McCartney Times

By late 1961, the Beatles – John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and drummer Pete Best – were one of the most popular bands in Liverpool, but were desperate to find a representative who would secure them a recording contract.Earlier that year. the band had a falling out with their first manager, Allan Williams, who’d booked their gigs in Hamburg, Germany. Enter Brian Epstein, whose family owned the local NEMS record store. Epstein, with no managerial experience, resolved to represent the group after seeing it perform at Liverpool’s Cavern Club. On Jan. 24, 1962, the Beatles inked a five-year management contract with Epstein.Epstein did his homework before making the Beatles a formal offer. The Epstein biography The Man Who Made the Beatles recounts that the would-be manager approached Williams, who had battled with the group over a commission he felt he was owed. “I hope you don’t mind me asking you, Allan, for a bit of help. I’m thinking of managing the Beatles,” said Epstein.“They’re a fantastic group – but they’ll let you down,” Williams replied. “My advice is: Don’t touch them with a f—ing bargepole.” Williams added, “They’re ruthless. When it comes to contracts, be careful what you’re signing. Make sure you can get out any time you want to.”

Source: 55 Years Ago: The Beatles Sign Their First Contract With Brian Epstein