The Story Of Paul McCartney’s Brother “Almost” Joining The Beatles

In November 2021, Disney+ released the much-anticipated documentary The Beatles: Get Back, directed by Peter Jackson. This film delves into over a hundred hours of previously unseen footage from the 1969 recording sessions of the Beatles‘ album “Let It Be,” unveiling numerous intriguing insights.

Mike McCartney’s Unexpected Drumming Aspirations

Mike McCartney, Paul McCartney’s younger brother and known professionally as Mike McGear, revealed a surprising tidbit about his early connection to the Beatles. He shared that he was once in line to be the band’s drummer. “I’d been practicing on drums that had fallen off the back of a lorry into our house on Forthlin Road, Liverpool,” he recounted in an interview with The Guardian. However, a twist of fate altered this path. “But when I was 13, I broke my arm at scout camp, so Pete Best got the job in our kids’ group,” he explained. Reflecting on this turn of events, Mike expressed contentment, saying:

“It was fortuitous, though, because if I had become the Beatles’ drummer, we’d probably have gone the Oasis route.”

From Drums to Photography

Following his injury, Mike’s focus shifted from drumming to photography. He began capturing moments of the Beatles’ journey using the family’s box camera. This new passion allowed him to document the band’s evolution intimately. “I would go everywhere with the Beatles. I was part of the act,” he mentioned. Drawing an analogy, he added, “It’s like if Rembrandt’s kid brother was in the corner with a pad and paper, sketching his older brother.” Mike felt fortunate for this opportunity, noting:

“I was lucky – you couldn’t have had a better group to practice on, could you?”

Capturing Candid Moments

One of Mike’s cherished photographs dates back to the early 1960s, taken backstage at the Tower Ballroom in New Brighton. The image showcases John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Pete Best in a relaxed and jovial mood. Mike reminisced about the atmosphere, stating, “They were totally relaxed in each other’s company and bounced off each other.” Addressing the narratives about the band’s disagreements, he remarked:

“All this business about the Beatles’ arguments – we all have arguments, for Christ’s sake.”

Humble Beginnings and Unexpected Fame

Reflecting on their early days, Mike emphasized the Beatles’ modest origins. “I certainly didn’t get the sense back then that I was looking at the most important band in history,” he admitted. To him, they were “four working-class Liverpool lads.” At the time, the notion of achieving global fame and immense wealth seemed implausible. He elaborated, “The idea of global fame, being billionaires … anything like that, it wasn’t just remote, it felt impossible.” Their family faced challenges, especially after the passing of their mother. Mike recalled:

“Our mum had died, so her wages as a midwife health visitor had gone. Dad was just on his own, bringing up two lads on £10 a week.”