Post by christine~ on Jan 14, 2008 11:12:49 GMT -5
Campaign for Epstein tribute gathers pace
Liverpool Daily Post
Steele - real name Tommy Hicks - said the city council should consider creating a fitting official tribute to Brian Epstein, who died 40 years ago at the height of Beatlemania.
Epstein was the businessman who helped launch The Beatles to international fame in the 1960s after hearing them play at the Cavern Club - close to his NEMS record shop in Whitechapel. He became the band's manager in 1961.
Steele, aged 71, has now added his voice to a growing list of Epstein fans who are desperate to see such an influential figure honoured before the Capital of Culture in 2008. The performer is currently appearing in the title role of Dr Dolittle at the Liverpool Empire until December 29.
He said: "It's a tragedy someone like Brian Epstein has not been recognised by the city.Brian was such a lovely man, a great friend of mine. He was a gentleman, a kind, considerate guy who never ever raised his voice. He wasn't the typical manager; he never tried to rule the boys' destiny, he just sat there and listened to what everyone had to say and sorted things out in his own manner. Considering all he has done for the city of Liverpool a small gesture like a plaque outside his family home would be a fitting tribute."
But Steele said he wouldn't be following up his Eleanor Rigby sculpture with a Brian Epstein one - because Brian wouldn't have wanted it.
Steele added: "Brian was a dear friend and if I thought he would have wanted a sculpture of himself I'd have no hesitation in doing it.
"But Brian was so unobtrusive, he would have hated the idea. If it was even suggested Brian would be saying, 'Oh no, don't be doing that.' He was just that kind of guy."
A spokesperson for Liverpool City Council said: "This is definitely an interesting idea and one the council will be looking into.
"Obviously we would have to be granted permission by Brian's family but if they agreed there would be no reason why a plaque in memory of Brian couldn't be done."
Liverpool paper the Daily Post have asked people how Liverpool could honour Brian Epstein:
Write to Letters to the Editor, Liverpool Daily Post, PO Box 48, Old Hall Street, Liverpool L69 3EB,
email letters@dailypost.co.uk,
or log on to the Daily Post forums at www.dailypost.co.uk
Liverpool Daily Post
Steele - real name Tommy Hicks - said the city council should consider creating a fitting official tribute to Brian Epstein, who died 40 years ago at the height of Beatlemania.
Epstein was the businessman who helped launch The Beatles to international fame in the 1960s after hearing them play at the Cavern Club - close to his NEMS record shop in Whitechapel. He became the band's manager in 1961.
Steele, aged 71, has now added his voice to a growing list of Epstein fans who are desperate to see such an influential figure honoured before the Capital of Culture in 2008. The performer is currently appearing in the title role of Dr Dolittle at the Liverpool Empire until December 29.
He said: "It's a tragedy someone like Brian Epstein has not been recognised by the city.Brian was such a lovely man, a great friend of mine. He was a gentleman, a kind, considerate guy who never ever raised his voice. He wasn't the typical manager; he never tried to rule the boys' destiny, he just sat there and listened to what everyone had to say and sorted things out in his own manner. Considering all he has done for the city of Liverpool a small gesture like a plaque outside his family home would be a fitting tribute."
But Steele said he wouldn't be following up his Eleanor Rigby sculpture with a Brian Epstein one - because Brian wouldn't have wanted it.
Steele added: "Brian was a dear friend and if I thought he would have wanted a sculpture of himself I'd have no hesitation in doing it.
"But Brian was so unobtrusive, he would have hated the idea. If it was even suggested Brian would be saying, 'Oh no, don't be doing that.' He was just that kind of guy."
A spokesperson for Liverpool City Council said: "This is definitely an interesting idea and one the council will be looking into.
"Obviously we would have to be granted permission by Brian's family but if they agreed there would be no reason why a plaque in memory of Brian couldn't be done."
Liverpool paper the Daily Post have asked people how Liverpool could honour Brian Epstein:
Write to Letters to the Editor, Liverpool Daily Post, PO Box 48, Old Hall Street, Liverpool L69 3EB,
email letters@dailypost.co.uk,
or log on to the Daily Post forums at www.dailypost.co.uk
