Blogger’s Note: I have listened to interviews, listened to the music, and for the life of me, cannot work-out “why” The Beatles Management replaced Pete Best (who drummed on The Beatles first hit album) was replaced with session drummer – Ringo Starr. Of course, Ringo Starr was temporarily replaced (when ill) whilst The Beatles were on tour – so obviously he wasn’t irreplaceable. Perhaps it just goes to show the greed and desperation that drives predatory capitalism. Still, once CD – and then streaming – developed, Pete Best’s substantial (foundational) contribution was finally recognised via a huge (and well-deserved) pay-out from The Beatles millions – or should I say billions! You can now listen to Pete Best’s drumming as part of The Beatles’ legitimate historical development. Pete Best demonstrated remarkable character having to live through the unbelievable success of the group he helped form – having to watch from the side-line – as the world went made! Still, Pete Best eventually received his financial reward when The Beatles Anthology was released 1995. ACW (9.4.2025)
‘I had a blast’: Original Beatles drummer Pete Best retires
- Published: Apr. 09, 2025,
By
The long and winding road of Pete Best, the original drummer for The Beatles, has come to an end.
Best, 83, who played for the band from 1960 to 1962 until he was replaced by Ringo Starr, is retiring from performing music. Best’s brother, Roag Best, confirmed the news in a post on social media.
“Well what an absolutely wonderful ride we’ve had,” Roag Best writes. “However, everything comes to pass. My brother Pete Best has announced today he is retiring from personal appearances and performing with the group. His daughter has informed me it’s due to personal circumstances.”
Pete Best shared the post on social media, also adding “I had a blast. Thank you.”
Before becoming the Beatles, John Lennon, Paul McCartney and George Harrison were performing in a band called the Quarrymen. They asked Best to join the band in 1960 while performing at his mother’s club, the Casbah Coffee Club.
The band became known as the Beatles and Best performed with them until August 1962. It was then that Lennon, McCartney and Harrison pushed for his ouster and had him replaced by Starr.
It wasn’t long afterward that the Beatles began their rise to superstar status, leading the British music invasion into the U.S.
SANGHA KOMMUNE (SSR) 