In a recent episode of his podcast, Paul McCartney: A Life in Lyrics, the legendary musician opened up about the Beatles’ early days and why Stuart Sutcliffe, one of the band’s early members, didn’t make the cut. McCartney revealed that Sutcliffe, who played bass in the group, wasn’t very musical and struggled to keep up with the other members who had more experience with instruments. Despite his love for music, Sutcliffe was aware of his limitations and admitted that he wasn’t a skilled musician.
McCartney shared that all of the original Beatles members had some musical background, but Sutcliffe had to start from scratch when it came to learning how to play bass. The rocker admitted that the band knew Sutcliffe wasn’t on the same level as the rest of them and even had to ask him to turn his back to the camera in photos to hide his lack of skill. After Sutcliffe left the group in 1961, McCartney took over bass duties and continued on with the Beatles as the iconic lineup that fans know today.
Stuart Sutcliffe was a member of The Beatles for a brief period from 1960 to 1961 before deciding to focus on his art instead of music. Tragically, just months after leaving the band, Sutcliffe passed away at the young age of 21 due to a catastrophic cerebral hemorrhage. His time with the Beatles may have been short-lived, but his contributions to the band’s early days are remembered by fans and musicians alike.
Paul McCartney’s podcast, Paul McCartney: A Life in Lyrics, is currently in its second season and is produced by iHeartPodcasts and Pushkin. The series delves into McCartney’s past and explores the stories behind some of his most iconic songs, both from his time with the Beatles and his solo career. With candid insights and personal anecdotes, McCartney continues to captivate fans with his musical journey and the legendary legacy of the Beatles.
