Content warning: This article discusses death.
Tributes are flowing as the news has been confirmed that Joe Flannery, The Beatles‘ previous booking manager, has passed away. Often regarded as the ‘Secret Beatle’, Flannery passed away on Wednesday 27 March, in his Aigburth, UK.
The music industry heavyweight handled The Beatles’ bookings from 1962-63, which are considered to be the iconic band’s formative days. Flannery was also a close childhood friend of band manager Brian Epstein.
Flannery’s nephew, Norman Meek, confirmed the news earlier this week. Meek explains, “He had been unwell for the past month but he was still making plans for the future,”
Meek continues, “Fans from all over the world would call at his home and he was always happy to speak with them.”
He added: “He had a song, ‘Much Missed Man’, and I’m sure the city would agree with that sentiment.”
From 1959, Flannery’s abode on Gardner became a place to sleep for The Beatles. After those sleepovers, Flannery would drive the members home. It’s even considered that Flannery may have given a young George Harrison driving lessons.
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In Flannery’s autobiography, he said: “It was a very exciting time. The Beatles were more with me than Brian in the early days.”
On the topic of Flannery’s death, Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson, tweeted: “Sad to hear of the passing of my dear friend Joe Flannery a real gentleman so influential in the Liverpool music scene, he was a Beatles historian and ambassador for our City. He lived and breathed music and our City. RIP Joe x”
Sad to hear of the passing of my dear friend
Joe Flannery a real gentleman so influential in the Liverpool music scene, he was a Beatles historian and ambassador for our City. He lived and breathed music and our City. 💙❤️💜RIP Joe x https://t.co/9IuFtJBBjS— Joe Anderson (@mayor_anderson) March 28, 2019
