The first recording contract between The Beatles and manager Brian Epstein will soon be auctioned off in London.
Beatles’ First Record Contract Up for Auction
The contract was signed by the four band members - John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Richard Starkey (Ringo Starr) - in October 1962, just days before the release of their first single, Love Me Do. Since Paul and George were under the age of 21, their fathers also appear as co-signers.
In the contract, the fabulous four agree to appoint Brian Epstein, often called the fifth Beatle, as their manager for a five year period.
"Without this contract, and the relationship it represents, it seems inconceivable that The Beatles could have achieved all that they did," writes Sotheby's on its website.
"It took more than inspired musicianship and songwriting to remake popular music, and the presentation, direction, and internal harmony of the Beatles all owed a huge amount to Brian Epstein."
The contract is part of Sotheby's 'Rock & Pop sale', and is expected to fetch between £300,000 and £500,000 in London on Tuesday.