LONDON (AP) – The British publicist who coined the phrase “Fab Four” to describe the early Beatles has died. Tony Barrow, 80, died in a Lancaster hospital on Saturday following a lengthy illness, his son Mike Barrow said Tuesday. Former Beatle Paul McCartney said Barrow “was a lovely guy who helped us in the early years of the Beatles.” He called Barrow “super professional but always ready for a laugh.” Mike Barrow said his father coined the phrase at a time when the word “fab” was in common usage. He says “he just put the two together … it was a masterstroke.” Barrow started working with the Beatles in 1962 before the Liverpool band shot to worldwide fame. He is survived by his widow Corinne and sons Mike and Mark.
