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

[@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.

[@soeffingwhat]

Only if he was expecting way more than what he was actually have to do. If he'd understood more about it then maybe his life afterwards would have been way more manageable and more options like that could have come his way.

[@johnmc3862]

@@ianhowarth2656 It should be the other . I was a drummer in the Beatles. Nicol hadn’t the wherewithal to take advantage of it.

[@johngalush8790]

Meanwhile, the beatles complain about being on tour constantly.

[@nisselarson3227]

@@johnmc3862 Yeah. I have a feeling this guy couldn't handle actual fame that well. He had it for ten days and it drove him mad.

[@TonyTreSky]

I think it could kill you going up to everything then falling back to nothing...

[@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.”

[@PheonixClack]

Didn’t age well for Ringo hahahaha

[@daisycrude]

@@PheonixClack Nah, Ringo aged well

[@Mikevdog]

😂😂😂

[@hatmanndo]

I get the impression that George didn't like to perform live all the time. He was more secure in what he had gotten used to and that's why with Ringo missing, the performance wouldn't be the best. George is pretty much the perfectionist when divising and playing lead. He relied on Ringo's timing a lot. That's pretty important.

[@MaryBywaters]

That's funny. I just watched him say that.

[@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 ?

[@im1who84u]

@@decentlyandinorder Holly cow! What a bitter man.

[@NLKINK]

I recently read a book called One, Two, Three, Four by Craig Brown who also goes into Jimmy Nicol's 'career' and manages to trace him until 2011.

[@modernista6056]

@@decentlyandinorder he didn't miss that part. Watch it again, towards the end 👍

[@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.

[@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!"

[@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.

[@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.

[@LauraELaine]

Pete Best knew the feeling.

[@SuperNevile]

@@LauraELaine Except Pete Best was very well rewarded with royalties later on.

[@modernista6056]

@@SuperNevile yes, much much later on though. I know 500 quid sounds a lot for those days but still they were worth fkn millions by then, you'd at least think few grand and a house, house in London was probably about a grand or so. Could have changed his life. Had a good music career TBF, just wasn't star quality was he, would Ringo make it solo? No and he didn't. George, John and Paul were all musical geniuses they would have made it regardless. Proper buzz kill though innit, like having a miss world girlfriend for a week then being dumped with a credit card bill and left to rot.😭

[@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!

[@oldermusiclover]

true

[@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!

[@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?

[@Neil-Aspinall]

@@BilisNegra Good question, be good to listen to.

[@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 💪🔥🐐

[@aliencat5345]

Damn what a career. Retiring at 93!

[@jsamc]

Wow !

[@Francisco-fw5fe]

I had no idea DJs existed back then

[@sguttag]

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

[@Parlogram]

Thank you kindly!

[@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!

[@anthoniusalphaproject1588]

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

[@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??🤔

[@Rugmunchersauce3]

😆 Haha, yes, a bit!

[@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.

[@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?

[@luvmyrecords]

I think I'd feel that way in his place, too.

[@brockytv7359]

​@@ibbermanNo it was definitely the haircut, even though they tried to give him the haircut it was a very short version of it, i recon if he had longer hair like the beatles he wouldve fit in a bit more

[@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!

[@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. 🤮

[@Weyjx]

They were young ...

[@philipthompson8525]

@glennso47 .Yes A Cold One. Lol.❤

[@conorfurlong]

@@Weyjx 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.” 😂

[@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!

[@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!

[@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 ☹

[@Jopie496]

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

[@kenchristie9214]

The population of Adeliade in '64 was approximately 600,000 (give or take a couple of thousand). Jimmy joined the group for the fist 2 concerts in Sydney & Brisbane. Ringo arrived for the concerts in Melbourne & Adelaide after his tonsillectomy.

[@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!

[@pauldavies6037]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@jwardbass4452]

@@tomg6318 I’d like to think he was secure about his place in the band because of their friendship and chemistry and understood that the shows had to go on

[@parker486]

I doubt Ringo ever worried about being replaced

[@clinteastwood6875]

@@parker486 In Anthology Ringo admitted he was upset and thought they didn’t love him anymore.

[@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!

[@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.

[@TonyTreSky]

Agreed, Greg! But haven't you ever walked among the rich and famous, for a short time experienced a life unimaginable to you? The fall or return to normalcy can take a heavy emotional toll. For days you walk around in a fog; your every thought is how can I get back there? ...but there's nothing you can do. Though you return, you are there alone. Your heart aches for the life beyond words; you are crushed emotionally for having been given a glimpse of something you cannot find your way back to. The pain is too great; the emptiness cannot be filled. What could be worse? Imagine this: while Jimmie Nicol's experience with the Beatles may have ended painfully in obscurity for him, it is nothing compared to the ineffable, eternal pain some of us will experience when we meet the Lord Jesus and are given a glimpse of Heaven, but then told we are not allowed to stay for He "never knew us." Some laugh at this. But God is not mocked. Let us treat every day as the Sabbath, worshiping the Lord Jesus Christ, who has gone to make a place for us in a world we cannot imagine. Parasceve!

[@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!

[@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

[@ThePiratemachine]

I saw them in Brisbane and have always remembered what your aunt remembers - you could barely hear them. I can specifically remember Paul starting off "Long tall Sally" but then he was drowned out. I was the same age as your aunt ( Give her my best wishes please )

[@kengruz669]

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

[@Parlogram]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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

[@matthewdavenport2490]

So many session musicians who, leaving an even more lasting an impression on the songs than playing live, played on the recordings of famous bands we all know. And they each returned to their day job afterward. Jimmy's story is only known--and intriguing to Beatlemaniacs like me--because it was public and with the biggest band at the height of their touring fame. Very well done video.

[@oldermusiclover]

and sadly most people dont know their names

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@michaelkutulas8878]

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

[@Parlogram]

Thank you, Sir!

[@MarcusIsI]

As someone from Adelaide, South Australia I would like to mention that yes there was 300 thousand people lining up but at the time we had a population of only 670 thousand people. So almost half the population took a day off of work and school to say hello to the band!

[@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!

[@TheDunc1]

Thank you so much for a fabulously interesting feature on Jimmy, another unsung hero of The Beatles. What a shame his own success was so modest.

[@Parlogram]

Glad you enojyed it!

[@allisons3663]

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

[@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?

[@pauldaviesantiques1556]

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

[@Parlogram]

Will do!

[@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.

[@Concreteowl]

£500 isn't much even in the mid 60s.

[@hermanhawtrey8578]

No sh1t Sherlock

[@Music-oi2nf]

Sherlock strikes again

[@annettekenning8326]

True. I've observed other muscians who had their taste of fame at the top, only to plummet to reality! Sad. Drugs and alcohol get them through on some occasions.

[@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.

[@neilsun2521]

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

[@neilsun2521]

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

[@SuperNevile]

@@davidtoups4684 Maybe the taste for alcohol and pot did for him.

[@WELIVEWEDIEOMY]

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!

[@viddeojunke]

Talk about learning something new and especially when it comes to The Beatles and the “unknown” temporary drummer for Ringo Starr. Very Cool stuff !

[@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

[@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!

[@acceptfilms9415]

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

[@oldermusiclover]

according to his book no not really

[@acceptfilms9415]

@@oldermusiclover good to know thanks

[@kingslaphappy1533]

Assuming that “perhaps he could replace Ringo in the Beatles full time“ is a giant leap in logic. I highly doubt anyone ever thought that.

[@modernista6056]

@@kingslaphappy1533 tony Carroll the original oasis drummer thought he was irreplaceable. Noel sacked him as they just hit fame. Ringo was unsackable though tbh maybe not the greatest drummer ever born but he fitted Epstein knew it. Plus it wouldn't have been 4 lads from Liverpool anymore as Nichols was a Londoner. There were protests when they sacked Pete best the original drummer from Hamburg days, there would have been riots if Ringo got fired FFS🤣 worldwide

[@RavenSelena]

Incredible storytelling! I can't wait to check out more from this channel. I have always found Jimmie's story fascinating.

[@Parlogram]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@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

[@arnesaknussemm2427]

I’ve read and watched a fair few books and documentaries on The Beatles and this is the most detailed account of Jimmie Nicol’s time with the band which I’ve come across so far. Well done.

[@Parlogram]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@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!!

[@oldermusiclover]

interesting

[@Igorinrussia]

As a lifelong Beatles fan, this was a new one for me! thank you

[@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 !

[@leonardcaplan2884]

Great documentary! You've explored a topic few people knew about. The icing on the cake is your narration and hosting! Nice to see live people pronouncing words correctly rather than AI!

[@Parlogram]

Thank you, Sir. 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.

[@edryba4867]

Andrew! Well, you’ve done it again! You have made an informative, entertaining video about an otherwise obscure Beatles tour story. As a musician myself, I know how difficult it can be to slide into the position of a featured player with a well-oiled and well PRACTISED musical act like The Beatles. But Jimmy Nicol had the “can-do” attitude and the playing chops that allowed him to sit behind Ringo’s drum kit, and after playing the songs just a few times, Nicol was not only able to play the song list for the concert, he was even adding his own drum fills to the parts Ringo had created. Not an easy task for a temporary member of the band. Andrew, my friend, you have once again topped yourself with a new video! This one is not long, but it manages to squeeze in a LOT of facts about that tour and the events which happened therein. Once again, an excellent bit of work (and, dear audience, NEVER FORGET how much work goes into a good You Tube video.) You have once again topped yourself! But, knowing your work as I do, it won’t be long before you top even THIS video! You have made a LOT of videos, each one better than the previous one. As always, I am looking forward to your next one! Thank you, Andrew! Your friend from California, Ed Ryba LIVE Television director, retired Lifetime Member of the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers, Hollywood, California (The People Who Brought You HighDef TV, in addition to many, many other developments in TV and Movies)

[@Parlogram]

Thank you, Ed. I really appreciate your comment and compliment!

[@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.

[@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.

[@im1who84u]

Go to Google and type in _Gene Simmons and Mom_ and you'll photos of him in full Kiss makeup standing next to his Jewish mom. Who by the way was in a German concentration camp during WWII and has the tattoos to prove it.

[@GeeBee909]

His problem is he didn't "play the game" the right way. He should have used his Beatles connection to become a session drummer at EMI and started writing songs for other EMI artists. He had an "in" few people had and he should have used it correctly instead of blowing his money on drugs and making poor decisions

[@michaeljaymurdock]

They didn't ruin his life. But in order to get any views , you have to make it seem like something tragic happened , just like all the videos that say , look at so and so now and how terrible they're living😂

[@im1who84u]

@@michaeljaymurdock Yea.... Yea... Yea.... 😁

[@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.

[@OneCharmedLife]

Thank you for this heartening information

[@johnurban7333]

Great video. You told that story better than I have ever heard and seen

[@Parlogram]

Thank you! Much appreciated.

[@SpikeAsks]

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

[@D800Lover]

At 2:00 there is a Garrard 401 turntable in the background on the right. I have one and I listen to it all the time.

[@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.

[@teijaflink2226]

I really doubt too that he actually believed he would replace Ringo, seems he took the opportunity to have fun and enjoy being a Beatle for a moment at least.

[@Francisco-fw5fe]

the beatles wouldn't be half as succesfull with Best, I don't think he "missed out", it just straight up wouldn't have happened with him

[@Jaseph2]

@@teijaflink2226 I don’t think he thought he was going to replace Ringo. I think he thought that having played with the Beatles and having been a temporary Beatle was going to give a bigger boost to his career than it did.

[@ericsolomon7149]

Very well done! Thorough and informative

[@Parlogram]

Thank you, Sir.

[@earlofcumbrae-Ground_Zero]

Wow! I.d never heard of Jimmy being a part time Beatle! Great content. ❤️

[@Parlogram]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@adrianreyes4702]

Great job!! Loved it!!! Very interesting, and entertaining.

[@Parlogram]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it.

Nice and intresting history...for one day he touched heaven....👍

[@simu6244]

Great Video. In depth and more detailed than I ever knew.

[@Parlogram]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@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.

[@macmiles278]

Astounding tale of old Jim. Beautifully done, laddy.😊

[@Parlogram]

Thank you kindly!

[@suedehead101]

It is thought that Mr Nicol, who is about 77, is now living in Mexico with his wife Josefina after his former neighbours in London said the pair left four years ago and emigrated. He was previously seen in his later years working in construction. - from DAILY MAIL 2017

[@mattrowlandhall]

Fantastically produced video. Well done and very interesting.

[@Hester-l6k]

"He Thought He Could Replace Ringo Forever" See, that's rather interesting to me because i can recall Jimmie in an interview saying "I'll never make up for what Ringo is" or something really similar to that.

[@william.youare6736]

Jimmie did say that. I think I could have read the same interview. Jimmie seemed gracious for the opportunity to fill in for Ringo, and says he got paid very well, 40,000£

[@bamboo59.52]

That was one amazing story! This is the first time I've heard of Jimmy Nicole, and I'm a Beatles fan. Thank you so much for a fascinating account. ❤❤

[@Parlogram]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@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.

[@markdoughty8780]

Talk about someone having their 15 minutes of fame - I wonder if Pete Best was ever considered as a replacement for Ringo for those few concert dates in June 1964; I guess not as that could have been seen as adding insult to injury. Wherever he is now and whatever he's doing, the fact he's part of The Beatles' canon can never be taken away from Jimmy Nicol! Thanks for uploading a very interesting story.

[@Parlogram]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@markdoughty8780]

@@Parlogram Anything Beatles-related fascinates me - nothing like it before or since; simply a unique musical phenomenon!

[@thepepperlanders]

Jimmy Nicol knew from the day he got the offer to play with the Beatles that the gig was temporary. It's hard to see how anyone that is given the experience of a lifetime wouldn't be grateful for the experience. Most musicians would have used it as a positive experience to move up in the music business.

[@teent0mt0m]

Great video Andrew. The story of Jimmy(ie) Nicol is a fascinating one. He was a powerhouse drummer and anyone needing proof of this should check out his single “Husky”, which is a belter.

[@SubRosaUSA]

I have the never seen 5 Beatles press conference in my collection with Ringo and Jimmy in Melbourne. I will be uploading it to my channel soon.

[@SonicWizKid_Kates]

As always, a great presentation, sir. So much about this story I never knew before. Thank you!

[@Parlogram]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Rob-z7k]

I dont think NO knew the full story till now!

[@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!

[@MrRETEROROB]

interesting and sad story. Andrew you've outdone yourself with your research and the photos were fantastic !

[@Parlogram]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@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.

[@mikenyny755]

Well produced, well presented and very interesting.

[@Parlogram]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@gpet23]

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

[@sandradowling-horgan4221]

I would love to see that.

[@papatubez3062]

What an interesting story and well told! Love it.

[@Parlogram]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jamesdrynan]

Two weeks became Nicol's " fifteen minutes of fame. " The picture of him sitting alone in the airport is rather sad. The extreme example of fame being fleeting.

[@energybrown]

Great video! Enjoyed watching 🙂

[@Parlogram]

Glad you enjoyed it 😊

[@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!

[@bobbys4327]

Where do soldiers get that? When I left the US Army from an Army hospital in 1970, I was asked for my ID and was given orders that said I was discharged. Was the day before Thanksgiving and when I went outside into a huge parking lot I realized I was probably the last person on base. I could see no vehicles or people. Was a truly very empty feeling. Like here's your s*** out you go!

[@charlesgilbert1952]

Best video yet. Keep them coming.

[@Parlogram]

Thanks! will do!

[@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 .

[@SkolOK28]

Thanks for the very interesting video! I’ve always known of Jimmie Nicol but knew very little about his time in the Beatles. Have you ever done (or thought about doing) a video on Andy White? Surely he’s got an interesting story as well.