I saw Brian as he first walked in the Cavern
ASOUTHPORT politician has shared his memories of Brian Epstein, as a campaign to build a statue in his honour gathers pace.
Sir Ron Watson, a keen music lover and a Conservative councillor for Dukes Ward in the town, said: “I first met Brian Epstein in early 1961 as I was a regular customer at NEMS and he was there most days.
“When The Beatles returned to Liverpool in the autumn of 1961 after a spell in Hamburg they brought with them a copy of a 45 My Bonny by Tony Sheridan where they were the backing group.
“They weren’t actually mentioned by the label and were shown as ‘The Beat Brothers’.
“I was one of those who went straight away to NEMS to try and get a copy and apparently Brian Epstein was intrigued about the number of people asking for it and to his credit located the German company and imported a number of copies that sold well locally.
“This record has been released many times since but it is a very historical recording and a copy of the original German 45 in very good condition was offered for sale at the recent Beatles Convention for £380.
“I was at the Cavern lunchtime session when Brian Epstein made his first visit on November 9, 1961.
“I remember it well because he was that much older than the majority of people who were there and I do genuinely recall the look of amazement and puzzlement on his face as he saw the reaction to the band.
“Shortly afterwards he became manager and changed the image by insisting they dressed in suits, stuck to time and had a definite playlist for each show.
“To a degree this spoilt the informal nature of the lunchtime sessions where they would play request after request although it didn’t always work as I asked for Stand by Me to be told by John Lennon to f*** off’ as he voice was hoarse.
“Brian Epstein expanded the venues and a very notable one was July 26, 1962 at Southport Cambridge Hall, now The Atkinson, with a show also featuring Gerry and the Pacemakers, the Big Three and Billy J Kramer and I recall seeing him at the venue.
“Another notable date was February 20, 1962 where they appeared at the Floral Hall in Southport. There is a short 8mm film clip which is the first visual record there is of the band.
“Southport certainly played its part and material for these early years is much sought after.
“I have a good friend, John Wilson, who runs Pop Memorabilla and on his latest list there is an original flyer for the Kingsway Club in Southport on July 23, 1962 priced at £450 and a further flyer for the Marine Club Southport with Gene Vincent at £500 so it is well worth everyone who was around at the time looking through old cupboards and drawers to see if they have anything!”
A campaign is currently running to raise funds to create a statue to honour Brian Epstein, who lived and went to school in Southport.
The Brian Epstein Statue Project was officially launched on what would have been “the Fifth Beatle’s” 85th birthday.
Among celebrities supporting the campaign is Southport actor Andrew Lancel, who has played Brian in various productions.
The Beatles’ former manager is credited with catapulting the Fab Four to global success.
A group of dedicated campaigners are working to secure a statue of Brian funded by a Crowdfunder campaign – a minimum target of £60,000 has been set.
The location for the statue has not yet been confirmed, but the committee welcomes suggestions via social media as to where they would like to see it sited.
Donations can be made at www. crowdfunder.co.uk/the-brian-epsteinstatue-project
DO you remember Brian Epstein from his days in Southport? Did you remember meeting him during one of The Beatles’ gigs? Please email us your memories to: andrew.brownNW@reachplc. com