# The musician Ringo Starr knew never belonged in The Beatles: “I never thought he was great”

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/the-musician-ringo-starr-knew-never-belonged-in-the-beatles-i-never-thought-he-was-great/
- Published: 2026-07-22T15:30:00+00:00
- Updated: 2026-07-28T06:15:44+00:00
- Original publisher: Far Out
- Original article: https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/musician-ringo-starr-knew-never-belonged-in-the-beatles/
- Topics: Celebrity, Entertainment, Music

## Key points

- Starr felt Pete Best lacked the versatility The Beatles needed.
- Best was capable but suited to their early club era.
- Starr’s drumming and character strengthened the band.

## Summary

Ringo Starr said Pete Best, The Beatles’ original drummer, was not the right fit for the group as it evolved beyond its early club years. The article argues that Starr’s distinctive swing, reliable timing and personality helped complete the band’s sound and public chemistry after he replaced Best in 1962.

Starr described Best as capable but limited by “one style”, which he felt suited the band’s earlier period rather than its ambitions to develop. Producer George Martin had also questioned the group’s drumming, using session musician Andy White on an early recording of ‘Love Me Do’; the article contrasts this uncertainty with Starr’s later central role, while noting Best’s replacement was personally difficult.

---
Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.