Pete Best, famously known as the original drummer for The Beatles, has embarked on a unique venture, transforming The Casbah Club in Liverpool into a bed and breakfast for devoted fans. Despite his departure from the iconic band before their meteoric rise to global fame and being replaced by Ringo Starr, Best has channeled his connection to The Beatles into innovative business opportunities, most recently offering fans an immersive experience in a space integral to the band’s early history.
Decades after his pivotal, albeit brief, tenure with the Fab Four, Pete Best reflects on his journey with remarkable equanimity. “I’ve had 60 great years of being Pete as well as being a Beatle,” he stated in a Sky News interview. Acknowledging the significant “what if” surrounding his exit from the band, Best emphasizes a life well-lived beyond the Beatles phenomenon. “It is part of your life, it’s lovely to be associated with it, but life goes on,” he added, showcasing a perspective of acceptance and forward momentum. While admitting initial hardships, Best suggests a sense of karmic balance, hinting at a destiny perhaps different from the Beatles’ trajectory.
The Casbah Club, now a unique B&B, holds a special place in Beatles lore. This Victorian mansion, a Grade II listed building, was acquired by Best’s mother, Mona Best. Her vision was to create a members-only club in the basement, a space for her sons and their friends to gather and enjoy live music. This very basement became a foundational venue for The Beatles, then known as The Quarrymen. The walls of The Casbah Club still whisper tales of the band’s nascent performances. Intriguingly, the young Beatles themselves contributed to the club’s ambiance, even decorating the space. Visitors can still witness John Lennon’s signature, etched into the walls with a penknife, a tangible link to the band’s formative years. The club buzzed with energy, hosting hundreds of enthusiastic attendees on those memorable, sweaty evenings.
