Photo: Press
Here's a fun pub quiz fact for you - you may have thought that Ringo Starr played drums on all of The Beatles' best songs and greatest hits, but he had a stand-in on debut single 'Love Me Do'. Now sadly, drummer Andy White has died.
The Scottish musician performed on 'Love Me Do' and 'P.S. I Love You' after producer George Martin was unhappy with Ringo Starr's performance. White received just £5 for the three-hour session and never received any royalties.
He died aged 83 this week at his home in New Jersey, with his family honouring him to the BBC as a man with "amazing humility and humbleness about his many achievements".
Andy White, Beatles' 'Love Me Do' Drummer, dead at 85 https://t.co/dcNoRw6cAD pic.twitter.com/aiqGutiuqW
— Rolling Stone (@RollingStone) November 11, 2015
During his colourful career, White also played with Marlene Dietrich, Burt Bacharach and Rod Stewart, the BBC Scottish Radio Orchestra - as well as performing on Lulu's 1964 cover of 'Shout' and Sir Tom Jones' classic 'It's Not Unusual'. He also even taught drums to The Sopranos' actor Steven Van Zandt.
Listen to Andy White's version of 'Love Me Do' below
It is reported that White also insisted to appear on The Beatles' 'Please Please Me', however Starr is listed as drummer on the track - however, this is disputed by many.
So, there you have it - while Martin, Pete Best and Stuart Sutcliffe are often referred to as 'the fifth Beatle', we should remember White's contribution.
Last month, The Beatles' first record contract sold for £365,000 at auction.
