The most successful Beatles line up consisted of four members. These were John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr. However there were two prior members of the Band who left or were replaced, before the band really hit the big time. These were Stuart Sutcliffe (Bass Guitar) and Pete Best (Drums). Sutcliffe left the group in July 1961, leaving McCartney to take over Bass Guitar duties; and Pete Best was fired by the band in August 1962 and replaced by Ringo Starr.
John Lennon (1940 - 1980)
Together with McCartney, Lennon was the main songwriter and vocalist of the group. He usually played rhythm guitar although he sometimes played harmonica, banjo and piano. Lennon was assassinated by crazed fan Mark Chapman outside the Dakota hotel in New York when he was 40 years old
Paul McCartney (1942 - )
James Paul McCartney made up the other half of one of the most successful songwriting partnerships in history. He usually played bass guitar for the Beatles but could play a variety of different instruments. Since the demise of the Beatles, McCartney has continued to have a successful career, both with his band "Wings" and as a solo artist. Paul has been married three times and has five children.
George Harrison (1943 - 2001)
George Harrison was the lead guitarist of the Beatles. Although most of the songwriting was left to Lennon and McCartney, Harrison did contribute a few songs to each Beatles album. In the aftermath of the Beatles, Harrison had a successful solo career. He died on the 29th of November 2001 after a four year battle with cancer.
Ringo Starr (1940 - )
Ringo Starr was the drummer of the Beatles, and also wrote and sang lead vocals on some songs. Starr was a professional drummer before he joined the Beatles and was appointed after Pete Best was dismissed. Following the Beatles, Starr has had a successful solo career and has played on recordings for each of the other Beatles' solo efforts. He currently still tours with his group "Ringo Starr and His All Starr Band".
