[Thanks for yout intrest!
The Observer: There is something like that in the works, but not exactly.]
December 21, 1968
"I think that it was George's idea, really. He saw what the rest of us were trying to ignore. He was the one that called the meeting."
-Ringo Starr, interview 1982
"Now, it was really the first time that the boys had involved me at all in their affairs non-musically. For that reason, and the fact that he and I were never very close, I was very surprised when George called me into Apple."
-George Martin, interview 2011
Just a few weeks after the release of The Beatles, George Harrison called in the other three Beatles, as well as members of their inner circle, to an impromptu meeting at Apple's Headquarters.
"We were losing money very quickly. We were just giving it away, to anyone who asked. So I called everyone in to try and sort it out. I had a feeling that if we were going to continue, we needed direction. The White Album was the antithesis of that direction. We really hadn't had it since Brian died."
-George Harrison, interview 1997
"I think at the meeting, it was the four of them, me, Peter Brown, Alistair Taylor, Alex Madras, Neil [Aspinall], Derek Taylor, and George Martin. Clive Epstein and Dick James were invited to arrive late. George [Harrison] wanted to discuss Apple and Beatle finances. He said that we needed someone in charge of Apple, as no one really was at the time. He wanted to review the record and films divisions, and put someone in charge of those. He also wanted to get control of NEMS and Northern Songs. George really drove us to take a look at ourselves."
-Mal Evans, interview 1983
"It was surprising at the time, but it sort of made sense, you know. I had checked out, and Paul was doing whatever. George stepped up where he saw an opening."
-John Lennon, interview 1975
The Beatles and their inner circle talked most about Apple management. Alistair Taylor had been general manager since January. At the meeting, Starr asked him point blank if he could successfully sort out Apple, and he replied that he thought that Peter Brown would be better suited.
On the subject of Apple Records A&R director, Harrison asked George Martin if he would fill the position. Martin replied that he would be happy to work as an outside consultant, he did not want to be very involved in Apple. Lennon suggested that Neil Aspinall could be nominal head until someone more permanent was found. The others agreed.
When James and Epstein arrived, the Beatles put forth offers to buy their respective companies. Epstein responded enthusiastically, but James decided to hold off until Apple was sorted out. He did, however, sign an agreement not to sell to someone else in the meantime.
“Happy Holidays to everyone. As the year draws to a close, we would like to announce our new management:
· Peter Brown is now CEO and chairman
· Neil Aspinall is Apple Records A&R director
· George Martin has been hired as a consultant for Apple Records
· Michael Lindsay-Hogg is now head of Apple Films
In addition, we are in talks with NEMS Enterprises to purchase them.
More exciting news: The Beatles are to begin a new project starting 1 January. Details to follow, but suffice it to say that it is unlike anything they have done before.
The Beatles: ’Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from all of us to all of you, and may all of your Cringles be light.’”
-Apple Press Release, December 24, 1968
