Neil Aspinall,
13th October 1941-23rd March 2008

Neil was born in Prestatyn, North Wales, where his mother had been evacuated from Liverpool during World War II. Neil and his mother, returned to Liverpool in 1942 and at the age of 12, Neil and Paul McCartney were in the same class at the Liverpool Institute, studying English and Art. Neil became firm friends with Paul and with George Harrison, who was also at the Liverpool Institute, and later with John Lennon who attended the Liverpool College of Art next door.

After college Neil went to work as an accountant, but in 1962 left his job to become permanent road manager for The Beatles, having realised he could earn more money driving his friends around than he was currently doing.

From here, Neil stuck with the band through thick and thin, becoming the chief executive of Apple Corps after the death of Brian Epstein, a post he did not leave until April 2007. It was his loyalty and hard work that often earned him the title of the "fifth Beatle".

It was Neil who salvaged much of the footage when The Beatles broke up, that later came to fruition in the Anthology, and whilst Neil must have known much of what went on in those Beatlemania days and beyond, he always maintained a dignified silence, showing his true value as a friend.

I'm sure all our members would like to pass on our thoughts and condolences to Neil's family and friends at this time.

Neil- an unsung hero- Rest in Peace.

Some messages from BBFC members

Neil was an integral part of The Beatles' success, one of the few with their total trust who never let them down. He saw them through from those early days of dashing around Merseyside to running Apple in the quiet, effective manor with which he always conducted himself. A little piece of The Beatles died with him.
- David B

Very sad to, he will go down as one of the people who made the Beatles great.
- Jonathan

Truly very sad. The Guardian has featured this story today and there is a long obituary too. I haven't checked the Times. As much as I always wanted to hear Neil's story, I am so impressed that he kept quiet and kept the Beatles' legacy sacred and intact. Thanks Neil...what a man. A very sad day for the Beatles community. Neil touched all their lives and very much deserved the accolade The Fifth Beatle. Unlike so many, he never betrayed a confidence and rode shotgun in good times and bad. He is due enormous credit for having the guts to pilot the ship and keep it on a sure and steady course. All sympathies to his family.
- Suzanna

TO THE BACKBONE OF THE BEATLES. YOU WILL BE TRULY MISSED. YOU CAN NOW JOIN MAL, JOHN AND GEORGE. R.I.P
- TREVOR

Neil was a HUUUUUGGGGEEEEE figure in the Beatles lifetime - he will be sadly missed. So sad to hear this news - please pass on my condolences to Roag and his family
- Kate

Of all the Beatle people, Neil was the one who held it all together. A wonderful trusting man, who looked after their interests, quietly and with dignity. I wish I had the opportunity to meet him just once and thank him for all he did for his family and the Fabs. He will be greatly missed and to see it is the top story today on many newsbaords around the world says a lot about a man, who many people outside of the Beatles friends, family and fans would not have heard of- and I think that is how he would have liked it to be. We have Neil to thank for the Anthology which will remain the definitive Beatles story for many generations to come. My thoughts go out to you Roag, and your family, who I am sure will be very supportive at this time.
I was lucky enough to tour the Casbah in 2006 with Terry Bloxham (the British Beatles Fan Club Secretary) with Rory who gave up much more of his time to talk to us and we more than outstayed the normal tour time. I know that Terry would also want to send her good wishes to you as well.
- Ernie Sutton, BBFC Treasurer

To me, Neil always exemplified real loyalty and true friendship. Although I would have loved to hear the stories that he could have told, I admire and respect him even more for remaining silent. His loss is tragic, but his spirit and his legacy is never-ending. He will clearly be greatly missed by his family and friends, as well as by the millions of people whose lives have also been touched by his work. My deepest sympathies to all who love him.
- Donna

© 2008 British Beatles Fan Club