Former Beatles and Quarrymen member Chas Newby, known as the band’s first left-handed bass guitarist, passed away at 91. The Cavern Club in Liverpool, where The Beatles kick-started their journey, announced his death. Newby temporarily filled in as a bassist when Stuart Sutcliffe was in Hamburg, contributing to their critical phase in 1960.
Beatles historian Mark Lewishon paid tribute, describing Newby as a “charming man” and highlighting his role in the band’s history. Despite an opportunity to tour with The Beatles in West Germany, Newby chose to pursue a career in chemistry, returning to university.
He later became a schoolteacher and maintained that he never regretted his decision to leave the band, despite their immense success. Newby’s passing marks the loss of a man who played a significant but brief part in the early days of the iconic band.