Added: Jul 26, 2008
From: Revan0357
Duration: 2:29
Neil Aspinall 1941 - 2008Neil Aspinall (13 October 1941 — 24 March 2008) was a British music industry executive. A childhood friend of Paul McCartney and George Harrison, he went on to head The Beatles' company Apple Corps.The Beatles later employed Aspinall as their road manager and personal assistant, which included driving his old Commer van to and from shows, both day and night. After Mal Evans started work for The Beatles, Aspinall was promoted to become their personal assistant, later becoming chief executive of their company, Apple Corps.On behalf of Apple, Aspinall was involved in notable court cases against Allen Klein, EMI and Apple Computer. He supervised the marketing of music, videos, and merchandising, as well being a director of Standby Films, which was run from his home in Twickenham, Middlesex. On 10 April 2007, Aspinall left Apple Corps. Aspinall died of lung cancer in New York City in 2008.Aspinall was born in Prestatyn, North Wales, where his mother had been evacuated from the family home in Liverpool (because of the air-raids on Liverpool during World War II) while Aspinall's father was away at sea with the Royal Navy. Aspinall and his mother returned to Liverpool later in 1942 after the bombing had subsided. Aspinall later attended West Derby School, where he passed his 11-plus exams. When he was 12-years-old, Aspinall gained a place at the Liverpool Institute in Mount Street, and was in the same class as Paul McCartney for English and Art lessons.Aspinall's job as personal assistant consisted of driving to concerts and meetings, but mostly meant just being there whenever someone needed something. Aspinall went on the first trip to America, when George Harrison became ill with a fever and had a temperature of 102. He was ordered to stay in bed, and Aspinall replaced him for the Ed Sullivan Show camera rehearsals. Before the cover of Sgt. Pepper's could be completed by Peter Blake, Aspinall was sent out to find photographs of all of the people that were to be shown on the front cover. Aspinall suggested the idea of Sergeant Pepper being the compere, who would introduce the group, and the reprise of the title song near the end of the album.Although not a musician, Aspinall made minor contributions to a handful of the Beatles' recordings. He played a tamboura on "Within You Without You", harmonica on "Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite!", some percussion on "Magical Mystery Tour", and was among the many participants singing on the chorus of "Yellow Submarine". He is also cited as the person who came up with the idea of the Beatles playing up to the rumours that Paul McCartney died in a car accident.McCartney (who has known Aspinall longer than any of the other Beatles) has praised him for trademarking the Apple name worldwide, and calls Aspinall "Mr. X" in the Apple Corps organisation.An unfinished song by John Lennon may be released as a tribute to Neil Aspinall.'Now And Then', a track that was discovered with 'Real Love' and 'Free As A Bird' in the '90s, could be remixed and released to honour Aspinall's contribution to the band. The other two recordings were released and became top ten hits.Neil Aspinall 1941-2008
Channel: Music
Tags: 1941 2008 apple aspinall beatles cancer lung niel the
Rating: 5.00 (18 ratings) Views: 2145' favoriteCount='7 Comments: 22
1947classic Says:
Jul 26, 2008 - a wonderful tribute to a good friend of the beatles...nicely done video,revan!
dolbra3 Says:
Jul 26, 2008 - Nice tribute to "Nell", as John called him back in the day, Revan- thanks!
iluvthebeetulz Says:
Jul 26, 2008 - nice video for a friend of the beatles. too bad he had to die but we all hav to die sooner or later! but great tribute revan!
BeatleMania4Eva Says:
Jul 26, 2008 - Great video for the death of a friend to the beatles. Great tribute!!!
BeatleMania4Eva Says:
Jul 26, 2008 - Such a great tribute to a great loss those who know him especially the beatles!!!!!!!):
Revan0357 Says:
Jul 26, 2008 - Thank you.
Revan0357 Says:
Jul 26, 2008 - Welcome!
Revan0357 Says:
Jul 26, 2008 - Thanks!
maxx5rocker Says:
Jul 26, 2008 - Good job. Neil really helped the Beatles` career, he was a good man, He'll be missed.
Candlestickpark1966 Says:
Jul 26, 2008 - Great tribute! Great pics. Thanks.
oceanchild70 Says:
Jul 26, 2008 - we'll all miss you neil
betanelski3 Says:
Jul 26, 2008 - what a lovely tribute
nudger08 Says:
Jul 26, 2008 - nice tribute
Ricardito5579 Says:
Jul 26, 2008 - Thank you neil...thanks for helping the beatles...we´ll miss you
sedgleygirl Says:
Jul 26, 2008 - Thankyou for the tribute to Neil Aspinall. A true friend and loyal employee to the Beatles.I am sure he is in a better place now with John, George, Linda, Maureen, Brian, and Mal.Rest in peace.
Revan0357 Says:
Jul 26, 2008 - Yes, I agree with all you say here.
carlamohor Says:
Jul 26, 2008 - I didn´t know Neil died............great brief.Talking about other thing about the Beatles, is there any chance to get some later info about Pauline Lennon? I mean, after her book. Thanks
August8th1969 Says:
Jul 26, 2008 - Neil was also the father to Pete Best's half-brother Roag (born sometime around 1962). John Lennon gave Neil the trophy used on the cover of Sgt. Pepper to give to Mona Best (Pete's mom) as a gift since she loaned John (through Neil) some of her father's medals to wear for the cover shoot. Mona was afraid she might not get the medals back, but she did as well as the trophy. Talk about the ultimate souvenir!!!
oxalicman Says:
Jul 26, 2008 - It looks almost like "In my life" was made for Neil.
liverpoolishgirl Says:
Jul 26, 2008 - Good that Paul got a chance to say goodbye to him just before his death. A good and loyal friend - something you don't see much of these days. They were lucky to have found him.Ta, Nell.
beatlenine Says:
Jul 26, 2008 - If I remember correctly, he also played the channel swimmer in the movie,"Help!". what terrible loss.
Revan0357 Says:
Jul 26, 2008 - He did?? I'll HAVE to check that out next time I watch it.
beatlenine Says:
Jul 26, 2008 - OOPS!!!! I checked to be sure and I was wrong It was Mal Evans(another staff member)not Neil. Never the less, he made a lot of history with The Beatles. If anyone takes time to watch The movie, watch for the blooper at the end. It is either a barracoota(sp) or a stingray that follows Mal to the shore. it surfaces near the statue. It happens quickley. My source is in a interview in the special features in the new release.
Revan0357 Says:
Jul 26, 2008 - Ahh, okay that makes more sence. Thank for tellign though.
Revan0357 Says:
Jul 26, 2008 - Very welcome. Yes, he is in the Anthologies.