Eric Easton
First manager of the Rolling Stones and record producer.
Unknown photographer · via Wikipedia: Eric Easton · Fair use
Eric Easton (1927–1995) was an English record producer who became the first manager of the Rolling Stones. He was born in Rishton, Lancashire, and got his start in music by playing the organ in cinemas, music halls, and seaside venues like Blackpool Tower. By the 1960s, he had shifted into management and talent scouting, working from an office in London’s Regent Street. In 1963, Easton met Andrew Loog Oldham, who was eager to sign an unknown band called the Rolling Stones, then playing small clubs and blues bars. Easton saw them once at the Crawdaddy Club in Richmond and agreed with Oldham. Their partnership was a study in contrasts: Oldham brought youth and energy, while Easton contributed industry experience, contacts, and financing. Together, they signed the group to a management and publishing deal that gave the Stones better terms than the Beatles had received, but still favored Easton and Oldham with a larger cut. Easton handled most of the gig bookings—pushing the band to play outside London—and also produced several recordings, including their first single, a cover of Chuck Berry’s “Come On,” released in June 1963. He managed the fan club and organized the Stones’ 1964 American tour.
As the band’s fame grew, so did their expectations of Easton. After problems on an American tour, Oldham decided in 1965 to push Easton out and bring in New York promoter Allen Klein. Oldham convinced the band members—except Bill Wyman—to back him, and Easton was fired. He filed several lawsuits for breach of contract, eventually settling out of court for a large sum. In 1980, Easton and his family moved to Naples, Florida, where he went into business. His son, Paul, later became a music manager and booking agent.
- Born
- 1927, Rishton, Lancashire
- Died
- 1995
- Field
- Record producer, talent manager
- Nationality
- English
- Known for
- First manager of the Rolling Stones
Lore & Background
Eric Easton's early life left little mark on the record. He was born in 1927 in Rishton, Lancashire, and entered the music business playing the organ in cinemas, on piers, and at tourist venues such as the Blackpool Tower. He performed popular pieces and played with his own ensemble, Eric Easton and his Organites, alongside contemporaries on the variety circuit. By the time he met Andrew Loog Oldham and the Rolling Stones, he had many years in showbusiness and was described as an old-line talent agent and veteran of variety shows. Musically, Easton was a self-confessed 'square', balding and middle-aged by the early 1960s, with his company Eric Easton Ltd having offices in Radnor House, Regent Street.
Easton met Oldham in 1963 after a journalist suggested Oldham could use help. Easton offered him a spare room in his office, and they formed a partnership. Oldham brought youth and energy, while Easton brought industry experience, contacts and financing. Together they signed the Rolling Stones to a management and publishing deal. Easton was primarily responsible for booking gigs, keen for the group to play nationally, and acted as record producer on several occasions, including on their first single, a cover of Chuck Berry's 'Come On' in June 1963. He managed many aspects of the band's development, from their fan club to organising their 1964 American tour.
As the Stones' fame increased, so did their expectations of Easton. After problems on an American tour, in 1965 Oldham decided to oust Easton from the partnership and bring in New York promoter Allen Klein. Oldham persuaded the group to support him, and Easton was sacked; the band, except Bill Wyman, acquiesced. Easton launched lawsuits for breach of contract and eventually settled out of court for a large sum. In 1980 he and his family emigrated to Naples, Florida, where he went into business; his son Paul also became a music manager and booking agent.
Reader's Guide
Eric Easton's significance lies in his role as the first manager of the Rolling Stones, providing the industry experience, contacts, and financing that helped launch the band's career. His partnership with the young Andrew Loog Oldham combined contrasting strengths: Oldham's energy and Easton's veteran showbusiness knowledge. Easton was instrumental in booking gigs nationally, producing their debut single, and organizing their first American tour. However, his tenure ended when Oldham orchestrated his ousting in 1965, leading to lawsuits and a settlement. Easton's legacy is that of a transitional figure in British rock management, bridging the variety-show era and the rise of youth-oriented rock acts. His later emigration to Florida and his son's career in music management underscore his lasting influence on the industry.
Did You Know?
- He acted as record producer on the Rolling Stones' first single, a cover of Chuck Berry's 'Come On' in June 1963.
- Easton was ousted from the partnership in 1965 after Oldham persuaded the band to support bringing in New York promoter Allen Klein.
- After emigrating to Naples, Florida in 1980, his son Paul became a music manager and booking agent.
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