The fifth Beatle is an informal title started by the media in1964. It applied to people who either were once in the Beatles or closely associated with the group.
Over the years, dozens have been marked with this moniker, some with more merit than others. The length of the list is long, even hilarious at times, as so many have made the claim.
The most popular votes go to Brian Epstein, the Beatles manager who lead them to fortune and fame from 1962 until his death in 1967, and George Martin, the famed producer and composer credited with shaping the unique sound they created in the studio.
When asked, Paul McCartney agreed with the above assessment. As for the other Beatles, George Harrison declared “There were only two fifth Beatles. (Public relations manager) Derek Taylor and (road manager) Neil Aspinall.” John Lennon was dismissive, even critical of the whole notion of a “Fifth Beatle”.
Ringo had no comment. Perhaps he’s just glad it’s not him.
Here are ten other inner circle candidates, (among many others) who have been touted as the “Fifth Beatle”. So, who’s most qualified?
Pete Best – The Beatles’ first drummer. 1960-62.
Stu Sutliffe – The Beatles’ first bass player. 1960-61.
Jimmy Nicol – Fill-in drummer for Ringo for ten dates during their first world tour. 1964.
Billy Preston – Played keyboards with the Beatles on the “Let It Be” album. 1969.
Eric Clapton – Played guitar on “While My Guitar Gently Weeps”. 1968.
Mahareshi Mahesh Yogi – The former Beatle Indian guru of Transcendental Meditation. 1967.
Andy White – Played drums on “Love Me Do”. 1962.
Chas Newby – Played bass with the Beatles for four dates. 1960.
Tony Sheridan – English rocker who employed the Beatles as his “back up band”. 1961.
Murray the K – Popular New York DJ who gave himself the title at the height of Beatlemania. 1964.
There was even speculation that the Volkswagon on the cover of the “Abbey Road” album should be given the esteemed designation of “Fifth Beetle”.
All these people can’t be the fifth! Maybe the tenth. Or the twenty-seventh. But we can’t all be Beatles.
Or can we?
What about you? If you’ve ever met a Beatle, could you be the one? If you’ve seen a Beatle, do you qualify? What if you know somebody who’s seen a Beatle? If you’ve ever bought any of their music, liked one of their songs, or even heard of the Beatles, why not you? If you’re reading this freaking blog, for crying out loud, congratulations. You win.
I mean, why not?
But if you consider yourself a true blue fan, if you’re a freak for the Fabs, if after a half century, you still love the Mop Tops, I say you, yes you, as much as anyone else, should be considered the Fifth Beatle!
Because if a dang Volkswagon can qualify, one of us should at least get honorable mention.