Pete Best, 82 years old, stands on the top floor of the house where he once resided, gazing at a collection of framed photographs.
At this moment, he reflects upon a younger self depicted in one of the frames – a version of himself with dark hair, clad in a leather jacket, seated before a drum set.
The three individuals standing beside him in the photograph are unmistakable – his former comrades in music, George Harrison, Sir Paul McCartney, and John Lennon.
Together, they would become part of the world’s most renowned musical quartet.
Best reflects upon one of the most significant ‘what ifs’ in music history. Pic: PA
Despite being ousted from the band to be replaced by Ringo Starr, Best, after six decades, considers one of the major “what ifs” in the history of popular music.
“I’ve enjoyed six wonderful decades living as Pete, as well as being a Beatles. It’s a part of my story, a pleasant connection to have, but life progresses,” he expressed.
“Initially, it was a period filled with challenges and financial hardships, but life has its ways of balancing things out. Perhaps it was my destiny, or maybe it wasn’t meant to be.”
Besides reflecting on the past, Best has also ventured into business opportunities linked to his association with the band.
His latest endeavour, launched in collaboration with his younger brother Roag, offers the public a chance to stay in their former residence.
The house at 8 Hayman’s Green in the West Derby area of Liverpool. Pic: PA
This location also holds significance as one of the venues where The Beatles initiated their journey into the music industry.
Named the Casbah Club, this Victorian mansion holds grade II listing, purchased by Best’s mother Mona, who conceptualized it as a private club for her sons and their companions to gather and enjoy music.
The legacy of The Beatles, then known as The Quarrymen, is deeply rooted in the basement where they performed.
The band contributed to decorating the space, and traces of John Lennon’s presence can still be seen, marked by his initials etched into the walls. During lively performances, the place would be filled with hundreds of enthusiastic spectators.
The Lennon Suite. Pic: PA
The Best Suite. Pic: PA
Nowadays, the lower floor was bustling with numerous individuals, and additional visitors could be spotted upstairs in the chambers that are now available for reservation.
The accommodations are dubbed after Paul, John, George, Peter, and the original bassist Stuart Sutcliffe – with the exception of Ringo.
The Sutcliffe Suite. Pic: PA
The Harrison Suite. Pic: PA
“This was a venue for performances by The Beatles, their gatherings, and their overnight stays,” stated Best, expressing that the lodging symbolized his mother’s aspiration.
This instance also serves as a testament to the enduring appeal and commercial success of the nostalgia post-Beatlemania.
The McCartney Suite. Pic: PA
Evelyn and Andy secured the first booking, journeying from Glasgow.
Within the Paul McCartney suite adorned with portraits of the namesake and a replica of his guitar, Evelyn conveyed her fondness for the Beatles, likening them to “almost like companions” to her. She added that she strives to attend Beatles-themed occasions and locales whenever feasible.
Besides being a lucrative venture, the repurposing of the residence into a guesthouse reflects the proximity of Best to becoming synonymous with Beatlemania.
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Debbie Greenberg, who managed the renowned Cavern Club, another Liverpool establishment linked to the band, vividly recalls the moment when Best was ousted from the lineup.
“Pete possessed striking looks and had a substantial following. The news of his replacement by Ringo spread, resulting in a collective chant,” reminisced Ms. Greenberg.
“We all bellowed ‘Pete forever, Ringo never’. To be abruptly substituted, just as they were on the brink of something monumental, must have been profoundly disheartening for him. Consequently, he rightfully deserves his current accolades,” she reflected.
