Pete Best: The Original Beatles Drummer and the Forgotten “Fifth Beatle”

When fans ask, “Who is the Fifth Beatle?”, the name changes depending on who you ask — Brian Epstein, George Martin, Billy Preston.

But long before Beatlemania, before Ed Sullivan, and before the world knew The Beatles, there was Pete Best, the original Beatles drummer who shaped the band’s sound during its most formative years.

His story is one of the most fascinating — and heartbreaking — chapters in Beatles history.

Who Was Pete Best? The Early Days Before Beatlemania

Pete Best joined The Beatles in 1960, when the band was still unknown outside of Liverpool. At the time, they were searching for a drummer with both talent and a strong stage presence. Pete fit the mold perfectly — and his mother, Mona Best, owned the Casbah Coffee Club, a key venue in Liverpool’s music scene.

Just days after joining, Pete Best traveled with the band to Hamburg, Germany. Those Hamburg shows are widely recognized by historians as the crucible that transformed The Beatles from a shaky teen group into a tight, relentless rock’n’roll band.

Without Pete Best, that first Hamburg residency — the turning point of their career — may not have happened.
The Pete Best Drumming Style That Shaped the Early Beatles Sound

Search any recording or interview about the band’s early days, and one thing becomes clear: Pete Best brought a raw, driving, high-energy sound to The Beatles. His style perfectly suited the long nights in Hamburg clubs, where the band often played for five, six, or even eight hours straight.

Key elements of Pete Best’s early Beatles drumming:
1 - A steady, relentless beat that powered their rock’n’roll covers
2 - A tougher, more aggressive rhythm than the later studio-polished sound
3 - A presence that fans noticed — and loved

In early Liverpool and Hamburg fan circles, Pete was often seen as the band’s most popular member. Some early fans even came to shows because of him.

Why Did Pete Best Leave The Beatles? The 1962 Decision Explained

One of the most searched questions in Beatles history is:
“Why did Pete Best leave The Beatles?” The answer is a mix of musical, personal, and timing-related factors.

1. George Martin’s Studio Concerns
Producer George Martin did not believe Pete Best’s drumming fit the polished, radio-friendly sound he wanted for The Beatles’ upcoming releases. Martin planned to use a session drummer — a common practice — even if Pete stayed.

2. Internal Band Chemistry
Paul McCartney, John Lennon, and George Harrison felt a stronger musical and personal connection with Ringo Starr, who was then playing with Rory Storm and the Hurricanes. Ringo had a unique swing, humor, and emotional pocket that aligned perfectly with their vision.

3. A Brutal Decision Delivered by Brian Epstein
On August 16, 1962, Beatles manager Brian Epstein told Pete Best he was being replaced. Days later, Ringo Starr officially became the drummer of The Beatles, and history changed overnight.

Life After The Beatles: How Pete Best Rebuilt His Story

Pete Best’s departure is often described as one of the toughest breaks in music history.
He left just before The Beatles recorded “Love Me Do,” toured the world, and became the most influential band of all time.
* But Pete Best refused to let the story end there.
* He built a career outside music
* He married and raised a family
* He eventually returned to performing and embraced his unique place in Beatles history

In time, Pete spoke openly about the highs and lows, earning deep respect from Beatles fans everywhere. Today, he continues to appear at events, share stories, and celebrate the legacy he helped start.

Is Pete Best the True “Fifth Beatle”?

While debates will continue forever, one thing is undeniable:

You cannot tell the story of The Beatles without Pete Best.

He played during the band’s most critical developmental years, shaped their early live sound, survived grueling Hamburg sets, and helped build the foundation of what would become the most legendary catalog in music.

Whether you call him the “Fifth Beatle,” the “original Beatles drummer,” or the “Beatle who almost made it,” Pete Best remains one of the most fascinating figures in rock history.