a lunch performance of the Beatles in the Cavern Club on 9 November 1961 and Brian was immediately struck by their "sense of humour on stage" and later by their "personal charm.

Brian Epstein initially invited them at NEMS to discuss a possible management contract on 3 December 1961 but they didn't sign until 24 January 1962.

Brian Epstein is often credited for bringing routine and common sense into The Beatles chaotic life-style. He made them wear suits, stop eating and drinking on stage, and respect agreements.

On 27 August 1967 Brian Epstein died of an overdosis, and, - according to an interview with John - "that marked the beginning of the end for the Beatles"