Andy White dead: ‘Fifth Beatle’ and talented drummer dies aged 85

White’s wife said he judged Scottish-style pipe and drum band events up and down the East Coast and was “so incredibly humble” about his early success.

In this undated photo provided by Julien’s Auctions, shows the Beatles’ “T” logo drum head from the band’s live American television debut on “The Ed Sullivan Show”.

White died aged 85, following a stroke at his New Jersey home, according to his family.

He also is believed to have played on the album version of “Please Please Me”.

Andy was chosen to play at the Abbey Road session after producer George Martin was unhappy with Beatles newcomer Ringo’s performance, relegating him to the tambourine and maracas. He added that Ringo played “a bit behind the beat, which is not what a drummer should do”.

White was paid £5 for the three-hour session and received no royalties for performing on the band’s legendary first single. He then began to give drum lessons and, later in life, played on a cover of “P.S. I Love You” by fellow New Jersey residents the Smithereens. He later lent his talents to the Tom Jones hit “It’s Not Unusual” and Lulu’s version of “Shout“, as well as to recordings by Herman’s Hermits, Engelbert Humperdinck, Dusty Springfield and Petula Clark. He helped teach the NY Metro Pipe Band, who spoke of White as “an all round gentleman” on its Facebook page.

White emigrated to the United States, where he married the voiceover actress Thea Ruth and became a drumming instructor.

Among his pupils was The Sopranos actor Steven Van Zandt, who learned the skill for his role as Silvio Dante in the series.