Hardly older than John, Paul, George and Pete, Brian brings the complement which they needed. He will manage their logistics, relations, finances (of course), and also their leading commitment in a new hair and clothing fashion that is altogether innovative and acceptable to the bourgeoisie.
Epstein is in a hurry, perhaps because he fears that the deal escapes him to the benefit of an already established impresario, which is not his case. A first contract is established on 24 January 1962. Epstein, strangely, does not sign it. He doubts on his own capability, and on that point he is wrong.
The success is around the corner. A producer for the EMI brand is interested. He does not like Pete, and it is left to Epstein to announce to the other three that Pete must be replaced by Ringo. The recording of the first single is scheduled. Epstein is preparing a new contract with the group which now enjoys its final composition.
The contract is signed on October 1, 1962 by all parties including the fathers of Paul and George who are not yet 21 years old. Epstein does not forget to stipulate that the percentage of his fees shall increase depending on the amplitude of the gains. A signed copy is estimated £ 300K for sale by Sotheby's in London on September 29, lot 42.
The career of the Beatles owes much to Epstein whose untimely death in 1967 by overdose of barbiturates is leading to the loss of the cohesion of the group. A self-destructive personality, Epstein kept the secret of the root cause for the impulse that made him raising a band of young rebels to the rank of a global phenomenon in the renewing of musical culture. His case is unique in the history of business.
SOLD for £ 365K including premium
Beatlemania: the contract that launched the #Beatles stars at London's #Rock & #Pop sale: http://t.co/r9E37Ogujj pic.twitter.com/DbXcXYWESy
— Sotheby's (@Sothebys) September 5, 2015