Fact #94860
When:
Short story:
Manager Brian Epstein informs The Beatles' drummer Pete Best that he is fired, and is to be replaced by Ringo Starr.
Full article:
John Lennon : We were cowards when we sacked him. We made Brian do it.
Neil Aspinall (Beatles roadie) : I don't think Pete could drive at the time, so I drove him into town to see Brian.
Pete Best : Prior to Brian, I had handled all the business for the group. So, for me to be called into his office wasn't out of the ordinary. He'd call me in to discuss business matters in general, or to get advice about a particular engagement. So this was no forewarning as to what was going to happen.
But, this particular day, he was apprehensive. He talked around the subject for a while, but then he had to come out with it. He said, 'Pete, I've got some bad news. The boys want you out, and Ringo in.' That was my first warning of the dismissal.
It was cut and dried beforehand. Ringo had already agreed to join the band. I was just completely devastated. I had been with the band for two years.
Brian Epstein : I really had no choice. Ringo was a better drummer and Pete's health was not good. I knew that if The Beatles succeeded there would be constant travelling and tremendous strain. It did not look to me as if Pete's health would stand up to it. The boys also preferred Ringo, so I made the choice.
Bob Wooler (deejay, Cavern Club) : I couldn't see any reason why he should have to leave the group. People said he wasn't a very good drummer - well, it makes you wonder who is a good drummer, because Ringo wasn't on the first record.
Neil Aspinall : I was in the record store looking at records,and he came down and said he'd been fired. He was in a state of shock, really. We went over to the Grapes pub in Matthew Street, had a pint. And I just said, 'I'm going now.' And Pete said, 'I'm staying here for a while.' I just left.
Mona Best (mother of Pete Best) : Pete was flabbergasted, but no reason was ever given. I have no objection to his being dropped
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Neil Aspinall (Beatles roadie) : I don't think Pete could drive at the time, so I drove him into town to see Brian.
Pete Best : Prior to Brian, I had handled all the business for the group. So, for me to be called into his office wasn't out of the ordinary. He'd call me in to discuss business matters in general, or to get advice about a particular engagement. So this was no forewarning as to what was going to happen.
But, this particular day, he was apprehensive. He talked around the subject for a while, but then he had to come out with it. He said, 'Pete, I've got some bad news. The boys want you out, and Ringo in.' That was my first warning of the dismissal.
It was cut and dried beforehand. Ringo had already agreed to join the band. I was just completely devastated. I had been with the band for two years.
Brian Epstein : I really had no choice. Ringo was a better drummer and Pete's health was not good. I knew that if The Beatles succeeded there would be constant travelling and tremendous strain. It did not look to me as if Pete's health would stand up to it. The boys also preferred Ringo, so I made the choice.
Bob Wooler (deejay, Cavern Club) : I couldn't see any reason why he should have to leave the group. People said he wasn't a very good drummer - well, it makes you wonder who is a good drummer, because Ringo wasn't on the first record.
Neil Aspinall : I was in the record store looking at records,and he came down and said he'd been fired. He was in a state of shock, really. We went over to the Grapes pub in Matthew Street, had a pint. And I just said, 'I'm going now.' And Pete said, 'I'm staying here for a while.' I just left.
Mona Best (mother of Pete Best) : Pete was flabbergasted, but no reason was ever given. I have no objection to his being dropped