Andy White Dies in New Jersey Aged 85
Early Beatles drummer Andy White has died in New Jersey aged 85.
Andy White died on November 9 following a stroke, his family announced.
The Scottish studio session musician played the drums on Love Me Do and other early tracks by The Beatles.
Andy White was chosen ahead of Ringo Starr in September 1962 to play drums on the single version of Love Me Do and its B-side, P.S. I Love You.
The musician, who was born in Glasgow in 1930, is also believed to have played on the album version of Please Please Me.
Andy White could therefore legitimately claim to be one of the so-called “Fifth Beatles”, alongside the likes of Pete Best, Stuart Sutcliffe and others.
He also played drums on Lulu’s 1964 cover of Shout and Sir Tom Jones’ 1965 single It’s Not Unusual.
Andy White went on to tour with Marlene Dietrich, Burt Bacharach and Rod Stewart and perform with the BBC Scottish Radio Orchestra.
He was paid a one-off fee (£5) for his three hours with the Beatles and received no subsequent royalties.
Ringo Starr, who played drums on earlier versions of Love Me Do, can be heard playing the tambourine on the Andy White recording.
In later life Andy White moved to the US, where he married the voiceover actress Thea Ruth and became a drumming instructor.