Neil Aspinall, an old school pal of the Beatles who went on to manage their Apple Corps music business for nearly 40 years, has died in New York City of lung cancer. He was 66.

Known by some of the band as the "fifth Beatle", a statement was released today by London-based Apple Corps on behalf of surviving Beatles bandmates Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, and the widows of John Lennon and George Harrison, Yoko Ono and Olivia Harrison.

"As a loyal friend, confidant and chief executive, Neil's trusting stewardship and guidance has left a far-reaching legacy for generations to come," it read. "All his friends and loved ones will greatly miss him, but will always retain the fondest memories of a great man."

After attending a school in Liverpool with McCartney and Harrison, Aspinall became the band's road manager. Throughout his later career at Apple, he took care of the Beatles' business affairs long after the band had split up, and was heavily involved in the legal dispute with Apple computers over the use of the Apple name which led to Beatles' songs not being available on iTunes.

That dispute was settled last year, and subsequent reports have suggested that Beatles music might be available on the site later this year.

Aspinall is survived by his wife, Suzy, and five children.

The Beatles final live performance ever, held on the rooftop of the Apple building at 3 Savile Row, London, England, in 1969.