Revolution and Outrage: When Ringo Starr Joined The Beatles
The Beatles, a name synonymous with musical revolution and cultural evolution, were more than just a band – they were a phenomenon. But even legends have their share of controversial moments. One such moment was when Ringo Starr replaced Pete Best as the drummer of The Beatles in 1962. This seemingly innocuous personnel change ignited a storm of outrage among fans and sparked debates that would resonate throughout music history.
In the early 1960s, Liverpool's music scene was bubbling with energy, and The Beatles emerged as a promising quartet with John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Pete Best. As they honed their sound and played gigs in Hamburg, their local popularity began to skyrocket. However, tensions within the band soon became apparent, particularly between Best and the other members.
The exact reasons for Pete Best's dismissal from The Beatles remain subject to speculation. Some sources suggest that it was due to his introverted personality, while others claim it was because he lacked the camaraderie the band needed. Regardless of the underlying reasons, the decision to replace Best was made, and Ringo Starr was invited to join the group as their new drummer. Starr had previously played with Rory Storm and the Hurricanes – the alternating band at the Kaiserkeller – and had been deputised whenever Best was ill or unable to play in Hamburg and Liverpool.
Bill Harry reported Best's dismissal on the front page of Mersey Beat magazine, upsetting many Beatles fans. When news broke that Pete Best was out and Ringo Starr was in, fans were stunned. Many had grown attached to Best and his distinctive drumming style. The outrage was fuelled by the local media, which portrayed Best as the "victim" of the band's success and ruthless ambition. Fans organised protests and expressed their disappointment in letters and petitions. The group encountered some jeering and heckling in the street and on stage for weeks afterwards, with some fans shouting, "Pete forever, Ringo never!" One agitated fan even headbutted George Harrison in The Cavern, giving him a black eye!