Beatles History Blog

When John, Paul, George and Stu needed a manager, they got Allan Williams. When they needed a drummer, Allan found them Tommy Moore, a talented drummer. However, his first appearance was at the Larry Parnes audition, for which he was late, so Johnny Hutchinson sat in until he turned up. In the 5 weeks he was with the group, they were known as Beatals, Silver Beats, Silver Beatles among other names. They did a tour of Scotland backing Johnny Gentle, which was the turning point in Tommy’s career with The Beatals (etc).

After an accident in which Tommy lost teeth and had concussion, Lennon dragged Tommy from his hospital bed and made him sit behind the drums, which obviously didn’t help his headache! Lennon also tried to make Tommy laugh to burst the stitches! And then John was bemused when Tommy wanted to quit!

But who was Tommy Moore, the first “Beatles” drummer? For the first time, we now have the most complete biography ever published of Tommy, in “Finding the Fourth Beatle”, thanks to his family, friends and fellow musicians, with exclusive interviews and stories never told before, or appearing in any book. He even gave a television interview in the early 1970s, which you can hear on the exclusive “Finding the Fourth Beatle” Double CD, which comes with the Limited Edition book, or you can buy it separately.

Having not turned up at the Grosvenor Ballroom, meaning that Ronnie the “Ted” and Jackie Lomax tried playing drums, Tommy agreed to play one last time at the Jacaranda for Allan Williams. Tommy returned to the Garston Bottle Works, and refused to play for them again, even though the Beatles went to his workplace and pleaded with him.

Discover the real Tommy Moore story in “Finding the Fourth Beatle“.

David Bedford

On one evening in June 1960 at the Grosvenor Ballroom, Wallasey, Ronnie, the leader of a Teddy Boy gang, got up on stage with The Silver Beatles; John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Stuart Sutcliffe. He sat in the drummer’s seat, and hit the drums, as drummer Tommy Moore had not turned up. John Lennon asked if there was a drummer in the building, and Ronnie got up on the stage and played drums all night. He was terrible, but those Beatles were too afraid to say anything.

Thankfully, their manager Allan Williams managed to get them out of the awkward situation, and they escaped to live another day! Williams told Ronnie that if they didn’t find another drummer by the following week, then he would call him. Naturally, Williams never made the call!

For years, I have been searching for the identity of Ronnie the “Ted”, and finally, I discovered, with the help of my friend Peter Hodgson, to reveal the true identity of Ronnie the “Ted”.

Read the full story, in “Finding the Fourth Beatle“.

David Bedford

You can find out more about the book on this website – “Finding the Fourth Beatle”

On 25th September 1962, The Beatles returned to my favourite venue; the Barnston Womens Institute on the Wirral. They first appeared at this tiny venue in March with Pete Best in their new suits, and now they were back this time with Ringo. Its a small hall attached to a farm, and you could only get between 80-100 people in there! Rock n roll!! #beatles #liddypool

On 19th September 1934, Brian Epstein was born in Liverpool. Without him, The Beatles would not have made it out of Liverpool. However, he still doesn’t get the credit he deserves. Celebrate the “Fifth Beatle”, Brian Epstein, today and every day.

Brian’s Birth

Brian was born at 4, Rodney Street, Liverpool, in a private nursing home on 19th September 1934. This building was the former home of the first US Consul, James Maury.

In our new book, Finding the Fourth Beatle, read our interview with David Harris, Brian’s lawyer. He helped us understand the man who became the Beatles manager, and why he was a man of his word.

Brian’s Legacy

Brian’s legacy is in taking the leather-clad rock ‘n’ rollers out of The Cavern Club and onto the world stage. His knowledge and love of the theatre was essential in making the Fab Four the greatest pop group ever. He taught them stop eating, drinking, smoking and swearing on stage; to be more professional, to bow at the end of their performance, and to make them commercially acceptable to the entertainment world in London.

It was only through his record contacts through his business, NEMS, that got them in front of Decca on 1st January 1962, and ultimately to an audition with George Martin on 6th June 1962, which led to a record contract. Brian got them onto BBC Radio in March 1962, and even had them sign a management contract with him, which he didn’t sign. David Harris explained why, because Brian, above all things, was a decent and fair man, and he wanted The Beatles to be able to walk away from him if he failed to do what he promised.

Although he saw the conquer the world, his tragic death in August 1967 meant that he never witnessed the legacy he had helped to create.

A Statue for Brian

Liverpool is trying to erect a statue to Brian Epstein, and we need the help of Beatles fans worldwide. He deserves it, in Liverpool, for all that he did.

David Bedford

www.thefourthbeatle.com
#brianepstein #fifthbeatle #beatles #fourthbeatle @fifthbeatle @fourthbeatle

What an interesting day 11th September 1962 was for The Beatles. Not satisfied with Ringo’s drumming the previous week, George Martin did what he told Brian Epstein back in June. He was going to use a session drummer on their first record. Ringo walked into the studio and was shocked to see another drummer setting up. It was Andy White. Read my interview with Andy about his recollection of the session, and also why Ringo thought they were “doing a Pete Best on me.”
Ringo was also confused as to which record he was on – the single or the LP. We compare the two versions released, with both Ringo and Andy White’s drumming analysed by drummers and experts. Ringo didn’t forgive George Martin for years – if at all. For Ringo, he wouldn’t be needing session drummers to replace him once he established himself as the Fourth Beatle.
Andy White is one of our 23 drummers in Finding the Fourth Beatle
Https://www.thefourthbeatle.com
#ringo #ringostarr #beatles #beatle #fourthbeatle

4th September 1962 was an interesting day for The Beatles, and shrouded in confusion too. Ringo had joined just a couple of weeks before, and they found themselves at Abbey Road. Was this a recording session? A catch-up? Why was there no session drummer? From alleged phone calls to the confusion over which version of “Love Me Do” was later released (Ringo was convinced he didn’t play on the single), we pick our way through the mists of time and clarify what really happened that day, in Finding the Fourth Beatle. It’s about more than just the 23 drummers!
Find out more at www.thefourthbeatle.com