Beatles Member Dead At 81

Chas Newby who used to play bass for The Beatles has died at the age of 81.

"It's with great sadness to hear about the passing of Chas Newby. Chas stepped in for The Beatles for a few dates when Stuart Sutcliffe stayed in Hamburg and latterly he played for The Quarrymen."

"Interestingly, he was also the first left-handed bass guitarist in The Beatles. RIP Chas Newby thoughts and well wishes from everybody at The Cavern Club."

Coined the "fifth Beatle," he played with the band in the 1960's during the absence of Sutcliffe while he focused on his art career.

The "fifth Beatle" played with the band briefly in the 1960s during Sutcliffe’s absence from the band as he focused on his art career. 

He has also previously played with John Lennon's OG band, The Quarrymen. Later in life, he rejoined this band, playing with them from 2016 to his death.

Fans have been spreading tributes all around for the honoured artist.

"What an amazing history [Chas] had, and you would never know the unassuming man having a pint next to you held such a part in the history of the musical legacy that was the Beatles."

After he performed with The Beatles in the 1960s, it was reported that Lennon had asked him to join their Germany tour.

He turned this offer down as he had other career goals. He wanted to obtain a university degree.

He expressed he was happy with this decision when asked about it in 2012.

"Music was never going to be a living for me. I wanted to do chemistry."

"John, Paul [McCartney] and George [Harrison], they just wanted to be musicians."

"People sometimes don’t believe me when I say I’ve no regrets. But I really haven’t."

He went on to become a math teacher and had a massive impact on the students he taught.

His former students have also honoured the late star.

"Many [ex-students] sharing condolences. He helped me greatly in improving my [math] and I have never forgotten that. Always exciting to have a [math] teacher who could say he played with the Beatles! One of the first school legends you were told."