In the vibrant summer of 1994, amidst preparations for FM North Wave’s first anniversary, a unique idea sparked during a conversation about my morning show, “Glocalian Eyes.” This segment was known for its diverse interviews, from local artisans to global celebrities. For this special anniversary, I wanted to feature someone truly remarkable, someone connected to music history itself. The film “Back Beat” was generating buzz at the time, shining a light on a figure often overshadowed by the meteoric rise of The Beatles: Pete Best, the drummer who was part of the band before their global fame. Intrigued by his story, I decided to reach out to Pete Best himself at his home in Liverpool.
Our conversation began on a light note, bonding over a shared appreciation for Sapporo Beer, a nod to my location in its birthplace. This relaxed start paved the way for a fascinating journey into his past, his time with the burgeoning Beatles, and his life beyond.
From Liverpool Pubs to Hamburg Stages: Pete Best’s Beatles Beginnings
Pete Best’s association with the Beatles began well before he officially joined their ranks. His mother owned the Casbah Club in Liverpool, a crucial early venue for the band. He recounted watching John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and George Harrison perform regularly, engaging with them after their sets. However, he was initially just an observer, never imagining he would become a bandmate.
Then came the life-altering phone call. Paul McCartney, in his unmistakable Liverpudlian accent, simply asked, “You wanna join us?” Pete’s affirmative response launched him into the whirlwind world of the Beatles. The very next day, he found himself rehearsing six songs with John, Paul, George, and then-bassist Stuart Sutcliffe. Gigs at the Jacaranda followed, and within days, they were embarking on their first international adventure to Hamburg, Germany. Pete vividly recalled the excitement of this first trip abroad, a pivotal moment in his young life.
He speaks fondly of his nearly two years as the Beatles’ drummer, emphasizing the camaraderie and shared ambition. Night after night in Hamburg and Liverpool, the five young musicians poured their energy into entertaining crowds. Despite the abrupt and disheartening end to his tenure with the band, Pete cherishes these formative years as “the most precious time” of his life. Joining the Beatles at just nineteen, he spent his energetic youth as part of the “Fab Five,” a period filled with musical passion and youthful exuberance.
“Love Me Tender” and Early Beatles Lore
The film “Backbeat” offered a dramatized glimpse into the early Beatles days in Hamburg, particularly highlighting Stuart Sutcliffe’s singing of “Love Me Tender.” Intrigued by the film’s portrayal, I asked Pete about the accuracy of these scenes. He confirmed that Stuart indeed frequently sang “Love Me Tender,” even before Astrid Kirchherr entered their lives. Regarding John Lennon’s rendition of the Elvis classic, Pete acknowledged it was part of their regular setlist, suggesting John might have sung it too, although his memory was understandably hazy about specific instances from that period. He clarified that if John did sing it, it would have been before Pete joined the band.
Abbey Road Ambitions: “We Are The Beatles!”
The Beatles’ audition at Abbey Road Studios on June 6, 1962, is a legendary event in music history. When asked about the band’s mindset that day, Pete’s response was immediate and confident: “We are the Beatles!” He described a band brimming with self-belief, convinced they possessed the talent and stage presence to impress producer George Martin. “Yes, we were a little nervous, but we all thought we were going to be number one in England,” Pete stated, though admitting they couldn’t have foreseen the unprecedented global phenomenon they would become.
August 16, 1962: The Day Pete Best’s Beatles Journey Ended
The conversation inevitably turned to August 16, 1962, the day Pete Best was dismissed from The Beatles, just before their breakthrough. He recounted the events leading up to the devastating news with remarkable clarity. The night before, they had played a typical gig at the Cavern Club, filled with the usual energy and camaraderie. They even said “See you tomorrow” to each other, unaware of the impending change.
The next morning, Brian Epstein, their manager, requested Pete to come to his office. Initially, Pete assumed it was a routine meeting about schedules, as he often handled the band’s business aspects. However, Epstein’s demeanor was unsettlingly nervous. Then came the blunt announcement: “The boys want you out. We already have another drummer.” Pete described his reaction as utter shock and confusion, feeling “totally at a loss.”
Returning home, he was met by his mother and Neil Aspinall, their road manager, who sensed something was amiss. Unable to articulate the news initially, Pete conveyed a deep sense of sadness rather than anger. He mourned the loss of camaraderie and the sudden exclusion from the shared dream. While he occasionally encountered the other Beatles afterward, they never discussed the dismissal, a silence that persists to this day. At this point in the interview, Pete’s voice shifted, becoming faster and slightly uneasy, prompting a change of subject to steer away from the sensitive topic.
Family First: Life Beyond the Limelight
Seeking to shift the focus to the present, I asked Pete about his current priorities. Without hesitation, he answered, “My family.” He explained his decision to step back from the intensity of show business in 1968, prioritizing his wife and two daughters. This choice, though difficult, reflected his desire to be more present in their lives.
Finding stable employment proved challenging initially. Potential employers, recognizing his musical background, questioned his long-term commitment. Eventually, he took a job at a bakery for a year to demonstrate his reliability, which led to a position at the Liverpool City Hall, providing the stability he sought.
Pete shared a poignant anecdote about his daughter coming home from school, recounting a classmate asking if her father had been a Beatle. His honest reply to her was both reflective and content: “Yes, I was. I was let out of the band before they became rich and famous. I wasn’t able to have the luck. But I have you. I have my family. I’m happy with you, your sister, and your Mom. I’m happier than I would have been with the Beatles.” This encapsulates his perspective on life’s unexpected turns and finding fulfillment beyond fame.
Now and Forever: A Happy Chapter
At the time of our 1994 interview, Pete was living in Liverpool with his wife and daughters, then 29 and 25. He had found a supportive work environment that accommodated his musical aspirations. He had formed a new band and was actively recording and touring, reigniting his passion for music. He was about to embark on a Canadian tour and excitedly shared news of his daughter’s upcoming wedding. His voice conveyed the contentment of a happy father and musician. He mentioned upcoming tours in Italy, Germany, and Sweden, painting a picture of a fulfilling life surrounded by loved ones and music.
Returning to the lingering question of his dismissal from The Beatles, I asked one last time for his perspective. He responded thoughtfully, “Many things have been said about what happened, but I don’t know either. Maybe someday.” He concluded with a powerful statement of acceptance and growth: “One thing I’m sure of is that all the things that have happened to me, good and bad, happy and sad, have made me what I am today.”
Pete Best’s story is one of talent, early dreams, unexpected setbacks, and ultimately, resilience and finding happiness on his own terms. It’s a narrative that extends beyond the well-trodden Beatles saga, offering a unique perspective on life’s unpredictable journey and the enduring power of family and personal fulfillment. Perhaps, by now, he is indeed sharing these stories of his youth, including his time as a Beatle, with his grandchildren, ensuring his chapter in music history continues to be told.
