Brian Epstein inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

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Stones, Beatles Managers Oldham, Epstein Inducted Into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
by Annie Zaleski 
April 10, 2014

After an introduction by Jann Wenner — during which it was revealed that, unsurprisingly, the Brooklyn, New York Barclays Center is full of E Street Band and Kiss fans — the 2014 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony kicked off with the induction of legendary Beatles manager Brian Epstein and Rolling Stones manager Andrew Loog Oldham.
“Brian loved, protected and respected the Beatles,” said Peter Asher (of Peter & Gordon, and went on to produce James Taylor and Linda Ronstadt), who inducted the late manager. “He took his responsibilities extremely seriously…. His biggest fear was letting the Beatles down in any way, whatsoever.”
Asher fondly remembered the times he spent with the band socially, but noted that the Beatles lamented they had to wear suits onstage — and the Stones could wear “whatever they wanted.”
That sartorial difference was due to Loog Oldham, who “was a promotional genius,” Asher said. “Andrew also saw what the Stones could become culturally. He brilliantly positioned the dangerous Stones.”
Besides marketing smarts, Loog Oldham also steered the band’s creative side. “He encouraged — commanded — Mick and Keith to write their own songs,” Asher noted. Oldham very publicly opted not the attend the ceremony, saying that over the years the inductions had turned into “a televised spectacular.”
The manager’s music industry acumen also received a nod — specifically, his Immediate Records, which was home to Humble Pie, the Small Faces, Fleetwood Mac and many more.
“Two disparate, extraordinary and prescient managers for two different musical groups—groups parallel only in their intense ambition,” Gordon said.
“With the very greatest pride and indefatigable delight, I induct two men who helped create musical history.”


Hulton Archive, Getty Images