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[peregrine9]

Ultimate Classic Rock
October 24, 2011
The Beatles’ Original Manager Still Loses Sleep Over Selling Their Contract

The head of Decca Records famously rejected the Beatles in 1962, telling manager Brian Epstein that “guitar groups are on the way out.” But he wasn’t the only one who missed out on a chance to be a part of the band’s astonishing success. That list includes the Beatles’ original manager, Alan Williams, who sold his contract to Epstein for the modern-day equivalent of $400 — a decision that he says still haunts him. “I still lose sleep over it 50 years later. No one could have guessed the Beatles would become so famous,” Williams told the Daily Record during a recent interview. “At that time there were 300 groups in Liverpool, who were as good or better.”

http://ultimateclassicrock.com/the-beatles-original-manager-still-loses-sleep-over-selling-their-contract/

[Bobber]

I don't believe there was ever a contract between Williams and The Beatles. And he could have known he had something in his hands by the time they split up.

[peterbell1]

It's a moot point, really, since it's quite possible that The Beatles may not have had that "astonishing success" had Alan Williams remained as manager.
Epstein was a key part of their development and things like putting them in suits and refining their stage act made them more attractive to a wider audience.
I suppose that without Epstein The Beatles would still have had enough about them to have secured a record deal, but maybe with Williams as manager they wouldn't have become the global phenomenon that they did. He wasn't astute enough to hang onto them in the first place, so why would he be any more astute if he HAD stayed on as manager?

[Gary910]

It's a moot point, really, since it's quite possible that The Beatles may not have had that "astonishing success" had Alan Williams remained as manager.
Epstein was a key part of their development and things like putting them in suits and refining their stage act made them more attractive to a wider audience.
I suppose that without Epstein The Beatles would still have had enough about them to have secured a record deal, but maybe with Williams as manager they wouldn't have become the global phenomenon that they did. He wasn't astute enough to hang onto them in the first place, so why would he be any more astute if he HAD stayed on as manager?

+1....

Also, I think Allan Williams is a bit shady. Paul doesn't have much respect for him either. He is just upset because he knows he missed out.

[Toejam]

It's a moot point, really, since it's quite possible that The Beatles may not have had that "astonishing success" had Alan Williams remained as manager.
Epstein was a key part of their development and things like putting them in suits and refining their stage act made them more attractive to a wider audience.
I suppose that without Epstein The Beatles would still have had enough about them to have secured a record deal

I don't know about that. Obvioulsy they did but would the record co. have actually signed them? We know that they didn't and it was pretty much last chance saloon that G.Martin took them on a Parlaphone. What would have happened if he hadn't have done that? They'd have probably just dissolved and maybe never to be heard of again. John would probably still be alive now as just another ordirnary  old man in Liverpool. Kinda spooky to think that could have happened  and people could actually have gone to Liverpool for some reason and met him and not given it a second thought.

[Bobber]

Paul doesn't have much respect for him either. He is just upset because he knows he missed out.

Paul's comment when Williams' book 'The Man Who Sold The Beatles' came out: "Nice book Alan. Some of it is even true."

[peterbell1]

Paul's comment when Williams' book 'The Man Who Sold The Beatles' came out: "Nice book Alan. Some of it is even true."

 

[nimrod]

Id lose sleep too 

[BeatlesForever]

I bet that is one decision that will haunt Alan Williams for the rest of his life.     

[Bobber]

I bet that is one decision that will haunt Alan Williams for the rest of his life.     

If Allan really has the capability to self reflect, he would know that The Beatles wouldn't have made it this big with him as their manager.

[BeatlesForever]

If Allan really has the capability to self reflect, he would know that The Beatles wouldn't have made it this big with him as their manager.

Very true Bobber!