BREAKING: Beatles Member, Chas Newby, Dies

By
David Rufful
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OPINION | This article contains the author's opinion.

The famous “fifth Beatle” Chas Newby has passed away. He once played bassist for the original band in the 1960s.

Born in Liverpool, England, Newby met John Lennon and Paul McCartney while they all attended Quarry Bank High School.

Lennon, McCartney, and Newby originally formed a band called “The Quarrymen.” The band later changed its name to “The Beatles.”

Newby joined in December 1960 while Beatle member Stuart Sutcliffe was in Hamburg focusing on his art career.

Newby undoubtedly helped lay the foundation for the Beatles’ success.

A statement from the music venue Cavern Club announced that Newby died at 81. He was survived by his wife, two children, and four grandchildren.

Newby began playing bass guitar in his early teens. He was the first left-handed bass guitarist in The Beatles.

After leaving the Beatles, Newby continued to play music for a number of different bands. He also taught music at a school.

Chas had other interests, which included attending a university and majoring in chemistry.

After graduating, he took a job at a company that made windshields for trains and airplanes.

Chas said he had no regrets about leaving the famous group.

“Music was never going to be a living for me. I wanted to do chemistry,” he said.

“People sometimes don’t believe me when I say I’ve no regrets, but I really haven’t.”

“It’s with great sadness to hear about the passing of Chas Newby,” the club said.

“Chas stepped in for The Beatles for a few dates when Stuart Sutcliffe stayed in Hamburg and latterly he played for The Quarrymen.”

“RIP Chas Newby thoughts and well wishes from everybody at The Cavern Club.”