Beatles’ former press officer Tony Barrow dead at 80

The former press officer for the Beatles, Tony Barrow, has died aged 80.

He worked with the band between 1962-1968 and wrote the sleeve notes for the Liverpool outfit’s early albums, including their debut studio album Please Please Me in 1963.

He also coined the term ‘The Fab Four’ after originally using it in a press release, and created the cartoon strip used in the band’s 1967 Magical Mystery Tour record.

Barrow began working with Decca in the early 60s and was later brought into the Beatles’ inner circle by their manager Brian Epstein. While there, Barrow also worked with artists including Cilla Black and Gerry & The Pacemakers.

Following Epstein’s death in 1967, Barrow moved on and set up his own PR firm, representing artists including the Kinks and the Bay City Rollers, before returning to writing and freelance journalism.

Barrow is survived by his widow Corinne and two sons.

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