Former Cavern Club owner Ray McFall, who helped The Beatles rise to fame in their native Liverpool, has died.
The club, which he owned and ran during the heyday of Merseybeat, confirmed the news.
Its current director Jon Keats said: "It is fair to say that without Ray we wouldn't still be doing what we're doing today. He was an integral part of the Merseybeat explosion that changed the world of music forever.
"It's a sad day as we say goodbye to another Cavern family member who will be missed. We'd like to offer our heartfelt condolence to Ray's family and friends at this sad time and we'd like to thank Ray for everything he did for the Cavern Club."
Mr McFall bought the club in 1959 and moved it away from its jazz roots towards the city's growing rock scene.
The Beatles played 292 gigs at the club and it was where they were spotted, on November 9 1961, by Liverpool businessman Brian Epstein who became their manager and helped them find fame.
Other regular acts at the city centre venue included Gerry and the Pacemakers, The Searchers and Cilla Black.
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