He was the man who made the Beatles the most famous band of the 20th Century, and a new single now hopes to raise money to get him better recognised.
Brian Epstein managed the chart-topping group during their early career, catapulting the Fab Four from Liverpool’s Cavern Club to the world stage.
Now, plans to create a bronze statue of the late Liverpool entrepreneur have been spearheaded by a new single, which was yesterday recorded with an array of local stars.
The statue is to be created by local sculptor Tom Murphy, who has been involved in the project for the last five years, and attended the Parr Street recording session.
Murphy has created likenesses of Liverpool icons, including John Lennon and Billy Fury. Now he has told JMU Journalism about his involvement in a tribute to one of Liverpool’s most successful music industry figures.
He told JMU Journalism: “Brian Epstein picked up on raw talent, which reverberated around the city and led to other things. He definitely deserves the recognition.”
He also added that Epstein, who passed away in 1967 aged only 32, “died before his time”.
Epstein’s discovery of the Beatles made his name in the music industry, an event which Tom describes as “catalystic”, adding: “He felt the raw energy, as well as their comic edge, that was the great thing.”
Whilst Epstein is not quite as famous worldwide as his clients, who also included Cilla Black and Gerry and the Pacemakers, Tom emphasised his importance within Liverpool.
He explained: “He brought £70 million of money to the city. He changed the landscape in the 1960s.”
Epstein will be the subject of a new single, produced by Merseybeats founder Billy Kinsley.
Tom explained that, if the money is raised, Epstein’s unique style, which helped mould the Beatles’ distinctive image, will be immortalised. He told JMU Journalism: “It will be his whole persona, his sense of style and sophistication. It may feature an amplifier, to convey the sound, like a ripple that never stops.”
The single, ‘Thank You For Being Our Friend’, is due for autumn release.