Mal Evans

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Lore & Background

Evans first befriended George Harrison, who put forward Evans' name to the Cavern Club's manager, Ray McFall, when he needed a doorman. The 27-year-old Evans was accepted, even though he wore thick-framed glasses, but mainly because of his burly 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) frame, which was an asset when holding back unruly fans at the Cavern's door. He was later nicknamed the 'Gentle Giant' and 'Big Mal'. On 11 August 1963, Evans began working for the Beatles in the combined role of roadie/bodyguard. Evans and Aspinall's duties were to drive the van while on tour, and to set up and test the equipment. Evans' telephone engineering experience was valuable in setting up and maintaining the electrical equipment. The Beatles were being driven back to Liverpool from London by Evans through heavy fog on 21 January 1963, when the windscreen was hit by a pebble and glazed over; Evans had to break a large hole in it to see the road ahead. This was in winter, so the group had to lie one on top of the other in the back with a bottle of whisky and try to stay warm in the freezing temperatures, something Paul McCartney later referred to as a 'Beatle sandwich'.

In Their Own Story

The Beatles, and Evans, were introduced to cannabis by Bob Dylan in New York City in 1964. McCartney and Evans, both high for the first time, frantically searched until they found a pencil and paper so McCartney could write down his cannabis-influenced thoughts about life. He entrusted the writing to Evans, only to discover the next morning that he had only written, with no further explanation, 'There are seven levels!' He later guessed it was rooted in a general concept shared by some world religions although he admitted he would not have known anything about them at that point. In July 1966, the Beatles toured the Philippines, and unintentionally snubbed the nation's first lady, Imelda Marcos. After the supposed snub was broadcast on Philippine television and radio, all of the Beatles' police protection disappeared. The group and their entourage had to make their way to Manila airport on their own. At the airport, Evans was beaten and kicked, and the group members were pushed and jostled about by a hostile crowd. Once the group boarded the plane, Tony Barrow and Evans were ordered off, and Evans said, 'Tell Lil I love her', thinking he was about to be jailed or killed.

Reader's Guide

Mal Evans is the quintessential loyal sidekick whose journey mirrors The Beatles' rise from local stars to global icons. Initially hired for practical duties, his arc transforms him into a creative collaborator and emotional anchor for the group. His skills lie in adaptability and intuition; he can play any instrument thrown at him, manage chaotic tour schedules, or simply provide the right atmosphere when inspiration strikes. He possesses no supernatural powers but wields immense influence through his unwavering support and ability to read the room. Defining moments include his contributions to landmark tracks like 'A Day in the Life' and his role as a trusted confidant during turbulent times. His story is one of quiet dedication, showing how behind every great band is someone who holds it all together with humor, heart, and hard work.

Did You Know?

• Evans was 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) tall and was nicknamed the 'Gentle Giant' and 'Big Mal'.
• He and Neil Aspinall used to sign many autographs for the Beatles when the band members were too busy.
• Evans and Paul McCartney came up with the name 'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band' after Evans asked what 'S' and 'P' stood for on salt and pepper pots.
• In 1967, Evans wrote in his diaries that he 'bought Ringo some undies for his visit to the doctor'.
• Evans was shot and killed by police at his home in Los Angeles in 1976 when he threatened officers with what turned out to be an air rifle.