The Beatles’ early bass guitarist Chas Newby, a British musician who was 81 years old, passed away yesterday. His cause of death has not been revealed.
Commemorations for the original left-handed bassist for the Beatles—who also performed with John Lennon in The Quarrymen—started to circulate on social media on Tuesday morning.
Roag Best, the brother of former Beatles drummer Pete Best, confirmed the information on Facebook and also expressed his profound grief for the passing of Chas Newby, a close family friend.
He acknowledged Newby’s accomplishments as a bass guitarist for both The Beatles and The Quarrymen and lauded his kindness and laid-back disposition. His passing will be deeply felt by the Best family, who will never stop thinking of him.
The Cavern Club Liverpool, where the Beatles began their career, shared its condolences on Facebook after learning of Chas Newby’s loss. They conveyed their condolences and stressed how vital he was to the Beatles as the group’s first left-handed bass player.
Mark Lewishon, a Beatles expert, paid tribute to Chas Newby on Twitter, calling him a “fill-in Beatle” and a deserving individual.
Lewishon noted that Stuart Sutcliffe was briefly replaced by Newby during the Beatles’ 1960 return journey from Hamburg, which included a notable performance in Litherland. Additionally, Newby had recently been a part of The Quarrymen. Lewishon said he was amiable and a pleasure to meet.
Chas Newby’s cause of death
At the time of this publication, Chas Newby’s family is yet to disclose the cause of his death. Our thoughts go to the family in this difficult time.