Andy White – the session drummer best known for being brought in by George Martin to add some spice to The Beatles‘ recording of their debut single ‘Love Me Do‘ – has died at the of 85. He suffered a stroke.
The well told story goes that, having not long since replaced Pete Best, Ringo Starr‘s drumming on ‘Love Me Do’ at Abbey Road also failed to live up to producer Martin’s high expectations, leading to White – as one of the era’s most highly respected session drummers – being called in.
As well as bringing the required punch to ‘Love Me Do’, he would also do a re-take of b-side ‘P.S I Love You‘, and the single was ultimately released in October 1962. It would be followed soon after by ‘Please Please Me‘ and, in April 1963, ‘From Me To You‘ – commonly described as the band’s first UK number one.
White was paid £5 for his three hours in the studio with the band which would go on to change the world within the year.
May you rest in peace, You will surely be missed. †☝†☝†?