Ex-Beatles Bassist Passes Away at 81 – Condolences Flow In
Former Beatles Bassist Chas Newby Dies at 81
The music world mourns the loss of Chas Newby, a former member of the Beatles who briefly played bass for the band in 1960. According to The Guardian, Newby filled in for Stuart Sutcliffe on a few gigs after the band returned from a tour in Hamburg, Germany. At the time, the Beatles consisted of five members: Paul McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison, Pete Best on drums, and Sutcliffe on bass.
RIP Chas Newby, fill-in Beatle and fair chap.
He deputised for Stuart on a few dates when the Beatles returned from Hamburg the first time, end-1960, including the momentous Litherland date. Latterly he’s been one of the Quarry Men too. A charming man, always a pleasure to meet. pic.twitter.com/f3EqtlIL3I
— Mark Lewisohn (@marklewisohn) May 23, 2023
Newby had previously played with Lennon and McCartney in their earlier band, the Quarrymen. After playing a few gigs with the Beatles, he left the group to pursue his studies in chemistry. Not long after, the Beatles landed a recording contract and shot to fame, with Ringo Starr replacing Pete Best as drummer.
Despite missing out on the band’s success, Newby insisted he was happy with his decision to step away. “Music was never going to be a living for me,” Newby said in 2012, according to the Guardian. “I wanted to do chemistry. John, Paul and George — they just wanted to be musicians.”
Sad to hear of the passing of Chas Newby, a Beatle for two weeks in 1960.
‘People sometimes don’t believe me when I say I’ve no regrets, but I really haven’t. I have enjoyed my life immensely. pic.twitter.com/oszVxK2cEg
— Beatles Books Podcast (@BooksBeatles) May 23, 2023
Newby passed away at the age of 81. The cause of death has not been disclosed. The Cavern Club, the venue where the Beatles began their career, paid tribute to Newby in a Facebook post. A former student commented on the post, describing Newby as a “much loved and appreciated maths teacher. … Always exciting to have a maths teacher who could say he played with the Beatles! One of the first school legends you were told.”
Chas Newby may have only been a Beatle for a short time, but his contribution to the band’s early days will never be forgotten.
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