The statue of Brian Epstein, The Beatles' former manager, has been temporarily removed from its location in Liverpool city centre for essential repair work. Liverpool Business Improvement District (BID) Company, which funded the statue, confirmed the move on Friday, October 2.
The monument, located at the corner of Button Street and Whitechapel, was unveiled in August 2022 during International Beatle Week. Hundreds of people gathered for the ceremony, singing Beatles hits including Help!, Twist and Shout, and Hey Jude.
Statue's significance and history
Epstein, often called the fifth Beatle, became the group's manager in 1961 after seeing them perform at the Cavern Club. The statue, sculpted by Andy Edwards, who also created The Fab Four statue at Liverpool's Pier Head, was the first of its kind to depict an LGBTQ+ figure in the city centre. As a gay man living when homosexuality was illegal, Epstein faced many personal challenges.
Born in Liverpool in 1934, Epstein played a key role in the city's wider music scene, managing acts such as Gerry and the Pacemakers, Cilla Black, Billy J Kramer and the Dakotas, The Moody Blues, and The Chants.
Repair work and return
In a statement, Liverpool BID Company said: "Liverpool Business Improvement District has temporarily removed the Brian Epstein statue from its current location on Friday October 2, to allow essential repair work to be carried out. The statue will be returned to its current location as soon as the repairs have been completed. We understand the importance of the statue to the city and will continue to share updates."
The statue campaign was led for five years by the Brian Epstein Legacy Project. It was made possible through a public crowdfunding campaign, funding from Bill Heckle at The Cavern, and match funding from Liverpool BID Company.
Despite his lack of experience, Epstein became The Beatles' manager in January 1962 and quickly influenced their performance and looks, moving them from black leather to a more clean-cut style. Epstein died of an accidental drug overdose on August 27, 1967. Although his sexuality was not publicly known until after his death, it was an open secret among his friends and associates. The plans for the statue were unveiled in 2021 and approved by Liverpool Council's planning committee in February 2022.
