THE first management contract for the legendary band The Beatles is going up for auction.

    The contract with manager Brian Epstein helped the band to launch their career as one of the popular bands of all time.

    The document could fetch more than half a million U.S. dollars at Sotheby’s “Rock & Pop” sale.

    The five-year agreement was signed Oct. 1, 1962 with signatures from all four band members and Epstein.

    Under the contract, Epstein got to control The Beatles’ presentations and kick a member out if two or more wanted him out.

    Also in the auction are the original copies of the “Please Please Me” and “Meet the Beatles” albums signed by all four members, and a rare copy of “The White Album” with the words “No. 01” inked on it.

    The auction is set to take place Sept. 29 in London.

    (SD-Agencies)