Beatles fans are trying to raise money to recognize the man who discovered the band, Brian Epstein. If they reach their goal, they have some fantastic, heartfelt plans for the money…
The Beatles Fans Come Together
In 1961, band manager Brian Epstein heard the Beatles for the first time while having lunch at the Cavern Club in Liverpool. Instantly, he knew there was something special about them. Soon enough, he became their manager and remained so from 1962 until his death in 1967. In fact, some even refer to him as the “fifth Beatle!” Now, fans of the band are trying to raise £100,000 ($140,000) to build a statue of Epstein.
While the Brian Epstein Legacy Project launched back in 2019, things slowed down considerably due to the coronavirus pandemic. Now, however, things are rocking and rolling once again! Most recently, the Iowa Rock’ n’ Roll Music Association Hall of Fame and Museum made a massive donation to the cause. Now, they’ve almost reached their goal! “We now need £40,000 to complete the statue. Once completed, however, the sculpture will be only phase one of the wider project,” campaigner Tom Calderbank said.
As Calderbank stated, Brian Epstein Legacy Project wants to honor him with more than a statue, though. Additional money will go towards ensuring everyone knows of the band manager’s legacy!
Brian Epstein – More Than A Manager
So, what comes after the Epstein statue? Well, the Brian Epstein Legacy Project has some big plans! “Phase two aims to raise at least another £40,000 to establish a musical instrument library, to give access to music to underprivileged young people across the Liverpool City Region and help develop the next generation of talent,” Calderbank explained. “Phase three will then look further afield to see what can be achieved to celebrate and develop Brian’s legacy. We’re all very excited at what’s to come.”
Thankfully, Beatles fans from all over the world have come out to help. Ralph Klusman, president of the Iowa Rock n Roll Music Association Hall of Fame and Museum, explained the importance of Epstein in the whole music industry. “As a lifelong Beatles fan, and a great admirer of Brian Epstein’s vision, drive, and determination, I’m really pleased to be connected with the project – and with the dedicated team based in Liverpool,” Klusman said. “Brian needs his legacy to be recognized, and we want to help – without him, the world would never have been blessed with The Beatles and so much more.”
Want to help remember “the fifth Beatle?” Well, anyone can donate and help out the Brian Epstein Legacy Project reach its second and third phases. You can! Head on over to the official website and receive various donation rewards (mostly available only in Liverpool).