Joe Flannery, who was often regarded as the ‘Secret Beatle’ has died at the age of 87.

One of the key figures during the conception of The Beatles, Flannery was the band’s booking manager from 1962-63. He was also a childhood friend of the band’s manager Brian Epstein.

Flannery’s nephew, Norman Meek, confirmed the news and said he died at his home in Aigburth yesterday (March 27).


“He had been unwell for the past month but he was still making plans for the future,” Meek explained. “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 onwards, Flannery’s flat on Gardner Road, in Stoneycroft became a meeting place for Merseyside bands, which is where his association with The Beatles began.

According to Flannery, members of The Beatles would often sleep at the flat and he would drive them home the next morning. He is said to have even given a young George Harrison driving lessons.

Writing about his experiences with the band in his autobiography, ‘Standing in the Wings: The Beatles, Brian Epstein and Me’, Flannery said: “It was a very exciting time. The Beatles were more with me than Brian in the early days.”


The famous Cavern Club paid tribute, writing: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Joe Flannery, a lifelong friend and business associate of Brian Epstein and friend of The Cavern Club. Everyone at The Cavern, Beatleweek and all who met him over the years will miss him dearly and our thoughts are with his family.”

We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Joe Flannery, a lifelong friend and business associate of Brian Epstein and friend of The Cavern Club. Everyone at The Cavern, Beatleweek and all who met him over the years will miss him dearly and our thoughts are with his family pic.twitter.com/FuisV02q6a — Cavern Club (@cavernliverpool) March 28, 2019

Mayor of Liverpool, 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

“We are saddened to hear that Joe Flannery has passed away,” said the Epstein theatre. “A dear friend of the theatre and lifelong friend of Brian Epstein. Joe was influential in the making of ‘Epstein The Man Who Made The Beatles’ and donated a photo of Brian which hangs in our bar.”

We are saddened to hear that Joe Flannery has passed away. A dear friend of the theatre and lifelong friend of Brian Epstein. Joe was influential in the making of 'Epstein The Man Who Made The Beatles' and donated a photo of Brian which hangs in our bar. Rest in peace, Joe. pic.twitter.com/TZeJBFjH5c — The Epstein Theatre (@EpsteinTheatre) March 28, 2019

“Was literally just talking about you,” said one Twitter user, while another added: “a lifelong Beatles ambassador RIP.”

Rest in Peace dear Joe Flannery. Was literally just talking about you and you were such a big part of my Epstein journey. I’ll carry your stories on my lovely pal. And say hello to Brian for me.

❤️❤️❤️. pic.twitter.com/okiIAaIlPn — Andrew Lancel (@AndrewLancel) March 28, 2019

Sad to discover our good friend Joe Flannery passed away yesterday He wrote “Standing in the Wings” about his life in the 60’s including time with Brian Epstein + the Beatles Here we are September 2013 where he proudly brought along his letter from @BarackObama + @MichelleObama pic.twitter.com/UJTYcy0B0b — Gary Millar (@garymillar) March 28, 2019

Joe Flannery, a lifelong Beatles ambassador RIP?️ — Adam Peters (@_Adam_Peters) March 28, 2019

So very sad to hear this , you will be missed ? Joe Flannery #RIP https://t.co/aUyOGoVAlL — HardDaysNightHotel ?? (@HDNHLiverpool) March 28, 2019

Very sad news to hear #JoeFlannery has passed away. He was a lovely man with a fascinating story. Rest in peace Joe. — Anita Whelan (@neeta68) March 28, 2019

Rest in Peace Joe Flannery, a very lovely man. ✌️ — Fay Brady (@FayBrady36) March 28, 2019

So sad to hear about Joe Flannery passing ?. I was lucky enough to meet Joe back in 2016 wit the lovely @BeatleTours & Joe was such a kind & lovely person telling me stories of him & Brian when they were younger and about the beatles. RIP Joe ? #JoeFlannery #BrianEpstein pic.twitter.com/97RUqrCPDU — ᴄᴇʀʏs ʜᴜɴᴋɪɴ ???????? #StatueForEppy (@hunkin_24) March 28, 2019

#JoeFlannery Very sad to hear the news of the passing of our ol pal Joe Flannery Always had time for everyone and welcomed us many times to his home to chat to fans – we will miss him very much RIP Joe x https://t.co/tVROFCJc1q — Stevie T (@BeatleTours) March 28, 2019

Absolutely gutted to hear about the sad loss of a good friend. Joe Flannery (often referred to as the 5th Beatle) was an incredible man and a true ambassador for our great city. I am just so honoured to have been able to call him ‘my friend’.#standindinthewings #joeflannery pic.twitter.com/R5nmfdL19v — HENSHAW (@Dave_Shot_Me) March 28, 2019

In other news, a “forgotten” picture of The Beatles has been discovered 55 years after the original photo was taken.

The negative of the picture, which shows The Beatles playing a gig in Great Yarmouth at the height of their fame in 1963, lay undeveloped in the home of Peter Harrison, 75, who salvaged the negative when he was working as an apprentice in a photographer’s studio. He was 17-years-old at the time.