Courtesy of Nate D. Sanders AuctionsLast June, the Ludwig drum kit used in the recording of The Beatles‘ first single “Love Me Do” in September 1962 went on the auction block, but its minimum bid of $150,000 wasn’t met. Now, the kit is up for bid again, with a lower minimum asking price of $75,000.
The drum set originally belonged to session musician Andy White, who was hired by an assistant of producer George Martin to rerecord “Love Me Do” 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. It was also 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 winning bidder also will receive a letter of authenticity from White’s widow, Thea. The kit currently is owned by Clive Edwards, who studied drumming with Reg Weller, a good friend of White’s. Weller procured the drums for Edwards.
The sale is being hosted Nate D. Sanders Auctions in Los Angeles, and bids also will be accepted online. Bidding is open through this Thursday, January 26, at 5 p.m. PT.
Visit NateDSanders.com for more information.
Copyright © 2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.