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Tony Barrow Dies; Beatles Publicist Coined ‘Fab Four’ Phrase
The British publicist who coined the phrase “Fab Four” to describe the early Beatles has died.
Tony Barrow, 80, died in a Lancaster hospital on Saturday following a lengthy illness, his son Mike Barrow said Tuesday.
Photo: AP Photo
Performing on the CBS "Ed Sullivan Show" in New York.
Former Beatle Paul McCartney said Barrow “was a lovely guy who helped us in the early years of the Beatles.” He called Barrow “super professional but always ready for a laugh.”
Mike Barrow said his father coined the phrase at a time when the word “fab” was in common usage. He says “he just put the two together … it was a masterstroke.”
Barrow started working with the Beatles in 1962 before the Liverpool band shot to worldwide fame.
He is survived by his widow Corinne and sons Mike and Mark.