August 1962 was a month of seismic change for The Beatles — one that would forever reshape the future of the most influential band in music history. What happened during those tense, emotional weeks in Liverpool wasn’t just a band reshuffling members. It was a moment of betrayal, bruises, and brotherhood.
The Tension Beneath the Surface
By mid-1962, The Beatles were on the verge of something big. They had signed with manager Brian Epstein and landed a recording contract with EMI’s Parlophone label. But there was one problem: Pete Best, the band’s drummer since 1960, didn’t fit.
To outsiders, Pete was a quiet, handsome figure who garnered a strong female fanbase. But internally, the chemistry wasn’t right. George Martin, the band’s new producer, questioned Pete’s drumming ability during an early session. More importantly, Lennon, McCartney, and Harrison felt the bond between them and Pete had always been fragile — more professional than personal.
The Firing Heard ‘Round Liverpool
On August 16, 1962, Brian Epstein summoned Pete to his NEMS office and delivered the news: he was out of the band. The decision had been made by the others. Epstein, visibly uncomfortable, took the blame, sparing the other three from doing it face-to-face.
Pete was devastated. So were many of the fans. In Liverpool, people were outraged. “Pete was the best,” they shouted. Outside venues, protests erupted. To many, it felt like betrayal.
George Harrison’s Black Eye
Things turned violent. Not long after the firing, George Harrison was reportedly punched in the face by a fan or supporter of Pete Best, resulting in a black eye. The Beatles had always been adored in their hometown, but now they were facing a kind of backlash they’d never known before — from their own community.
George’s bruised face became a symbol of the fallout. This wasn’t just a music decision — it was personal, raw, and painful. The band pushed through, but the air was thick with tension.
Enter Ringo Starr
Amid the chaos, Richard Starkey — better known as Ringo Starr — was invited to join. He’d played with Rory Storm and the Hurricanes and had occasionally subbed in for Pete during Hamburg gigs. Ringo was funny, reliable, and instantly clicked with John, Paul, and George on a deeper level.
On August 18, 1962, Ringo officially played his first gig with The Beatles at the Hulme Hall in Port Sunlight. The reaction was mixed. Some fans shouted for Pete. Others were curious about the new guy with the sharp wit and big nose.
But behind the scenes, the band knew it: this was the final puzzle piece.
A New Era Begins
Within weeks, the band would enter EMI Studios to record what would become their debut single, “Love Me Do,” with Ringo on drums. The energy was different now — more unified, more alive. The Beatles were no longer a group of musicians. They were a band.
The pain of August 1962 never fully left them. John once said of Pete, “We were cowards. We made Brian do it.” And yet, they believed it had to be done.
In the history of The Beatles, few moments were as brutal and transformative as this one. A friendship ended. A legend began. And George Harrison — with a black eye and battered pride — stood alongside his bandmates as they marched into the future.
📺 Source: Based on historical archives, BBC interviews, and Beatles biographies. Watch more on this chapter of Beatles history on YouTube.