Best known as the manager of The Beatles. His role in their initial success was integral. The application of Epstein's entrepreneurial and promotional skills to their immense talent was the transforming agent which propelled them to an unprecedented worldwide fame and popularity. Epstein took over management of the group at a time when they had been struggling without success for several years. They were just one of over 300 beat groups in Liverpool alone at the time. Though he had had no previous experience in artist management, Epstein revealed considerable innate abilities in presenting and promoting The Beatles. On 3 August 1961, Epstein began a regular music column in Mersey Beat magazine. Epstein first noticed The Beatles' name on a concert bill, thinking it sounded "silly." In the commonly accepted version of the story, when several customers began asking for a single that The Beatles had recorded with Tony Sheridan in Germany, Epstein couldn't find it through any of his record label contacts, and decided to ask the band themselves for details. He went to see them perform at a lunchtime concert at the crowded Cavern Club, which was just down the street from his store. In a meeting in 10 December 1961, it was decided that Epstein would manage the band. The four members signed a five-year contract Though it wasn't publicly disclosed until after his death, Epstein was gay. While he was attracted to Lennon, there has been little evidence that he acted on his feelings. There were rumours of a brief sexual encounter between the two when they went on a four-day holiday together to Spain in April 1963. Lennon (known for his unflinching candor) always denied this, telling Playboy in 1980 "it was never consummated, but we had a pretty intense relationship." McCartney, too, said his and Lennon's relationship with Epstein was platonic. Epstein died of an accidental drug overdose. None of The Beatles were in attendance at Epstein's funeral, wishing to give his family privacy and not draw the media and their fans, but they did attend a memorial service for him a few weeks later.