Allan Williams, the man who originally managed The Beatles, has died.
News of the 86-year-old’s passing was confirmed by The Jacaranda, the city centre club that he originally founded alongside his affiliation with the Fab Four.
Bootle-born Williams was credited with helping the city’s legendary quartet make early yet tentative steps to their eventual musical and cultural immortality.
He personally drove the van which took the band, the erstwhile five-piece which included Stuart Sutcliffe and Pete Best, to tour in Hamburg in 1960.
Two years earlier, he opened The Jacaranda which was converted into a coffee shop from a former watch repair shop in the heart of Liverpool city centre.
It was there that he met John Lennon, Paul McCartney and Sutcliffe, who were all regulars at the popular Slater Street venue during their times at art colleges.
The Jacaranda confirmed Williams’ passing on their official Facebook page.
“Today is one of the saddest day in our history,” read a statement.
“Our original owner and the man who discovered The Beatles, Allan Williams, has sadly passed away at the age of 86.
“All of our thoughts and wishes go to his family and his wife Beryl.
“His legacy has allowed to remain at the heart of the Liverpool music scene for almost 60 years and his memory will live on through every band that plays our famous stage.
“Allan, you will be missed.”
Williams’ death comes less than 10 days after early Beatles promoter Sam Leach lost his battle against cancer just days after marking his 81st birthday.