Beatles manager Brian Epstein to have statue in Liverpool - this is what it looks like

The contribution of legendary Beatles manager Brian Epstein to both the music industry and the Liverpool’s culture is to be celebrated in Liverpool, as the statue proposed for the city moves a step closer.

The Brian Epstein Legacy Project has reached its crowdfunding target and arrangements for the sculpture are being submitted for planning application.

It is proposed that the statue should stand at that site, on the corner with Whitechapel, charting a place that would change the fortunes of both the Fab Four and the music guru.

The statue, which shows Epstein walking to see the band, would be the first of a LGBTQ+ figure in Liverpool city centre. 

Epstein’s influence on The Beatles

Epstein, who would have been 85 this year, became manager of The Beatles in 1961, after seeing them play in the Cavern Club.

The venue was just a short walk from the NEMS Record Store, which Epstein managed, and which played a vital role in the city’s music history, along with that of The Beatles. 

His five-year deal with the band saw them become more professional and guided them not simply to the top of the music charts but into cultural history. 

The sculptor behind the statue

The Epstein statue has been created by sculptor Andy Edwards, also responsible for The Fab Four statue of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starat Liverpool’s Pier Head.

He also sculpted Bob Marley on Jamaica Street, and co-sculpted the statue of Cilla Black in Mathew Street.

The Epstein Statue will measure 1.94m and be cast from bronze by Castle Foundry of Liverpool. 

The Brian Epstein Legacy Project

The statue campaign has been led for the last five years by the Brian Epstein Legacy Project.

It has been made possible after a successful public Crowdfunding campaign and funding from Bill Heckle at The Cavern as well as from the Liverpool BID Company. 

The Brian Epstein Legacy Project committee includes cultural campaigner and activist Tom Calderbank; Beatles fan Marie Darwin, who was part of a group who campaigned for a plaque to be placed on the birthplace of Brian Epstein; Beatles historians, researchers and authors Kevin and Julie Roach, and son Robert.

The Committee also includes Larry Sidorczuk, who was the personal assistant to the late Joe Flannery, Brian Epstein’s original business partner and bookings manager; and Bill Elms, a producer of the smash hit play Epstein: The Man Who Made The Beatles, which was staged in Liverpool and London’s West End.

They have also formed a Stateside partnership with the Iowa Rock ‘n’ Roll Music Association Hall of Fame & Museum – helping to champion plans on the global stage.

Tom Calderbank, who is leading the project, says: “I’m absolutely delighted our campaign has paid off. This is a tribute to the hard work, enthusiasm and tenacity of our committee who have spent five years working towards this goal.

“The Epstein family have supported us from the start, and I’m made up we’re able to repay that faith by confirming that Brian will finally be justly honoured in his hometown with a wonderful statue by renowned sculptor Andy Edwards.

“This will be another world-class addition to Liverpool’s Beatle statue trail and overall cultural offer.

“And we’re not stopping here. We’ll continue our fundraising efforts to secure a wider legacy by working towards the creation of a musical instrument library for underprivileged youngsters in the city, and other educational opportunities. We have other great ideas, so keep watching out for us.

“More than 50 years after his death, Brian’s impact on the world is still being felt in so many ways. We’re honoured and humbled to have played a small part in recognising that.”