The controversial former Beatles manager Allen Klein has died in New York at the age of 77.
One of the most powerful men in 60's music, the American music executive also managed the Rolling Stones.
With more than 50 years in the music business he finally lost his battle with Alzheimer’s disease and died on Saturdey at his home.
Despite working alongside two of the biggest bands in history his relationships with the two British groups ended in bitter acrimony and law suits.
Having walked away from the Stones owning the rights to most of their songs, Klein was despised not only by musicians but fans as well who blamed him for splitting the Fab Four.
After The Beatles' original manager Brian Epstein died in 1967, Klein was chosen to manage the band all but Paul McCartney who wanted his wife Linda’s father Lee Eastman, to take over.
The animosity continued between Klein and McCartney, that forced a split between him and the group but Klein remained close to the other three.
The band dissolved in 1970.
Famed for his sharp tongue and huge ego, Klein once sent out a holiday card parodying the 23rd Psalm:
"Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil - because I'm the biggest bastard in the valley."
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