Chas Newby, the British musician who played bass guitar for the Beatles in their early days, has died at the age of 81. His death was announced by his brother, Roag Best, on social media on May 23, 2023. The cause of death has not been revealed yet.
A Brief History of Chas Newby’s Music Career
Chas Newby was born on June 18, 1941, in Liverpool. He attended the Liverpool Institute High School for Boys, where he met Pete Best, the original drummer of the Beatles. He also played in a band called the Black Jacks with Best.
In December 1960, when the Beatles returned from their first trip to Hamburg, Germany, they needed a bass guitarist as Stuart Sutcliffe had stayed behind to pursue his art career. Pete Best suggested Chas Newby, who agreed to fill in for a few dates.
Newby played four shows with the Beatles: on December 17 at the Casbah Club, on December 24 at the Grosvenor Ballroom, on December 27 at the Litherland Town Hall, and on December 31 at the Casbah Club. The Litherland Town Hall show was particularly significant as it marked the beginning of the Beatles’ popularity in Liverpool.
John Lennon asked Newby to join them for their second trip to Hamburg, but Newby declined as he wanted to continue his studies at university. He later became a math teacher and worked at Droitwich Spa High School. He also played in a charity band called the Racketts.
In recent years, Newby had performed live with the Quarrymen, the skiffle group that preceded the Beatles and featured John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and George Harrison.
Tributes Pour in for Chas Newby
Many fans and friends of Chas Newby have expressed their condolences and paid tribute to his musical legacy on social media. The Cavern Club, the famous venue where the Beatles performed regularly in their early years, posted a message on Facebook saying:
“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.”
Mark Lewisohn, a renowned Beatles historian and author, wrote on Twitter:
“RIP Chas Newby, fill-in Beatle and fair chap. He deputised for Stuart on a few dates when the Beatles returned from Hamburg the first time, end-1960, including the momentous Litherland date. Latterly he’s been one of the Quarry Men too. A charming man, always a pleasure to meet.”
Roag Best, the brother of Pete Best and son of Mona Best, who ran the Casbah Club where Newby played with the Beatles, said on Facebook:
“Both Pete and I and the whole Best family were devasted to hear the very sad news with regards to one of the family’s closest friends Chas Newby passing last night. Many of you will know him for playing bass guitar for both The Beatles and The Quarrymen, but to us he was laid back Chas with a big smile. We’ll truly miss him. Forever in our thoughts. God bless you Chas x.”
Chas Newby is survived by his wife and four grandchildren. His funeral arrangements have not been announced yet.
