News & events

Liverpool lass and iconic singer and entertainer Cilla Black today (28th September) unveiled the first Seven Dials Trust ‘People’s Plaque’ in honour of her former manager Brian Epstein, who was also manager for The Beatles and was affectionately known as “the fifth Beatle” by John Lennon.

From 1963 through to the end of 1964, Brian guided the careers of some of the most influential music makers of the 60’s generation from an anonymous building located at 13 Monmouth Street, Seven Dials, Covent Garden.  The Beatles fan club was also based in the Seven Dials office and remained at this address until Brian Epstein moved to another location in London’s West End.

Today Cilla acted as the representative for all those legendary artists who worked under Brian’s management when she unveiled the blue plaque ay 13 Monmouth Street.  She was first introduced to Brian by John Lennon when she auditioned for him on September 6th 1963.  Cilla signed with Brian’s company and became his only female vocalist.  There was an immediate bond between Cilla and Epstein.  Epstein wanted to nurture his “Judy Garland” and had high aspirations of creating a British icon who in his prophetic words would become “...one of the biggest stars in this country for 30 or 40 years.”  Cilla’s talent convinced legendary producer George Martin and she was signed to Parlophone Records, the rest is history.

The building on Monmouth Street has changed little in the intervening years and Seven Dials is delighted to recognise this important contribution to the contemporary history of the area.  The community of Seven Dials has embraced Brian’s influence and wish to honour his memory with this first Seven Dials Heritage Plaque.

Brian Epstein The Beatles Manager and Impresario Seven Dials Trust Blue Plaque.

13 Monmouth Street
Seven Dials
Covent Garden
WC2