Ringo Starr almost joined rival band before The Beatles - but changed his mind over $7 Irish Star
The Beatles arguably remain the most influential band in history, despite being formed more than six decades ago.
Their timeless hits like Yesterday, Let It Be and All You Need Is Love continue to resonate with fans across generations. But did you know the Fab Four's lineup could have been drastically different?
The band's drummer Ringo Starr was once wanted by another group - and it was an offer he considered. Kingsize Taylor and the Dominoes, a Liverpool-based band, formed in 1958, around the same time The Beatles were still known as The Quarrymen. Kingsize Taylor and the Dominoes began making waves in West Germany shortly after their formation, but they soon faced issues.
When their drummer Dave Lovelady left the band, which had secured a regular gig at the Star Club in Hamburg, they found themselves in need of a replacement. Their sights turned to Ringo Starr. Ringo had already made a name for himself in Germany, playing with another Liverpool band, Rory Storm and the Hurricanes. When Kingsize Taylor and the Dominoes approached him with an offer to join their ranks, he faced a tough decision.
Ultimately, it all boiled down to the paycheck. While Kingsize Taylor and the Dominoes offered Ringo a weekly wage of £20 ($26), John Lennon and Paul McCartney returned with an offer of £25 ($33). Ringo chose the higher bid, stepping into Pete Best's shoes as the drummer for The Beatles.
Source: irishstar.com/Scarlett O'Toole
