Chas Newby, former Beatles bassist, dies at 81

Chas Newby, who once played as a bassist for The Beatles, has died according to the Cavern Club Liverpool music venue.

“It’s with great sadness to hear about the passing of Chas Newby,” the club said in a Facebook post. “Chas stepped in for The Beatles for a few dates when Stuart Sutcliffe stayed in Hamburg and latterly he played for The Quarrymen.”

“Interestingly, he was also the first left-handed bass guitarist in The Beatles,” the post added. “RIP Chas Newby thoughts and well wishes from everybody at The Cavern Club.”

The Blackpool native was 81 when he died earlier this week.

The “fifth Beatle” was featured predominately in the ‘60s during Sutcliffe’s absence from the band as he focused on his art career. 

Newby had previously played with John Lennon’s original band, The Quarrymen. He rejoined the group later in his life, playing with the group from 2016 until his death.

Chas Newby passed away at 81 earlier this week. (BPM Media)

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Friends and fans honored Newby after the devastating news was announced.

“Both Pete and I and the whole Best family absolutely devasted to hear the very sad news with regards to one of the families closest friends Chas Newby passing last night,” Roag Best, the brother of former Beatles drummer Pete Best shared on social media.

“Many of you will know him for playing bass guitar for both The Beatles and The Quarrymen, but to us he was laid back Chas with the big smile. We’ll truly miss him. Forever in our thoughts. God bless you Chas x,” he concluded.

Other fans paid tribute to the late musician on Facebook, “What an amazing history chaz had and you would never know the unassuming man having a pint next to you held such a part in the history of the musical legacy that was the beatles.”

After performing with The Beatles in the 1960s, Lennon reportedly asked Newby to join their Germany tour.

Newby turned down the offer and had other career goals in mind. He wanted to obtain his university degree.

In 2012, Newby expressed he was happy with his decision during an interview with the Sunday Mercury.

“Music was never going to be a living for me. I wanted to do chemistry,” he pointed out at the time.

“John, Paul [McCartney] and George [Harrison], they just wanted to be musicians.”

“People sometimes don’t believe me when I say I’ve no regrets. But I really haven’t.”

Newby went on to be a math teacher and left a tremendous impact on his students. 

Following his death, Newby’s students honored the late scholar and legendary musician.

“Many ex students sharing condolences. He helped me greatly in improving my [math] and I have never forgotten that. Always exciting to have a [math] teacher who could say he played with the Beatles! One of the first school legends you were told.”