Why Pete Best Left the Beatles and What Happened Next
The rise of the Beatles from a local band to global superstars has been well-documented, but one piece of the puzzle that often goes overlooked is the story of Pete Best, the first drummer of the band. Despite his significant contributions, Best was ultimately replaced by Ringo Starr, a move that shaped the course of the band's history. Let's delve into the details of why Pete Best left the Beatles and what followed.
Pete Best's Initial Role in the Beatles
Introduction to the Band
When the Beatles, originally known as The Silver Beetles and then Theodies, were starting out in the early 1960s, they needed a drummer. Pete Best, whose mother had a club where the band could perform, was the perfect fit. Best was the most popular member of the band, and his stage presence was certainly a draw for fans.
Initial Assessment
John Lennon, a founding member, candidly stated, 'He never improved,' which highlights his struggles with keeping time consistently. However, despite this, Best was the band's drummer during their early gigs in noisy clubs, providing the necessary rhythm for their performances.
The Decision to Replace Pete Best
George Martin's Involvement
As the band began to get serious about recording and achieving professional success, they caught the attention of producer George Martin. Martin, upon hearing the band, recognized the need for a more solid rhythm section. He pointed out the issue with Pete Best's performance and suggested that the band needed to find a new drummer who could deliver the consistency and quality required for recording.
Ringo Starr's Introduction
George Harrison, having known Ringo Starr from his band Rory Storm and the Hurricanes, introduced him to the other Beatles. Ringo was a talented musician who could keep time better, making him a better fit for the band's future plans.
The Decision to Fire Pete Best
When Ringo Starr joined the band, it marked the beginning of the end for Pete Best's position. Although initially reluctant, the band recognized that for success, they needed a more reliable drummer. George Martin’s assessment and the band’s internal restructuring led to Best’s replacement by Ringo Starr. This decision was a turning point that truly made the Beatles the iconic band they are remembered as today.
The Aftermath and Pete Best's Life Post-Beatles
The Departure and its Impact
Pete Best was understandably hurt by the decision. He left the band depressed, as he saw the group he had been with in the trenches go on to achieve immense fame, respect, and wealth while he was left behind.
Pete Best's Post-Beatles Life
After the Beatles disbanded, Pete Best’s life took a different path. He held down a government job and eventually married. He had a 'decent if ordinary life' away from the spotlight. However, he did not completely fade into the background. The Beatles, particularly after the release of an anthology of their work, felt a bit of guilt over how they had treated Best and included him in the royalties for the tracks he played on. This amounted to approximately 3 million pounds, a significant sum that provided a comfortable retirement package for Best.
Conclusion
Reflections and Legacy
The transition from Pete Best to Ringo Starr was a critical moment in the Beatles' history. While Best's contributions were significant during the band's early days, the move to include Ringo laid the foundation for the Beatles' iconic sound and enduring legacy in the world of music.