Neil Aspinall, who started out in the Beatles' employ in 1961 as their road manager, later rising though the ranks to become chief executive of Apple Corps, has died in New York, where he was receiving treatment for lung cancer. He was 66. His 46-year association with the Beatles is among the longest, predating even Ringo Starr.

Introduced to the Beatles through his friendship with then-drummer Pete Best, he began his association with them by driving the not yet world-famous beat combo from gig to gig in his shabby old van during their early days in Liverpool. Trained as an accountant, Aspinall was given the reins to the Beatles' fledgling Apple Records venture in 1968, where he stayed until his retirement last year. During his recent tenure at Apple Corps, his most notable achievement was as executive producer of 'The Beatles Anthology' documentary series and CD releases, which told the Fab Four's story in their own words.