Neil Aspinall, friend and former road manager of The Beatles, has died in New York following a battle with lung cancer. He was 66.
Aspinall, who was sometimes referred to as the fifth member of The Beatles, also headed Apple Corps Ltd (which was formed to cover The Beatles' financial and business affairs) for many years.
Aspinall, who went to school with Paul McCartney and George Harrison, became road manager and personal assistant to the group in their early days.
A statement released by Aspinall's family, on behalf of Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr and the widows of John Lennon and George Harrison, said: "All his friends and loved ones will greatly miss him, but will always retain the fondest memories of a great man."
In a separate statement, Starr added: "I've known Neil many years and he was a good friend. We were blessed to have him in our lives and he will be missed."
A family spokesperson said that Aspinall died at the Sloan-Kettering hospital in New York City on Sunday night. He became ill with lung cancer two months ago.
Aspinall is survived by his wife Suzy and five children.
