11 Years Ago Today, Beatlemaniacs Bid a Final Farewell to the “Fifth Beatle” Who Replaced Ringo Starr on the Fab Four’s First Single

Session drummer Andy White played on The Beatles’ 1962 recording of “Love Me Do” and its B-side, “P.S. I Love You”, though he was never an official band member. His contribution became part of the group’s early history and was heard by many US fans when “Love Me Do” was released there in 1964.

White was brought in after producer George Martin judged versions featuring Pete Best and Ringo Starr unsuitable. He received no royalties, only payment for the studio session, and later played on recordings by Herman’s Hermits, Lulu and Tom Jones. White died from a stroke on 9 November 2015, aged 85, in Caldwell, New Jersey.