Allan Williams, The Beatles' first manager, passes away

Allan Williams

, who was the first manager of

The Beatles

, has passed away at the age of 86. Williams was the owner of the

Jacaranda

club in

Liverpool

, which confirmed the news of his death on December 30.

"His legacy has allowed us to remain at the heart of the Liverpool

music

scene for almost 60 years, and his memory will live on through every band that plays our famous stage. Allan, you will be missed."

"All of our thoughts and wishes go to his family and his wife

Beryl

," a message on the club's Facebook page read. It was Williams, who took the '60s most influential rock band to

Hamburg

, where its members learned much of their craft, before returning to the UK and stardom.

The Beatles Story, an exhibition in Liverpool celebrating the band's success, praised Williams for his 'significant role'. "We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Allan Williams. Our thoughts go out to his family at this sad time. Allan was a friend to many of us at the Beatles Story and his legacy will continue to be told for years to come," the exhibition's spokesperson

Martin King

said.

Williams parted ways with the band in 1961 following a disagreement over his fee.