The Sad Story of Jimmie Nicol - He Thought He Could Replace Ringo Forever

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Sixty years ago, in June 1964 on the eve of The Beatles' first world tour, Ringo Starr fell ill. Instead of cancelling the tour, small time drummer Jimmy Nichol was drafted in to take his place. For 10 days in Denamrk, Holland, Hong Kong and Australia Nicol got to experience what it was really like to be a Beatle, but the experience ruined his life. In this video we tell you how his story unfolded and why he disappeared.
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Footage of Jimmie playing at The Beatles Live At The Centennial Hall, Adelaide, Australia (Saturday 13th June 1964): • The Beatles Live At Th...
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Thank you!

[@Peter-Burbank]

This is the best account of Jimmy’s time with the Beatles …

[@decentlyandinorder]

He only missed the most interesting part. where when Paul and others asked Jimmy's son how Jimmy was doing. and his son related their interest to his father, Jimmy Nicol replied, "Tell them I'm dead." ... which Jimmy's son then related.

[@annetterohla8932]

@@decentlyandinorder So if you watch from the very beginning , where the Beatles bring Jimmy a suitcase , Jimmy looks very uncomfortable and stern , and remains so throughout the performances . What's he so non - plussed and unhappy about? Was he the only straight Beatle ?Or the only non Fr**mason , and not from Tavistock . In other words , not a mini hat satanist ?

[@mauricerevelle8451]

Fair play to Jimmy Nichol he never really cashed in on his time with The Beatles, like a lot of others did, he could have made a fortune with interviews etc. He’s kept himself to himself. Man deserved a lot of respect for that.

[@BuffaloC305]

I am hoping he had music dreams, not talking-head dreams which - of course - were left up to the fans and a smart and helpful marketing person.

[@LazyLizzy706]

He refused to discuss his time with the Beatles and also claimed that he wishes to not get any financial gain from it. He easily could’ve cashed out if he really wanted to but chose not to. Respect

[@capt.bart.roberts4975]

Depping is never fun, and fraught with all sorts of problems. I've depped for a name drummer, who shall we say had, a bit of a problem with drugs. Not my favourite experience, the band were self destructing, in a mess of egos and handbags at dawn. Me and the bass player, just buggered off down the pub.

[@dondamon4669]

He was paid alot to not speak

[@jeffryphillipsburns]

He might have got a few interviews here and there, but I doubt he could have “made a fortune”. Subbing for Ringo for a week and half just isn’t that interesting a story, and interviews generally don’t pay at all, anyway. People submit to them so that they can promote something else.

[@conorfurlong]

Whenever I hear about The Beatles’ itinerary, I feel like I need a lie down.

[@IsmJism]

HA - I get it!

[@glennso47]

I feel the need to take a shower. 🤮

[@ss51-857]

They were young ...

[@philipthompson8525]

@glennso47 .Yes A Cold One. Lol.❤

[@conorfurlong]

@@ss51-857 I wouldn’t have wanted to do that when I was 22! 7 fights to get to Hong Kong? “No thanks Brian, we’re successful enough, thanks.” 😂

[@c.7610]

This was one of the most fascinating half-hours I’ve spent on the Internet in a long time. Thank you!

[@Parlogram]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@terrythekittieful]

It sure was. Never a dull moment in Jimmy's brief couple of weeks with the Beatles. Hope he's doing well.

[@georgepiet496]

300,000 to see the Beatles was amazing. The population was under 1 million. My mother was there whilst pregnant with me.

[@JordyBoothy]

George's loyalty to Ringo is very touching

[@terrythekittieful]

Yet he supported Jimmy and held no grudges towards him. John's warmth towards Jimmy and Paul wanting to meet him years later. The Beatles were genuine human beings. Makes you love them more.

[@raulmacias6146]

Loyalty to Ringo? George ended up seducing Ringo's wife Maureen Cox Starkey!

[@LapsangTe]

Though he loved Ringo I think that his loyalty mainly had to do with the fact that he felt insecure about his own place in the band. As he said in an interview many years later: "If they could replace Ringo, they could replace me."

[@Neil-Aspinall]

I think George could be a bit prickly and opinionated at times.

[@Neil-Aspinall]

@@LapsangTe Yes well spotted Laps.

[@gram1608]

I remember as a little kid in Melbourne being astounded by the crowds outside the Southern Cross Hotel greeting the 'five' Beatles.

[@Parlogram]

That must have been an incredible experience!

[@robertcalvin2643]

I was 14 and not allowed by my mum to go and see The Beatles but I have seen the concert on video over and over again.

[@juliosanchez95]

@@Parlogram Your channel is absolutely brilliant! It is interesting to hear Nichols play. While he did an adequate job, it really makes you appreciate the great drummer that Ringo was in the 1960s.

[@BilisNegra]

@@juliosanchez95 How can we listen to Jimmy with the Beatles? Are there any recordings of the shows available online or otherwise?

[@mauriceortiz8817]

Sad and informative; but wasn't Ringo first replaced on the first Beatle single, Love Me Do?

[@NVM_SMH]

That photo of Aunt Mimi going on tour with John is gold. I don't know how many rock bands took their aunt on tour with them.

[@dondamon4669]

She was basically his mum

[@harryfyhr4010]

Dave Grohl used to take his mom with him on tours.

[@Hazeltunes]

Definitely a fascinating chapter in the Beatles' story, and ultimately a sad one. Just as an aside, one laugh out loud moment in the Get Back documentary was when the band were discussing doing what was to become their 'rooftop' concert overseas. Someone said Ringo wouldn't do it because he didn't want to go abroad, then Paul said 'Jimmie Nicol will do it!"

[@derradune6722]

The guy interviewing Paul at 15:38 was Bob Rogers, an Australian DJ who accompanied them on their tour. In 1958 he introduced top 40 radio to Australia and was the first DJ to play the Beatles music here. His career lasted until his retirement at the age of 93 in 2020. He passed away in May of this year aged 97.

[@Arya-1111]

fantastic ...am in Adelaide SA

[@frankflstf]

WOW what a great story what a hard working man he must have been too last that long in the business 💪🔥🐐

[@markwinters3079]

Andrew, this is a really interesting story and very well-done. I had to laugh out loud when you showed the film of John sitting next to his Aunt Mimi on that long flight. The subdued look on his face was priceless. You know she had to have been an absolute kill-joy for him the whole trip.

[@Parlogram]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@marguskiis7711]

John was very close to Mimi who supported him every way.

[@markwinters3079]

@@marguskiis7711 Yes, and to the day he died, she was not above correcting his behavior. He loved and missed her, and called her every week. She was the one person who Yoko could not overshadow in John's life.

[@donniblanco5239]

How come I’ve never heard of this Guy??🤔

[@cannotfindmyshoes3]

😆 Haha, yes, a bit!

[@Paul-dw2cl]

Hearing that George Harrison initially refused to play without Ringo all I could think of was Ringo saying, “I would like to play on the roof.”

[@stephenpitcher8755]

This is the best account of Jimmy’s time with the Beatles I have heard so far. He really has turned out to be a man of mystery

[@Parlogram]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@petergedd9330]

You can understand how he felt when he was whisked away from all that attention. I can imagine Ringo was more than keen to get back in his place before he went awry.

[@ianhowarth2656]

Man, one day you’re the Beatles drummer, the next you’re back to 9-5 realism. I would say that’s serious emotional whiplash.

[@iracknads]

I much prefer 9-5 than selling my soul to Satan!

[@colinpiper4386]

The Beatles did not ruin his life. His brief exposure to being in their fame/madness, the reality of his comedown to ordinariness, was what plagued the rest of his life.

[@RaptorFromWeegee]

Being poor is hard, but being rich and THEN being poor is much much harder.

[@adrianmorris2628]

I have always been fascinated by the very brief stint that Jimmy Nicol had in The Beatles. Thanks for the extra and interesting information Andrew.

[@Parlogram]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ALF782]

There's a movie in that story. Why hasn't it been made.

[@remixandkaraoke]

@@ALF782 Nobody cares.

[@ALF782]

@remixandkaraoke I care and I even wear a Jimmy Nicoll tshirt

[@xrxs1020]

@@remixandkaraoke ''Nobody cares.'' Don't speak of what you don't know.

[@kirahastings9900]

In the photos of Jimmy Nichol at the time, he looked awkward and out of place in the Beatles line-up. Admittedly, I never gave him much thought afterwards. Thank you for this interesting follow-up.

[@alancruzdominguez5074]

Jimmy Nicol looks more of an Animals band member kind of thing jeje

[@inverross9019]

@@alancruzdominguez5074 Apart from looking a bit too odd in the looks dept. - being a Londoner he just didn't fit with their Liverpool voices and Northern banter.

[@ibberman]

John Paul George and Ringo, although all having their own individual look, they had a visual unity that really shows when you place Jimmy Nichol in the mix. He was visually very different. A more androgenic facial structure perhaps?

[@edgarsnake2857]

Outstanding video on a sensitive slice of the Beatle's history. The phrase--Burnt by the sun--comes to mind. I met and spoke with Pete Best on two occasions. He was also burnt by the sun. None of it was malicious, sometimes things just work out that way.

[@Parlogram]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@lestorhaslam]

Such a shame for Jimmie, a great drummer. Showbiz is totally ruthless, without compassion or feeling.

[@rodrigosilvamartins4983]

"... Jimmy Nicol was relaxing on his couch, feeling pleased with himself". I loved how the character was introduced 😄 You're a great storyteller, Andrew! Thanks for sharing this fascinating episode and my best wishes from Brazil! 😊

[@Parlogram]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Randgalf]

Can't even begin to imagine the emptiness when departuring after having stood in for a Beatle.

[@MarkMikelVideos]

The silence must have been deafening.

[@sguttag]

There is no question about it, your stuff is better than most documentaries. Nice job, again!

[@Parlogram]

Thank you kindly!

[@anthoniusalphaproject1588]

Well deserved honorable recognition in this video. Jimmy, nobody can take that fabulous time away from you.

[@gronxman1]

What an adventure! Jimmy did more in his short tenure with The Beatles than most other talented musicians could ever dream of. He was only a temporary Beatle but a Beatle nevertheless. He travelled the world with the hottest band in the world, partied with them and performed with them to a high standard in front of Screaming fans and television cameras. There's no shame here! What a story!

[@alphaofthebetas4780]

I have been a Beatles fan for 50 years and never heard this story before!

[@NewFalconerRecords]

Just last week I was talking to an aunty (who I hadn't seen in 20 years) about her seeing the Beatles at Festival Hall in Melbourne when she was 14. She confirmed that you could barely hear the band over the screaming during the concert. But she told me that the crowd crush outside the Melbourne Town Hall was frightening. Once the crowd began to move it was super scary.

[@Parlogram]

I can well believe that! Thanks for posting.

[@chezzachezza7325]

My mum said the same the crowd crushing young people

[@acceptfilms9415]

I like that he found a sunny place , someone who loved him , and kept his music alive.

[@PrankZabba]

24:40 - Definitely a powerful photo. This is why I love this channel. Something always comes along and is kinda shocking to find out now. All the footage is just mind blowing that it still exists. And for some reason, why do I keep thinking that Jimmy looks like someone from The Jam?

[@RAFchurchlawford4469]

"why do I keep thinking that Jimmy looks like someone from The Jam?" Similar outcomes? One minute you're in a famous band, next minute it's over ☹

[@redsparkle7839]

How did the Beatles ruin his life? His life probably would have been the same being a struggling musician. Plus, he wouldn't have even had that incredible Beatles experience.

[@thefonzkiss]

A guy who made his own bad luck. The book by Jim Berkenstadt called The Beatle That Vanished is a must read.

[@Bella-nt7ec]

That's right, I read it

[@user-dk3up2nl1m]

He was smart to write a book$$$

[@hariowen3840]

Jimmie was under no illusion whatsoever, at 19:07 he clearly says that Ringo was much better than him and was returning on Sunday, and that he would be going back to London. Didn't you watch that bit then!

[@danmontagano5676]

I think he was asked a question about how Ringo was doing and he replied “Much better”

[@hariowen3840]

@@danmontagano5676 Maybe so - but he was under no illusion about which one of them would be going back to London though was he.

[@CitizenCage]

To say this is "tragic" seems like an exaggeration

[@NMagChiTown]

Right. Decent documentary but terrible title.

[@jamescoghlan8401]

Yeah, but clicks yeah? He’s got content to promote. His material is actually very watchable

Tragic??? I do not think so...😐

[@petererb9463]

Pot and alcohol abuse is a tragedy, surely.

[@roybatty4687]

Hmm clickbait as suspected. Will not be subscribing to this channel.

[@roybeckerman9253]

This video is longer than the time Jimmie Nicol spent with The Beatles..😊

[@gregsmith7949]

What a great video. There's something poignant and sad about that photo of him in the airport as he was leaving Australia and going back to obscurity.

[@mrjohn9933]

A sad story no, he was able to grasp the gold ring and hang on for a while. More than most. Thanks for sharing!

[@AnalogueGround]

It’s amazing how a musician’s short spell as a dep can become a big story - It shows how the aura of the Beatles never fades.

[@Billthemusicman]

Andrew this is completely fascinating, and at the same time heart breaking for Jimmy. Thank you for exploring the events surrounding his journey with the Beatles, and filling out the complete story.

[@Parlogram]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@davidm7840]

This was a fantastic video. Jimmy’s time in the group remains one of the lesser explored-yet most interesting-stories related to the group. His reclusiveness shrouds this story in mystery. Thanks for such an incredible dive into this. Keep up the great storytelling like this!

[@Parlogram]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ScottSpotMedia]

I'm not sure how tragic it really was for him, only he could tell us, but he got the opportunity to work with the Beatles, the greatest rock band ever. That's more than anyone else can say. Any artistic job has the risk of not paying off. If you can have some interesting experiences along the way, then it was worth the endeavor, and it seems that old Jimmie had more than his fill of interesting stories. I really don't see the tragedy of his story.

[@kengruz669]

Excellent presentation of a chapter of the Beatles I knew nothing about. And very well-produced, to boot.

[@Parlogram]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@decentlyandinorder]

Jimmy Nicol was never considered a 5th Beatle, he was always merely the 'stand-in" for Ringo....period.

[@carlyellison8498]

​@@PaulMartin-s3o- does too, full stop! 😅

[@mrbee145]

I think space aliens 👽 are involved 😂

[@pauldavies6037]

The fascination with anything to do with the Beatles goes on for ever another great episode

[@jxchamb]

Hard to imagine that he actually thought it a possibility that he would replace Ringo. A little humility goes a long way..

[@marktubeie07]

Trivia: The music journalist at 15:38 was Australia's _Bob Rodgers_ , who had exclusive interview rights during their tour of Australia. We lost Bob in May of this year, 2024. A legend here... A respectful tribute to Frank at the end - his fans will appreciate that ❤️

[@goodiesguy]

R.I.P. Bob Rogers, I didn't know he had passed. He was vital in airing local Australian, and also Kiwi talent on Australian radio.

[@marktubeie07]

@@goodiesguy He certainly was, more than Aussies realize !

[@ilabelle1]

Fantastic! This is the first time I’ve ever seen an in depth look at Jimmy Nicol. Bit of a bummer of an ending but still, it’s quite a story. Thanks for getting this together for us Andrew.

[@Parlogram]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@48musicfan]

Thank you for spotlighting Jimmy. I am sure it must have been very hard and a letdown going from the highest of highs to back to reality. - Roger

[@MrDarwincat]

Brilliant as usual, it was nice to see some footage of Jimmy Nicol as it was quite brief in Anthology, I cannot imagine the psychological impact that would have had on any human, to be part of that inner circle and then it's all gone. It was great to learn some more facts about his brief stint. Your videos are so appreciated, always so informative.

[@Parlogram]

Thanks! Glad you enjoy them!

[@blueriverlore]

Thank you for this remembrance, Andrew. I remember my cousins talking about Jimmy back in '64 (as well as Pete Best) and I thought to myself 'wow! a chance to play with 'The Beatles'. It's a shame he couldn't turn that into a better success.

[@johnrogers9481]

Hey Andrew & co, what a great job here telling the story of drummer Jimmy Nicol and his brief time playing with The Beatles! Jimmy, like millions of drummers had his time playing drums and had a short time making money playing drums. Jimmy is a lucky guy who is in the history books for filling-in for Ringo Starr for two weeks with The Beatles. Otherwise, he joins the multi-millions of mostly men who play drums and who also work a job to make money to pay for a life on planet earth!! Where are you now Jimmy Nicol??

[@Parlogram]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@bwpm1467]

Andrew, your videos are astonishing. This is a real favourite for me. Well done, and thank you. I've no idea how the BBC has never employed you as a radio or television host. Their loss!

[@Parlogram]

Thank you, much appreciated. I'm glad you enjoy them.

[@allisons3663]

That truly is a fascinating and interesting story. The fact that no one knows where he is makes it even more intriguing.

[@nellsun2521]

It's a shame he couldn't carry on doing his session work -- studio players were paid very good money.

[@davidtoups4684]

I think after getting a taste of the limelight, it would have been impossible for him to go back to session work

[@nellsun2521]

@@davidtoups4684 I guess. But it's better than being bankrupt by '66!

[@pascaldeslongchampsmoncton1490]

I think the first title that say " the Beatles ruined his career" is far fetch, the Beatles actually gave him a great opportunity, but it just didn't happen for him unfortunately. He was a replacement player for 10 days and that's it.

[@quiastje6316]

One more fantastic story, I appreciate your dedication to this channel Andrew! It has now been one of the highlights of my weekends for over 2 years.

[@Parlogram]

Thank you! Glad you enjoy it!

[@tomtoss2463]

I never knew about Jimmy until now.

[@pauldaviesantiques1556]

Love the detail, Andrew. Please keep 'em coming!

[@Parlogram]

Will do!

[@SpikeAsks]

Long Live Jimmy Nicol... Another Fab Show! 🕊🤍🥁

[@LapsangTe]

Another aspect of the whole story is that Ringo has said that he himself took it very hard. He wasn't sure that they would welcome him back efter he got well again. He feared being replaced permanently, like they had replaced Pete Best.

[@thefonzkiss]

Surprised you didn’t mention the story of George sending Jimmie a drink in a club several years later and Jimmie rejecting it. He was so paranoid about Epstein and the Beatles supposedly derailing his solo career, it’s sad. It’s in the book mentioned, for those who want to read it.

[@lennon1252]

Some Jimmy Nicol trivia info: At a press conference a reporter mischievously asked John Lennon why Pete Best, who had been the Beatles' previous drummer for two years but dismissed by the group on the eve of stardom, was not rehired, to which Lennon replied: "He's got his own group [Pete Best & the All Stars], and it might have looked as if we were taking him back, which is not good for him." Jimmy once said, "Standing in for Ringo was the worst thing that ever happened to me. Until then I was quite happy earning £30 or £40 a week." Upon leaving the group after Ringo returned, Brian Epstein presented Jimmy with a cheque for £500 (equivalent to $12,798 in 2023) and a gold Eterna-matic wrist watch inscribed: "From the Beatles and Brian Epstein to Jimmy - with appreciation and gratitude." After seeing news of Nicol's bankruptcy in the Daily Mirror, Paul McCartney recommended him to Peter and Gordon who hired him for a 1965 England tour. The last confirmed sighting of Nicol was outside his rented first-floor flat in Kentish Town, north London, in the early 2010s.

[@gregrappa1797]

Jimmy was actually the inspiration for the Tom Hanks movie, “That Thing You Do”. Thank you Andrew for another phenomenal video.

[@Parlogram]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@mikesummers7172]

Enjoy your videos, i appreciate you! Thank you!!

[@tomg6318]

I'm wondering how Ringo felt the whole time. Bad enough being in the hospital, but then thinking there's somebody taking my place

[@andydporter5136]

My mum was a young schoolteacher who, along with her entire high school, lined the main road from Adelaide Airport to the CBD, Anzac Highway. Miraculously, as the Beatles cavalcade was passing them, it stopped and out jumped the lads keen to chat with the students. It was an all-girls high school in distinctive brilliant blue uniform, so little wonder they caught the boy's eyes. Anyway, Paul said "Hello, Mrs School Teacher", to my mum. That’s all she remembers, and that their hair was exceedingly shiny. Btw, she'd never heard of The Beatles until a few hours earlier when her principal announced plans for the school to line Anzac Highway.

[@clurkroberts2650]

Interesting how they always dressed him differently in a white overcoat from the rest of the Beatles. His squared jaw features also did not match the Beatles look.

[@RonaldBrown59]

I've known about Jimmie Nicol taking Ringo's place while he was sick. But thanks for providing some much detail to the story, and what happened to him afterward. This might have been your best production yet, I loved it! Thanks for sharing.

[@Parlogram]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@bluedeskfan2754]

Fascinating. Must be bitter sweet. Surprised he didn't cash in on it more with a book etc. But can understand why you'd want to move on after a while.

[@gorgen23]

Jimmy Nicol and Pete Best doing a 60 minutes interview would be an interesting watch. Certainly cure any financial issues they may have.

[@ric8248]

He knew it was temporary, he shouldn't look back in anger.

[@Jaseph2]

I think it’s partially a sad story simply because someone would think if was good enough for the Beatles, he must be pretty good. I doubt that he ever had any expectations that he would replace Ringo. It sounds like the band treated him well and that watch is such a nice touch. But it sounds like he came to grips with everything and for whatever reason just wanted to be left alone. Pete Best to me is a sadder story. Imagine watching the Beatles become the phenomenon they did, shortly after you being replaced. But he too seems to have made peace with what happened. In the end, Ringo was essential to the Beatles and helped them to become who they became. He was the last piece of the puzzle.

[@user-so9gw2po7n]

Thoroughly enjoyed this. Thank you. He was given an amazing opportunity in life. Sorry it didn't work out for him, but that's not any of the Beatles' fault.

[@Parlogram]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@moreheff]

Being a muso myself, I can imagine all the emotions that Jimmy went through during his stint. The incredible high of the gigs and public experience, to the low of how he was treated by Brian at the end of the stint (Brian being his usual over protective self of "his boys") and not even letting him say his goodbyes to the guys, and then what happened to his career afterwards . It is easy to see why he would have blamed Brian. I really feel for him

[@mapo69]

What a fascinating yet sad story ! This is probably the most detailed video I saw about Jimmie Nicol ! Great job Andrew ! Cheers from Montreal Canada !

[@Parlogram]

Cheers! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Peter-Burbank]

@@Parlogram.. maybe we could get something like this regarding their visit to the Philippines?

[@adrianrobey7716]

He should have definitely written a book. What a cool and unique perspective he had. Lots of people can imitate not many can create. He could have achieved his own success just on book tours alone.

[@cygnusx-1800]

These kind of VASTLY unequal power & prestige relationships in music never turn out well for the less powerful participant. Always a tragic outcome.

[@erikmolnar6585]

What an amazing and sad story. Out of everything I've heard about Jimmy, this is the most I've ever heard about his stint in the Beatles. The pictures you used are great. Would love to see you make a video on their time in Germany when they were starting out

[@joe44850]

There's a humorous moment in "That Thing You Do" when Scott "Wolfman" Pell replaced T.B. Player on bass. Always kinda reminded me of Jimmy Nichols.

[@michaelkutulas8878]

This video was incredibly well done... excellent narration and beautifully assembled clips and pics! Thank you!

[@Parlogram]

Thank you, Sir!

[@bucksdiaryfan]

Jimmie is like the Walter Beall of music. Beall wsa a career minor league pitcher who pitched one inning for the most famous team of all time, the 1927 New York Yankees. He faced four batters, gave up a hit and a run, and was never heard from again. But at least he and Jimmie got the opportunity to brush up against, and even be a part of, true greatness. Instead of lamenting what might have been, he needs to change his mindset to "what was" and the special oppurtunity he had.

[@riccardociofi3162]

It’s always a pleasure to spend part of a Sunday afternoon watching one of the videos by Andrew on The Beatles (and more). Personally, I didn’t know a thing about Nicol, and I found this video interesting.

[@Parlogram]

Thanks Riccardo. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@sebastianmaharg]

Just to be clear, you say Paul asked Jimmie's son, Howie, "if he could see him again" to which he replied a stark "no." This is misleading because you make it sound as if Howie was somehow refusing or blocking Paul from seeing Jimmie. It's more a matter of Paul asking Howie if he knew of any way to contact Jimmie, to which Howie said "no", as he simply didn't know where his father was.

[@Jkaninteangemittnamn]

I guess Paul with his billions would easy find Jimmie if he wanted too .

[@chookin1]

Gosh.....that photo of Jimmy alone in the airport is extraordinary.

[@RogerKknulll]

Never knew this.

[@magneto7930]

It is a rather sad story when you think about it. It's almost as if Jimmy woke from a dream and he was back home again. You would think by listing "Drummer for The Beatles" on his resume that he couldn't lose. He should have kept trying. He should have at least written an autobiography. At least he would get something out of the deal. That lucky break only comes once in a lifetime.

[@dannystrat]

As you stated, Nicol wasn't lacking in self-confidence! Even though it's hard to understand where his suspicion of Epstein came from; his self-inflated (and rather big-headed) certainty of replacing Ringo; and thinking he was going to America right after, one can't help but feel sorry for the guy. Being thrown into a world phenomenon for 10 days, then suddenly sent home must have been incredibly disorienting. Like a soldier, he should have been debriefed and relaxed for a day or so before going home! Great video! Proud to be a member!

[@retroseventy]

The experience that Jimmy Nichol must have had is like a saying of an old friend of mine used to say: 'I THOUGHT I HAD DIED AND GONE TO HEAVEN'. I had known about him filling in for Ringo but never knew all the details of it. THANK YOU for the very nice expose of that time!!!

[@Parlogram]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jamesmanon3000]

The best Beatles collection zi've seen so far.Thank you.

[@ronvonryan]

After Jimmie finished his spell with The Beatles he joined the Band I fronted The Dave Davani Five for a while. He fitted in well, I found him a very quite man and a very good drummer.

[@MarkMikelVideos]

Fascinating. Why did he leave your group?

[@ronvonryan]

@@MarkMikelVideos Back then most Groups were in constant flux with members leaving and joining other Groups for many reasons. We were playing mainly London Clubs like The Scotch of St James, The Flamingo, and the 100 Club and other Clubs like that and I think Jimmie had a taste of the big time and thought he could do better.

[@MarkMikelVideos]

@ronvonryan Very cool. I'd imagine he was still pretty well known at that time and probably helped draw people in, yes? Btw, I've played the 100 Club once back in 2018 with Corky Laing's Mountain when we toured England. Probably the worst smelling club I've ever played, but I reveled in its rich rock history and had a great time.

[@michaelrochester48]

Nicol and Pete Best should do comic cons and make a MINT…that is untapped potential for income

[@francoisvanderlinden3756]

Fascinating as always ! Thanks !

[@Parlogram]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@thechuckster6838]

Loved this. Very informative!

[@gibbo573]

He knew what he was getting into.

[@Parlogram]

Bur nothing could prepare him for the actual experience.

[@gibbo573]

@@Parlogram That’s very true.

[@gibbo573]

I think Pete Best had a bigger grievance than Jimmy Nicol. I agree he couldn't be fully prepared for the enormity of the job, but he must have had an idea. Fair play he didn't cash in, perhaps he should have.

[@anthonyvigliotti6560]

Excellent subject and excellent job on your part, Andrew! Jimmy Nicol's story always fascinated me. I cannot imagine that super-high of being a temporary Beatle and then trying to get on with a career after that. I have Jim Berkenstadt's book - superb. I have never believed that Brian "blackballed" Jimmy around the industry. While he was a fine drummer, he never came up with the goods musically (as you point out). To me, there are some similarities with Pete Best's story. Thanks for a FABulous video and also the nice production with this. 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏* (*See? More than 'one hand clapping'!😊)

[@Parlogram]

Thanks Anthony. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@SimonJohnNoble]

Brilliant account Andrew. Thanks!

[@Parlogram]

Glad you liked it!

[@ericsolomon7149]

Very well done! Thorough and informative

[@Parlogram]

Thank you, Sir.

[@jimmynicollikesapickle1124]

The best 2 weeks of my life

[@bucksdiaryfan]

Those of you who are lamenting Jimi's "bad fortune" are fucking nuts! There was one golden ticket for the drummer position and it was given to Ringo Starr and he became part of the Beatles "brand". It would have been disastrous for the Beatles -- and FOR JIMI -- if they would have replaced Ringo because of a temporary illness with some random drummer from England. Instead of lamenting his bad fortune we and he should be celebrating his almost 'Twilight Zone" experience being a temporary Beatle -- he's literally the only one on Earth who got to do that after Beatlemania was established! (well Billy Preston, but that was only in sessions)

[@leamanc]

Fascinating stuff and a great video, Andrew!

[@Parlogram]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@theseeker3771]

"Local retailers' looks like a euphemism.....

[@mitreswell]

I doubt he could have contributed as creatively as Ringo did to the Beatles' songs.

[@user-dk3up2nl1m]

I just said the same thing! Ringo had a history with the others...getn drunk and high does help get creative