Music
Neil Aspinall, known as the fifth Beatle, has left his role as chief executive of Apple Corps, the label set up to manage the band's musical legacy.
The move came as a shock to the music industry as Aspinall has been a friend of the band for more than 40 years. He knew Paul McCartney and George Harrison at school and was given a management role at the record company in 1968.
His decision was announced in a statement from the company and no explanation has been offered. He is succeeded by Jeff Jones, a former executive at Sony BMG.
Geoff Baker, a former press officer for Apple, described it as "astonishing news", recalling Aspinall's work on Beatles Anthology and Beatles One albums.
"Neil was the fifth Beatle and the architect of all the Beatles' success over the past 15 or 20 years," he explained. "I can't see how the Beatles' legacy will be looked after as well without him, and I'm amazed that Paul and Ringo are letting this happen."
The statement said he "had been with John, Paul, George and Ringo for a spectacular 40 plus years, during which he played an indispensable role for the four.
"He was there since the inception of the band in Liverpool and has meant so much to the Beatles' family for all these years, and still does. However, he has decided to move on.
"Apple as a whole, and each member of this company, wishes him great success in whatever endeavor he chooses to pursue in the future."
The move came as a shock to the music industry as Aspinall has been a friend of the band for more than 40 years. He knew Paul McCartney and George Harrison at school and was given a management role at the record company in 1968.
His decision was announced in a statement from the company and no explanation has been offered. He is succeeded by Jeff Jones, a former executive at Sony BMG.
Geoff Baker, a former press officer for Apple, described it as "astonishing news", recalling Aspinall's work on Beatles Anthology and Beatles One albums.
"Neil was the fifth Beatle and the architect of all the Beatles' success over the past 15 or 20 years," he explained. "I can't see how the Beatles' legacy will be looked after as well without him, and I'm amazed that Paul and Ringo are letting this happen."
The statement said he "had been with John, Paul, George and Ringo for a spectacular 40 plus years, during which he played an indispensable role for the four.
"He was there since the inception of the band in Liverpool and has meant so much to the Beatles' family for all these years, and still does. However, he has decided to move on.
"Apple as a whole, and each member of this company, wishes him great success in whatever endeavor he chooses to pursue in the future."
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