When The Beatles were first building their audience in the early 1960s they ventured to Hamburg, Germany to perform in a residency slot for months. During this time the band learned to work together on stage, including their first bass guitarist Stuart Sutcliffe.
Stuart was a virtuoso in the band, and often performed on his own between songs during the group’s tenure in Hamburg.
In 2011 Stuart’s estate released a recording they claimed to be the star’s original cover of the Elvis Presley song Love Me Tender.
Stuart sang Love Me Tender almost nightly while performing in Hamburg.
Further reports claimed Stuart alone received the loudest and most exciting applause each night – more than the rest of the band.
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SCROLL DOWN TO LISTEN TO STUART SUTCLIFFE’S VERSION OF LOVE ME TENDER
Despite their uncertainty in its origin, Stuart’s estate is sure it is authentic.
Pauline added: “The family do know Stuart’s voice when they hear it – and this is Stuart’s voice.”
The haunting and beautiful track can be heard above. Drenched in emotion, Stuart’s tender voice stands out from the tones of John Lennon, Paul McCartney and George Harrison.
This is the first time Stuart has ever been heard performing as he died in 1962.
Stuart started The Beatles alongside John, Paul and George before going to Germany with them.
When The Beatles left Hamburg in 1961, Stuart remained to pursue his art career.
In 1962, Stuart collapsed. While on the way to the hospital in an ambulance, he died.
The cause of death was a brain haemorrhage.
John was extremely close with Stuart and he was particularly devastated at the loss of his friend.
Although he didn’t attend his funeral, Yoko Ono later said John spoke of Stuart often.
She recalled John saying of the musician: “[My] alter ego … a spirit in his world … a guiding force”.
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