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Post by * See UserName In Post * on Jan 21, 2008 18:51:22 GMT -5
Posted by vivektiwary (9/4/07 12:15 pm) IT WAS 40 YEARS AGO TODAY (well, last week actually)… -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- …that Brian Epstein passed away. I've posted my thoughts (and an update on the film's development) on the BLOG section of www.fifthbeatlemovie.comI'd love to hear from anyone else here who has strong reactions to this anniversary-- either about Brian or how times have changed... or have they stayed the same? Vivek J. Tiwary Writer/Director
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Post by yerblues1968 on Apr 13, 2008 21:15:08 GMT -5
Brian had died before America’s Labor Day weekend. When Brian’s 40th anniversary of his passing arrived, very few took notice of it, except for ones who followed his history in England. People in Great Britain would pay homage to him, as he originated there. Few people did acknowledge him on the anniversary. In America, nothing was really said. If so, it was within inner circles. He is like a long forgotten icon swept under the rug.
Brian Epstein was always a very mystifying character to me. When he was alive, I knew little about him. All I knew what that he was the manager of The Beatles. When I saw pictures of him while growing up, I would wonder who that distinguished man was next to The Beatles. He stood out. He looked like a class all to himself, very different in appearance and character. Someone that would not be associated with The Beatles as he was from a different class. I did not know just how different. He looked very polished, elegant and of dignified manner, almost intimidating. A man with exquisite taste. Whereas, The Beatles seem more approachable people, that the public can relate, of middle class background. This was all because I knew little about Brian.
When Brian Epstein died, news traveled fast. The little information that I knew about Brian was about to get bigger. As years went by, more information was being revealed about him. I learned that he was homosexual. I was surprised, as he did not fit the typical conception of a homosexual. He hid that aspect of himself from the public very well. With Liberace, it was easier to tell that he was homosexual by the way he carried himself. With Brian Epstein, he carried himself like a confident gentleman despite having to suppress his secret.
When I pondered about Brian Epstein’s relationship with The Beatles, I knew that it did not happen by accident. I am totally convinced that nothing happens by accident. Like a puzzle is put together to become a picture. I had thought about the great generals, leaders of the past century during the world wars--how they so happened to be born at that time--not earlier or later. They all were born during the same time period to fulfill history. I felt that the great consciousness of the universe was at play here.
I started thinking the same way about Brian and The Beatles. Isn’t it strange that The Beatles were playing at a Cavern Club that just happened to be within walking distance from Brian’s record store? That Brian’s business just happened to be in the area? It was not like neither of them were in another country speaking a different language from the other. They just happened to be in England--and Liverpool of all places--during the same time frame. It is not by accident that this all occurred. I reasoned that it was God’s play of consciousness working to bring these people together to fulfill some purpose. God had his hand in this union as if Brian was chosen by the Divine to become manager of The Beatles. Prior to The Beatles, Brian never had a thought of managing an artist, even four of them. Neither did he like pop music, as his taste was in the classics. Upon seeing The Beatles, all that changed. He was inspired to rethink his career.
I never read anything negative about The Beatles and Brian Epstein encounter. I assume that when they met, they had an instant rapport. As if subconsciously, they may have known each other from another lifetime. They were like family. I may sound strange but I feel they all incarnated at the same period to be together again to fulfill a purpose. I feel that purpose was for Brian Epstein to bring the world The Beatles. No one else could have done it but him, with the help of the Divine that is without judgment.
Brian Epstein went against all odds to fulfill that purpose. He had the inner turmoil of keeping his homosexuality private from the public as it was a crime. He had to be a very aggressive businessman who is able talk to people of authority in the music industry to take a chance on a group unfamiliar to them. Brian worked hard to get The Beatles the best compensation and the largest audience. He was an unusually unique individual who was extremely brilliant.
As time went on after Brian’s passing, I wondered if there would ever be an actual tribute to finally acknowledge this man that the world knew very little. Just like me, I only knew Brian as The Beatles’ manager. It puzzled me somewhat why The Beatles did not want to talk about their manager after his passing. I decided it must be a painful subject for them to discuss as they all were very close. They treated their manager, not only as their boss, but also as a dear friend. Whatever misgivings The Beatles may have had after Brian’s passing, it appears to me that The Beatles just wanted it to just “be.” To let it be.
When learning of his sexual preference, I was a little scared to learn more about him because little was revealed at that time about homosexuals. I really did not understand exactly what they were or why or how they become that way. But as time continued to pass, more information was being revealed to the public about homosexuals/lesbians that it was starting to become common knowledge. I have a more better understanding of them now. I accept them no matter what their sexual preference and not to judge them.
It appears Brian’s main purpose in life was primarily to bring us The Beatles and did so tirelessly around the world. It was exhausting work and took drugs to stay awake, to sleep. I could not see him continue living in this manner for a long length of time. It would be too much for the body. Either he would have to find the strength to quit addiction to them or continue and then die. I feel he may have sought help to stop his addiction but did not take the time to heal his body due to his demanding schedule. He really did not take the time to take care of himself.
What does this all mean to me? That Brian Epstein was born at a time to give us himself by way of The Beatles. He was the greatest gift that God could have given us, who directed him to bring The Beatles to the world to love music during a time when we were having our own inner turmoil, wars with other lands, to awaken our minds to love music. From there, many doors were opened in the field of music. There is love in music. Brian Epstein was so proud of his boys. When the issue of war was put forth to The Beatles, The Beatles responded by singing about love and not hate. Brian had his various moods but he was not a man of war. He was far beyond that.
I find it ironic that Brian passed during a time when The Beatles were trying to find the meaning of life, who journeyed to meet a guru to teach them how to understand their being, their connection with life, and its meaning. The Beatles were in Bangor at the time, having a meeting with the Indian guru Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, and Brian Epstein had previously agreed to travel to Bangor after the August Bank Holiday. Brian was planning to meet with his boys, but his life was suddenly cut short. His boys received the shocking, unexpected news of his death as they were expecting to meet him. At that moment, it was imperative to have been with the guru during their hour of great loss. Coincidence? If Brian were to have passed, what better time would it have been than to be with a guru to help The Beatles deal with their loss.
Upon hearing that an actual movie is in the process of being made, I was very skeptical whether it would be an authentic tribute to this man. There has been movies produced in the past giving a glimpse about his background and his work, but not an actual movie that would give reverence to a man who accomplished so much during his short life and left us so much joy in return. I wondered if this movie would be an actual tribute revealing the various aspects of his personality. That it would be presented truthfully as is known and with dignity to honor a forgotten legend. We truly owe Brian so much, to his memory, before the world totally forgets lest time continues to pass. It would have to be a painstaking, exhausting labor of love. It would reveal a better understanding about homosexuals, but most of all his great character in an era that he endured to overcome all odds.
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