07/08/2024
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Happy 85th birthday to Jimmie Nicol, who was a Beatle for only 13 days in 1964 as Ringo Starrs’ Replacement!
Quick backstory: In June of 1964, Ringo Starr was hospitalized for tonsillitis and pharyngitis, leaving The Beatles down one drummer right before the launch of their first world tour. A 24-year-old journeyman drummer named Jimmie Nicol received a fevered phone call from producer George Martin asking if he could fill in immediately. He agreed, auditioned, dropped everything and set off on the tour. He proved a fine choice for the gig; a gifted, hard-working percussionist — respected, personable and adaptable.
His time as a Beatle was brief – five concerts and TV show in Holland – and unfortunately not even the stuff of legend.
George Harrison was against Jimmie (or anyone) replacing Ringo at first, but he still treated him with great kindness and respect, patting him on the back and joking with him.
But many years later, Jimmie said “Standing in for Ringo was the worst thing that ever happened to me.”
He mentioned he was given a gold watch and a cheque for £500, but less than a year later, he was declared bankrupt. The newspapers did a story a year after Jimmie’s stint with The Beatles, saying he was bankrupt, divorced, out of work... Paul McCartney read this and wanted to help Jimmie, but he knew he would be too proud to directly talk with him, so he made phone calls on his behalf that gave him studio session work and tour work.
He seems to have disappeared, although best reports say he is still alive at 85. Until we hear otherwise.
