Chas Newby, a bassist who briefly played with The Beatles in their early years, passed away in 2023 at the age of 81. Though his time with the iconic band was short-lived, Newby’s contributions were significant, placing him among the select few musicians who helped shape the legendary group in their formative days.
Newby joined The Beatles in 1960, filling in on bass for several gigs while their original bassist, Stuart Sutcliffe, remained in Hamburg, Germany. He was a friend of drummer Pete Best, and when asked to join the group for a few shows in Liverpool, he eagerly accepted. Newby’s time with the band was brief, but it included several notable performances at The Casbah Club and Liverpool’s Litherland Town Hall, where his basslines added depth to their early rock ‘n’ roll sound.
After these few shows, Newby chose to leave The Beatles and pursue his education. Unlike the other band members, he decided not to travel to Germany with them, instead returning to college to study chemistry. Later in life, Newby continued his passion for music, performing with local bands while keeping a low profile regarding his time with The Beatles. Over the years, fans affectionately dubbed him “the forgotten Beatle,” recognizing his short but meaningful involvement.
Tributes have poured in from fans and music historians who see Newby as a unique figure in the Beatles’ story. His contributions, while often overlooked, are remembered by dedicated fans of the band who value the role he played during a pivotal moment. For many, Newby’s story symbolizes the band’s humble beginnings and the contributions of those who helped them on their way to global stardom.