Andy White, Drummer on the Beatles’ ‘Love Me Do,’ Dies at 85

Andrew “Andy” White (July 27, 1930 – November 9, 2015) was a Scottish drummer, primarily as a session musician. He was affectionately christened “the fifth Beatle” as he is best known for replacing Ringo Starr on drums on the Beatles’ first single, “Love Me Do”. White was featured on the American 7″ single release of the song, which also appeared on the band’s debut British album, Please Please Me. He also played on “P.S. I Love You”, which was the B-side of “Love Me Do”.

White played with other prominent musicians and groups both in the United Kingdom and the United States, including Chuck Berry, Billy Fury, Herman’s Hermits and Tom Jones. AllMusic called White “one of the busier drummers in England from the late ’50s through the mid-’70s”.

White died after a stroke in Caldwell, New Jersey on 9 November 2015 at the age of 85.

Love Me Do – Andy White

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