?Fifth Beatle? Neil Aspinall dies of lung cancer

Paul McCartney, still reeling from the court drama of his divorce, rushed to the bedside of longtime friend and Beatles tour manager Neil Aspinall over the weekend to see him in his final moments. Aspinall, who began as the Beatles' tour bus driver and in later years managed the band's Apple Corps, died after a battle with lung cancer late yesterday.

The man known throughout the music industry as "the Fifth Beatle" has died from lung cancer.

Neil Aspinall, who controlled The Beatles' music empire for more than 40 years, passed away in hospital in New York yesterday.

Sir Paul McCartney flew to the U.S. on Saturday to be at the bedside of the 66-year-old as his condition deteriorated. It is understood he had battled the disease for past two months.

Aspinall started work for the band as the �1-an-hour driver of their battered blue Commer van. He became their confidant and accountant, as well as contributing to some recordings, playing percussion on Magical Mystery Tour and singing backing vocals on Yellow Submarine.

In 1968 he took over Apple Corps, the company set up to manage the Beatles' business interests.

In a statement released on behalf of Sir Paul and Ringo Starr and Beatle widows Yoko Ono and Olivia Harrison, the company said: "As a loyal friend, confidant and chief executive, Neil's trusting stewardship and guidance has left a far-reaching legacy for generations to come.

"All his friends and loved ones will greatly miss him but will always retain the fondest memories of a great man."

[From the Daily Mail]

Neil was a smoker earlier in his life, but his family reported that he quit years ago- although it would seem not soon enough. Neil leaves behind his wife of 39 years and five children, including one he fathered with the mother of former Beatle Pete Best.

NOTE BY CELEBITCHY: I remember when it was big news last year that this guy retired and was very surprised to hear of his death. RIP Neil. I know he wasn't a full-fledged Beatle, but there are only two surviving members now, Sir Paul and Ringo Star.