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A Force Behind the Beatles Empire Dies

By NEKESA MUMBI MOODY,

Posted: 2008-03-24 17:39:20

Filed Under: Star Obituaries, Music News

NEW YORK (March 24) - Neil Aspinall, a longtime friend of the Beatles who managed their business enterprises and helped make the group a moneymaking phenomenon decades after they split up, has died. He was 66.

Aspinall's death was announced Monday in a statement from surviving Beatles Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, the widows of John Lennon and George Harrison, and the band's Apple Corps Ltd. company.

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Eddy Arnold, May 8: The country superstar behind crossover "countrypolitan" hits like 1965's 'Make the World Go Away' died just days short of his 90th birthday.

Aspinall died at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City, where he had been receiving treatment for lung cancer, Sunday night, according to Geoff Baker, who formerly represented both Aspinall and Apple Corps.

Aspinall's wife and five children were by his side; McCartney visited him before his death.

He was a childhood friend of McCartney and Harrison in Liverpool, England. While he didn't contribute musically, he played several key roles in support of the Beatles, most notably as the head of their Apple Corps business, which oversaw the commercial concerns of the group, including licensing.

"I've known Neil many years and he was a good friend. We were blessed to have him in our lives and he will be missed," Starr said in a statement Monday.

Aspinall was the Beatles' first road manager and would drive them to gigs in his van. He later became their personal assistant, and in 1968, he took over the management of Apple Corps and continued to oversee the growth of the Beatles, even after they broke up in 1970.

As head of Apple Corps, Aspinall was executive producer of the hugely successful "Beatles Anthology" album and was behind other successes, including the "Beatles One" album and the recent Cirque du Soleil production "Love," which has been a hit in Las Vegas.

"As a loyal friend, confidant and chief executive, Neil's trusting stewardship and guidance has left a far-reaching legacy for generations to come," the band's statement said.

Aspinall stepped down from Apple Corps last year.

Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press. All active hyperlinks have been inserted by AOL.

2008-03-24 14:02:33

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83 comments

mdennis914 09:44:36 PM Apr 16 2008

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senor88 you suck not the beatles

PARAKEET001 08:23:39 PM Apr 10 2008

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I just heard the sad news about Neil. A special time in my life passes with him. It is true that he was is and always will be the fifth Beatle.. Neil was a true and loyal friend to the Beatles in this life, and now he has gone on to a better place, where he can not only watch over John and George, but Paul and Ringo as well. Also he can watch over Paul's lovely Linda. Well done good and faithful friend....Rest In Peace

beadcat49 01:25:08 PM Mar 25 2008

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<<<senor08 10:33:56 AM Mar 25 2008
the beatles sucked.
althrough the 70's they sounded like a britney spears bullshit band>>>
-------------------------------------------
What a complete moron! The Beatles' last studio album was released in 1969. If your frame of reference is Britney Spears then you must be about 12 years old. That being said, Neil Aspinall was a very important part of the Beatles. RIP Neil. You will be missed.

ekejk57 01:22:50 PM Mar 25 2008

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If you don't like Beatles Music don't listen to it and don't post ignorant comments

jointcracking 11:54:03 AM Mar 25 2008

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Goodbye Neil. Thank you for being part of the history of the Beatles, the greatest music of all time.

carpet423423 11:43:52 AM Mar 25 2008

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Senor08 must be a Britney fan

andreac157 11:19:49 AM Mar 25 2008

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senor 08 you wouldn't know good music if it hit you in the head

senor08 10:33:56 AM Mar 25 2008

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the beatles sucked.
althrough the 70's they sounded like a britney spears bullshit band,
i changed them every time, they tried to hammer that crap into our heads.
there was so much good music,
the beatles still suck, i hated the bee gees, but some of their stuff sounds better after time, the beatles suck.

truck6411 10:26:52 AM Mar 25 2008

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It just goes to show that aside from the obvious talents of The Beatles, they could not do it all alone. R.I.P. Neil ! You have been recognized way too late. And people, Don't forget George Martin before it's too late.