Courtesy of Nate D. Sanders AuctionsThe Ludwig drum kit used in the recording of The Beatles‘ first single, “Love Me Do,” in September 1962 is up for bid as part of a memorabilia auction that takes place this Thursday, June 30, at 5 p.m. PT. The kit originally belonged to session drummer Andy White, who was called in by producer George Martin‘s assistant Ron Richards to rerecord the track with the Fab Four while Ringo Starr played tambourine.
The version of “Love Me Do” featuring White, who died in November 2015 at the age of 85, wound up on The Beatles’ debut U.K. album, 1963’s Please Please Me, and also was released as a single in the U.S. in 1964. In addition, White played the kit on a rendition of “P.S. I Love You” that was recorded during the same session.
The drum set features the original bass drum, floor tom, tom-tom and snare, although the drumhead is new. The kit is being sold by current owner Clive Edwards, who studied drumming with a good friend of White’s named Reg Weller. Weller purchased the drums for Edwards. The winning bidder also will receive a letter of authenticity from White’s widow, Thea.
Bidding on the drum set starts at $150,000. The sale is being hosted Nate D. Sanders Auctions in Los Angeles, and bids also will be accepted online.
Visit NateDSanders.com for more information.
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