Ringo Starr says he faced a hostile reception when he first joined The Beatles because fans were still keen to see Pete Best. Starr would replace Best in August 1962. Despite joining the group shortly before the release of their debut album, Please Please Me, Starr would face a hostile reaction from the crowds in Liverpool and Hamburg.
The veteran drummer who served the band until its end in 1970 would recall violent scenes where bandmate George Harrison received a black eye for the trouble of defending Starr. John Lennon and Paul McCartney were also present for gigs where fans shouted back and forth over which drummer they preferred.
Starr recalled: “They [The Beatles] were the only band I’d go and watch in Liverpool. They were big in Liverpool by then, not the world but just Liverpool. It was like the world. It was the monsteral move of a lifetime, you know, it was like, ‘How dare they throw Pete out!’ Because I was well known there, half of the audience were for me. There was two chants going on– ‘Pete forever, Ringo never!’ and you know, ‘Ringo forever, Pete never!’
“So there was these chants while we were trying to play, all this stuff going on. And George got a black eye– some guy punched him because I joined the band. (laughs) Can you imagine someone punchin’ him ‘cuz I joined, you know. And he was the main instigator anyway, George, for getting me in ‘cuz he liked me playing.”
Decades on from being booted out of the band and Best would offer to open for McCartney on his first Got Back tour date in the UK for 2024 at the Co-Op Live Arena in Manchester. Best announced his retirement from touring in April 2025. A statement reads: “Well, what an absolutely wonderful ride we’ve had. However, everything comes to pass.
“My brother, Pete Best has announced today (April 5) he is retiring from personal appearances and performing with the group. His daughter has informed me it’s due to personal circumstances. The Up Close Concert tickets for Liverpool on August 23 will be refunded on Tuesday.
“Thanks to everyone who has taken the time to turnout for our shows over the years. We had a blast and we hope you did too.” Fans have since wished Best well in the comments of the post.
One person wrote: “Cheers to you Pete and thanks for all the fun and memories.” Another added: “Oh wow! It’s truly the end of an era. So glad I got to see Pete a couple of times years ago. I hope it’s because of nothing serious. Enjoy your retirement, Pete! You’ve earned it.” Best’s last show took place on March 23, 2025.
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