Who was the original fifth member of The Beatles?

This guy was an art school buddy of John Lennon. He joined the group in 1960 as a bassist, even though he could not play. After selling one of his paintings,he had the money to upgrade their equipment. Actually, he is one of several people sometimes referred to as the "Fifth Beatle". Stu experienced severe headaches and died at the age of 21 because of the cerebral haemorrhage.

More Info: en.wikipedia.org

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79 Comments

filmnut

You don't know how I agonised over this question. I really had to read the question. I initially thought it might be Pete Best.

Jim Laughner

People are crying "Trick question" again. The question did not ask "Who was the fifth Beatle?", to which there could be more than one answer, the question clearly asks; "Who was the original fifth member of The Beatles?" There can only be one answer to that question and if it's not your guess, you were wrong. Stu was the first bassist for the group, making him the correct answer.If he was before the others, he was the original, and that's what the question asks.

Julie Domaille

I saw a film years ago about Stu Sutcliffe. He fell in love with the German girl who designed there moptop hair. He was a talented artist but a rubbish musician 😔

Jerry Edwards

J.R. McKenzie, Please refer to Ric Bays. Ringo Starr was not one of the original members. He came in when Pete Best left. Stu Sutcliffe was considered one of them right from the start.. So, along with the other three more prominent members, that makes five. Answer is right.

John McLardie

Just out of curiosity: - 'Pete Best The original drummer of The Beatles, Pete Best performed with the group during their early days when it was a five-man lineup: Best, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Stuart Sutcliffe. He went with the band to Hamburg, Germany, but was let go in 1962 and replaced with Ringo Starr.' Poorly worded question.

Denise Currie

Out of those options this was the only one that made sense, Had Pete Best been added it would have proved a lot more difficult

Steve Tingle

To be pedantic there was never a 5th Beatle, Stu and Pete were only ever the 4th member, once the group was established Epstein was sort of referred to as no. 5 but he never played with the..

Johnny Rock

Almost a turn for the worst after misreading the question. The 5th Beatle is different from the 5th band member. The good ole Double Chance hint. My favorite.

Marian Spitzig

Several people called the Fifth Beatle...

Margaret Kinnaman

I think this is the wrong answer. I have heard Epstein refered to as the 5th Beatle zevental times.

Nancy Beattie

filmnut, the 5th member was considered to be Pete Best...

Tom Seigo

I did not know that there was a fifth beatle!

Vonda Summers

Never heard of him so checked it out. Sad he died so young.

J.R. McKenzie

Yeah I don't think so. Pete Best joined in 1959 and there is no concrete proof that Sutcliffe was even around until 1960 and even then he wasn't much of a bass player. So the original 5th member is Pete Best!