Chas Newby, former bassist of The Beatles, passed away on Monday, 19 April 2021, at the age of 81. He briefly filled in for bassist Stuart Sutcliffe and played with the band on four occasions, so was referred to by some as the “fifth Beatle”. Newby had formerly played with John Lennon’s pre-Beatles group, The Quarrymen, where he reportedly first met Stuart Sutcliffe.
Born in Liverpool in 1940, Newby was a school friend of original Beatles drummer Pete Best. He played music for fun and aspired to a career in chemistry, but he agreed to take the bass guitar when asked. When Sutcliffe needed time to focus on his art career, Newby stepped in. According to Beatles history, John Lennon initially asked Newby to continue playing with the band while they were on tour in West Germany, but he declined in order to pursue his studies in chemistry.
After leaving The Beatles, Newby started working in a factory and later qualified as a maths teacher. Despite only playing with the Beatles for a brief period, Newby’s contributions to the band have not gone unnoticed, with many paying tributes to his talent. Beatles historian and friend of Newby, David Bedford, reflected on his kindness and personality, referring to him as both a “charming man” and a “fair chap”.
Newby’s death has caused emotional reactions among Beatles enthusiasts, as he was seen as an important link to the band’s early days and provided insight into their development. His brief stint as The Beatles’ bassist has solidified his place in music history and had a lasting impact on his life. His legacy remains as a testament to his passion for music and academic pursuits.
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