Who would you consider to be the fabled 'Fifth Beatle', and for what reason?

i think in all honesty it was George the other men all played there parts in the Beatles history some more so than others, the main contender would be Brian as well without his management/guidance they wouldn't have made it big.

But i think in all honesty that if it hadn't been Brian it would have been someone else because at the end of the day they were a talented young band anyone who's seen footage of them in the early years can see they were a tight unit and had a great sound and great harmonies, it may not have been as soon as Brian got them there but i think they would have got there none the less.

What if they never had met George Martin would they have made albums like rubber soul onwards, he brought another dimension to there music that the Beatles couldn't have done on there own blending rock and pop with classical accompaniments. But then theres the argument if they hadnt met Brian they might not have met George ?

I also think that George still being alive and Brian having died so young plays a vital part in George being the fifth Beatle, if Brian had still been alive to this day he would probably been known as the fifth Beatle, but as it is George is still keeping the Beatles alive by releasing a new compilation album or remix every few years and without him doing this so many young Beatles fans like myself might never had got the chance to hear there music.

So my vote goes to George.

Good points Fendie. I personally voted for Brian, because I am one of those who argue in favour of "they wouldnt have met George if it wasnt for Brian".
You say that at the end of the day there'll be someone else- but would there have been (grammer?) a person who really wanted them to succeed, a person who was really dedicated to them?
They were rejected by Decca and Capitol (i think) in the begining, so clearly, at thattime not everyone would have goven them a fair chance. And thats why I say that it was Brians enthusiasm and belief in them that made them who they are.


Consequently the 5th Beatle could be the physical the 5th beatle. Ie Best (5th and 6th) or Jimmy Nichol because they were literally and physically the 5th beatles. I'm just being silly or goofy as some would say

yeah i think it could easily have been best or sutcliffe as they were in the band


but i reckon it was between two george martin and Brian Epstein.

And for me George Martin pips it as he has been alive longer and has constantly been promoting the Beatles music even to this day, something even the Beatles themselves haven't done as well.

Hes constantly releasing new beatles album or remixes/compilations every few years or putting together old demos that were never finished.

He is the reason that The Beatles will be remembered long after they are gone.

yea but would Brian have done the same (ie what GM is doing) if he were alive?