My heart goes out to Roag Best, surviving son of Neil.

tony, NY, NY

I caught a newsclip of Paul jumping into the back of a car synced against a voice-over report about closure of his divorce settlement. At the very end was a quick blurb that after the procedings Paul took off to it at the bedside of a friend dying of cancer. I wondered who and was so saddened to hear Whoopie Goldberg announce Neil Aspinall's untimely death on "THE VIEW" this morning. I pray for the Lord to shed comfort over Neil's family. I pray, also, that "our" Paul be blessed with comfort from the Lord. He is enduring so much grief and heartbreak over so many desperately deep losses and heartbreaks, not only over recent years, but so many going all the way back to the loss of his mom at such a critical time in a young boy's life. He carries himself with such dignity.. I hope the friendship between Neil was a blessing to them both and all around them. God bless all.

Eileen K., Bozeman, MT

I suppose I am very much like millions of Beatles fans the world over who feel so sad tonight - I of course didn't know Neil but always knew his name (since 1964 when they all came to America). My tears come easily as I read the stories in the newspapers of how much he meant to the Beatles and how loyal they all were to each other. He was there driving the van around Liverpool and he was there for every event since - the stories just bring a flood of memories and emotions.

Not to be corny but this seems fitting "and in the end, the love you take, is equal to the love you make'

T. Shannon, Boston,

Just one of those serendipity moments, I suppose. I am 66 years old and on my own now and yesterday decided to watch the VHS taping I did those 13 years ago of the Anthology series. There was Neil wearing his cap telling his part of the story. Why was I watching (for the first time) these moving pictures of this gentle person who was leaving us behind? In one of the commercial breaks, Pete Best did indeed endorse Carling lager. He is another gentle ex-Beatle - I helped train him for his excellent work as a JobCentre executive. I also briefly met Ringo when he was Rory Storm's drummer at Butlins - just before he became a gentle Beatle. And I was watching them all as Neil passed away. It was Aspinall's glue that kept it all attached. Sorry this is so indulgent.

BERT BRETHERTON, STOCKPORT, ENGLAND

It is a very sad day for Beatle fans the world over.
Neil is simply irreplaceable.

Claude Wolf, London,

Neil was an okay guy...very dedicated to his mates The Beatles. He kept their ship afloat though occasional rough seas and managed their finances and new projects brilliantly.
Sometimes his single-mindedness left him misunderstood by those who didn't appreciate his determination to take care of the Beatles legacy.
Sleep well Neil...you've well earned it !!
Sam Leach.

Sam Leach, Liverpool, Lancashire.

Neil Aspinall and Mal Evans were the very zenith of road managers. They invented that gig. All roadies will doff their caps at his passing.

Johnny Green, Gillingham, England

Thank you Neil for your immense contribution to the history of the Fab Four. You will never be forgotten and will always be remembered affectionately by Beatles fans all over the world.

Bjorn Vidar Naess, Kongsberg, Norway

How many "Fifth" Beatles are there? I count Billy Preston, Stuart Sutcliffe, Pete Best, George Martin, Brian Epstein, Tony Sheridan, Jimmy Nichols, Neil Aspinall... and I'm sure there are more who lay claim, have been dubbed by the press, or are pretenders to the throne.
Neil Aspinall ranks high for his fidelity and his lack of personal ambition First and foremost, he was a "chum and a mate" in the true Liverpudlian sense.

Stephen Publicover, Guelph, Canada

Very sad to hear the news of Neil's passing. He is a well respected figure in the magical Beatles story and will always be well loved and remembered by me and of course Beatle people world-wide.

May God rest your soul Neil xxx

Anne Gaffney, Glasgow, UK

The end of an era. I'm sure the thoughts of the world go out to Neil's family and the Beatles family. These individuals were such an important part of most of our lives and history will one day record this fact. Thank you Neil - Rest In Peace.

Ron Ricketts, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada

It was very sad to learn of the death of Neil Aspinall at such a a relatively young age and my thoughts are with his wife and family.

I still have the 1965 BOAC menu of The Beattles (sic) Bahamas Special 'signed' by the fab four. However, I have been told by Stephen Maycock (expert on Beatles' memorabilia) that not all of them are genuine autographs and that Neil Aspinall (and Mal Evans) was responsible for penning some of these signatures. Bearing in mind that Mr Aspinall's speciality was the protection of the Beatles' trademark and copyright, surely passing off signatures as genuine was not the way to go about it. This menu was signed to me and given to one of the props men from Shepperton Studios who was on the flight.

Ann Kemp, Maidstone, England

such sad news -- hopefully his family will find comfort in the fact he was so beloved by those he knew and loved and those who knew him because of his job --

martha, atlanta, usa

“Although Brian Epstein spent an enormous amount of time trying to get a recording contract for the Beatles, he found that literally every label in England would turn them down, including EMI of which I was a small part. Neil Aspinall was overshadowed by Brian in those days, but his closeness to the Beatles made him the ideal person to take over the reins. He fitted the part as if he were born to it and he astonished the big players in the record business with his acumen. Maybe he said ‘No’ too many times, but his overriding thought was always to protect the four Beatles in the frenzy that he had to deal with. No one can imagine the stress of handling the group, for everyone in the world wanted them. His business decisions were sound, and the fact that the Beatles are acknowledged to be the greatest of our stars is his legacy. He was an unassuming and loving family man, and a very good friend, loyal and faithful to the end. We will all miss him, and so will the world.”

Sir George Martin, London,

we love you neil.. colin white in newcastle upon tyne.

colin white, newcastle upo tyne, england

Neil was a dear friend , He was also The Beatles " ROCK" and able to guide them through so many things. God Bless, our love to dear Suzy and his Family.

Daniel & Zelda Secunda, LONDON, UK

God Bless Neill for a life time of memories.

Gesha, Gympie, Australia QLD

So sad to hear the news of Neils passing, my thoughts are with his family and close friends. As a life long Beatles fan I would like to say thank you..Neil...you will never be forgotten.

Steve McDonald
Dundee
Scotland

Steve McDonald, Dundee, Scotland

In the past few years I've read several books and articles about the Beatles and the one constant thing was Neil Aspinal. What a great friend he was. I am crying tonight, just like I did for John and George. Paul and Ringo and Neils family are certainly greving and my thoughts and prayers are with them.

Rhonda Grubb, Spring, Texas

Sir Paul has been through a lot as of late and over the past years, I hope he can pull through the death of another loved one/friend. It seems as if he has great strength in his family and close friends; I'm sure he will!

Peace to all!
R.I.P. Neil Aspinall

Kristen, Madison, Wisconsin/U.S.

Neil WAS the fifth Beatle....no matter what anyone says. Such a trusted, loyal friend and confidante. He will be missed....rest in peace, Neil.

Tim, Louisville, Ky/USA

God Bless Neill for a life time of memories.

rhonda, san angelo, tx/usa

God Bless Neill for a life time of memories.

rhonda, san angelo, tx/usa

The contributuion of this man to the success of the Beatles and the British Contribution to popular music is on a par with Brian Epstein and George Martin. Such loyalty and dedication will earn him a place in Rock 'n Roll history. May he rest in peace.

David , Maidenhead,

Thanks for the Anthology Neil.
God bless.

John Norris, bolton, UK

A story which never ceases to be fascinating ....

Robert Mattaliano, Maplewood, NJ USA

In a time when we often see reports of squandered fortunes and mismanaged careers it is interesting to read a story such as this one. How truly fortunate the Beatles were to find such a trustworthy and capable steward of their business interests. Would that others had been so lucky.

Terry, roxbury, NJ, USA

what a good man . god rest peace shay

shay byrne, birmingham, u.k