A Cellarful of Noise: Amazon.ca: Brian Epstein: Books

Product Description

"In A Cellarful of Noise", Brian Epstein provides the insider's look at the rise of the Beatles, and describes how he managed their transformation from an r'n'b cover band into the most popular rock band in the world. Their initial success was his first as well. Epstein discovered the Beatles, and as their only manager, guided their spectacular rise until his tragic death from a drug overdose in 1967.

Long out-of-print, "A Cellarful of Noise" is Brian Epstein's inside and personal account, as told by Brian himself. This is the story of a kid no school would accept, who was first a would-be dress designer, then a small-time record store clerk without much future and finally the savvy manager of the most famous group in rock'n'roll history.

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Customer Reviews

7 Reviews

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Average Customer Review

4.9 out of 5 stars (7 customer reviews)

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5.0 out of 5 stars A Beautiful Account by the True Fifth Beatle, Dec 31 2002

By

vgoth (Farmington Hills, Mi United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Cellarful of Noise (Paperback)

Brian Epstein's magnificence and decency as a person, and secondly as manager of the Fab Four, is what really comes across in this warm, revealing account of the rise of the Beatles. I really think that had Brian lived, the boys would never have split up. Argued yes, but split, no. Not if Brian would have had his way. His integrity (such as not going back on a contract, even though it would have meant the Beatles could have made a ton more money) makes me respect him highly. One such incident was referenced by the Ed Sullivan show, which was contracted at a measly amount, before the mop tops took America by storm and were commanding much larger contract dollars. It's seemingly rare to find this kind of integrity in the entertainment industry, and probably garners the criticism of those who later said Brian was a 'poor' manager, not getting the Beatles their due share. Maybe true...but I don't think anyone around them loved the boys more than Mr. Epstein. There's a very interesting anecdote about Brian's wavering loyalties at one point. He was so tired of the strain and the 24 hours a day work that came with being the Beatles' manager, that he considered selling his contract with them, for a good amount of cash. When confronting the boys with this idea, they thought he was joking, then realizing he was serious, threatened to pack up and quit if Brian left. Brian's quote in this regard speaks to his admiration and loyalty, in return, to the boys. After telling his prospective dealer that the deal was off, Brian remarked:
'And this was the point. The Beatles are not a deal. They are unique human beings and I believe that even if the whole thing peters out I will always be with the Beatles. I would like to look after them in some way throughout their lives, not because I want a percentage but because they are my friends'.
And a true friend they, and we all, lost when Brian passed.
Thank the stars above he brought them, and their joy, to the world with his unflagging, unwavering hope and belief that the Beatles were, and are, a once in a lifetime 'deal'.
A must read for any Beatle lover.

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5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting, Sep 4 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: A Cellarful of Noise (Paperback)

This is an interesting book, though you'll likely have read the story elsewhere in other Beatles books. But it's from the manager's mouth, so worthy in that regard. Some trivia: When (homosexual) Brian asked the other Beatles what he should title the book, John--with his cruel streak--said, "How about `Queer Jew' or `Cellarful of Boys'" Ridiculously, Lennon's cruel streak made Epstein just more infatuated with John!

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5.0 out of 5 stars fact, Oct 30 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: A Cellarful of Noise (Paperback)

Just to counter the praise of Brian Epstein's writing in the review below: Epstein didn't write the book; his and the Beatles' press-man Derek Taylor ghost-wrote it (and he himself said he thinks it would have been better if he hadn't written it so quickly).

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Most recent customer reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars A great book for any Beatles fan
This book is probably one of the best books I have ever read. I read it constantly and I never can put it down. Read more

Published on July 12 1999 by chiconut

4.0 out of 5 stars A great snapshot in time
Brian Epstein, by writing this book in the middle of the Beatles phenomenon, provides us with a great snapshot in time - a time unlike any other before or perhaps since. Read more

Published on Jun 3 1999