This was a tough call for me in spite of the fact that in 1999 Paul McCartney said If there ever was a fifth Beatle it was Brian Epstein. It was Brian who in the beginning heard something more in the boys than what met the ear. He brought them to the attention of George Martin who also heard the talent underneath the raw recordings. Although he never adapted their look it was Brian who changed the Beatles from Elvis imitators. (Can you picture four men in pompadours singing She loves you, yeah yeah yeah?) He sought out the designer who made their collarless jackets and it was Brian who changed their stage presence by cleaning them up and not letting them do things like smoke cigarettes while performing on stage. The Beatles all loved Brian but as their success grew his services as a manager became almost non existent. They always considered him a friend and were grateful to him for all he had done so his place in Beatle heirarchy was secure. When the Beatles were awarded their MBE medals in 1965 both Paul and George said that MBE stood for Mr Brian Epstein. I suppose he was insecure in his heart for as he saw the Beatles reach heights never dreamed about in the Liverpool days he began to drink heavily and mix the alcohol with pills. Even though his services as a manager had not been required for several years he still had influence over the band. As long as Brian was around the Beatles stayed focused. He lived long enough to see them reach the pinnacle of success with Sgt Pepper but died shortly after it's release in the summer of 1967. It has been said that when Brian died the Beatles lost much of their structure and discipline and in my view, history has proven that to be correct. They would never again have an album that would unite the four of them in a true team effort. In a 1970 interview John Lennon said Once Brian died that was it. I knew we'd had it. Their talent and creativity kept the Beatles at the top of their game until the end, but the White Album, Abbey Road and Let It Be were all albums that seemed to be a showcase for the song writer with the other Beatles being backup singers and musicians. (Magical Mystery Tour was based on a film the Beatles were doing so there was slightly more unity) Brian's insight and contributions can never be fully measured even though we now know many of the conversations that took place behind the scenes which determined the directions they would take. If the Beatles were the fuel, then Brian Epstein was the spark that ignited a band that would change music and social trends forever. Had he not taken control of their career, there would never have been the Beatles as we knew them. Rest in peace, Brian. You are still sorely missed.