The Beatles attends a memorial service for Brian Epstein

After the death of their manager Brian Epstein on August 27, 1967, The Beatles didn’t attend his funeral in Liverpool, held on August 29. However, on this day, they did pay their respects by attending a memorial service held at the New London Synagogue at 33 Abbey Road, London.

The service, which took place at 6 pm, was officiated by Rabbi Louis Jacobs, who praised Epstein “encouraging young people to sing of love and peace rather than war and hatred.” Other artists from Brian Epstein’s management company, NEMS, including Cilla Black, Gerry Marsden, The Fourmost, and Billy J. Kramer, also attended the service. Press photographers were not permitted inside the synagogue, allowing for a private moment of reflection for The Beatles and their fellow artists to mourn their loss.

The Beatles didn’t attend the actual Liverpool funeral, in deference to the parents, as their presence would have made it into a media circus.

The service at the graveside was held by Rabbi Dr Norman Solomon, who said, disparagingly, that Epstein was “a symbol of the malaise of our generation”. The comment shocked and saddened many in attendance for it was completely out of line and very uncharitable.

A few weeks later, on October 17, all four Beatles attended a memorial service for Epstein at the New London Synagogue in St John’s Wood (near Abbey Road Studios), which was officiated by Rabbi Louis Jacobs. I still have the programme as a memento of a very sad day.

The service was attended by many of Brian’s friends, family and clients. The mourners included Cilla Black, Gerry Marsden, The Fourmost and Billy J. Kramer, and The Beatles and their ladies. I also remember touching base with Lulu that day. She wore hot pants with suspenders holding them up!

Angie McCartney – Step-mother of Paul McCartney – From “Angie McCartney: My Long and Winding Road“, 2013

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