On This Day in 1962, The Beatles Original Bassist Died of a Brain of a Hemorrhage
via The Beatles Films Podcast / YouTube
On April 10, 1962, Stuart Sutcliffe, the original bassist of The Beatles, passed away at the age of 21 due to a brain hemorrhage.
Stuart Sutcliffe: The Beatles’ Image Architect and Tragic Figure
Sutcliffe was more than just a band member; he played a crucial role in shaping The Beatles’ early image. His girlfriend, Astrid Kirchherr, is credited with creating “The Beatle haircut” for him, which John Lennon and Paul McCartney soon adopted.
Despite his significant contributions to the band’s look, Sutcliffe’s musical abilities were limited. He wasn’t really a very good musician. In fact, he wasn’t a musician at all until we talked him into buying a bass.
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Sutcliffe’s health began to decline while he was in Hamburg with Astrid. He experienced severe headaches and blackouts, leading to his decision to leave The Beatles in 1961 to focus on painting. His headaches intensified, culminating in his sudden collapse and death in April 1962.
The Uncertain Causes and Lasting Impact of Stuart Sutcliffe’s Death
The exact cause of Sutcliffe’s health issues remains uncertain. One theory suggests that a blow to the head during a fight, possibly with John Lennon, led to the hemorrhage. However, given the prolonged nature of his symptoms, this seems unlikely. It’s more probable that he suffered from an aneurysm or arteriovenous malformation (AVM), both congenital conditions.
Sutcliffe’s untimely death had a profound impact on The Beatles. Upon hearing the news in Hamburg, Lennon reportedly reacted with hysterical laughter, a response that may have been influenced by shock and grief.
After Sutcliffe’s departure, Paul McCartney took over bass duties, and The Beatles continued their rise to global fame. Sutcliffe’s legacy as a founding member who influenced the band’s early style endures, and his story is a poignant chapter in The Beatles’ history.
