Stuart would try his best to understand Astrid's German and vice-versa but this didn't stop them from expressing their feelings for one another. As Stuart's fondness with Astrid grew more, he would eventually move in to the Kircherr residence and spend more time with her while constructing more of his amazing artwork. Being a photographer and an artist, Astrid would become a major influence to Stuart's prominence and style. She would cut Stu's hair and become the first Beatle to sport the "moptop" which John initially found laughable but eventually adopted - like the others. She also designed the band's famous collarless suits, her sense and style influenced and contributed to the band's early look.
But during the course of their relationship, Stu began having violent headaches that would cause him to pass out frequently. After Stuart's headaches began advancing to even more dangerous levels, he started spending more time resting in the attic of the Kircherr home where he did his paintings. But his love for Astrid would never falter, in less than two months, they were engaged and he decided to leave the band for a new way of life and to pursue the enhancement of his artistic skills.
He would be replaced by Paul from second lead to become the new bassist and this would be the start of what would become known as the "Fab Four." On April 10, 1962, Stuart was having another one of his severe headaches and he was rushed to the hospital. On the way, he passed away and was pronounced dead by 4:30 p.m. "He died in my arms on that journey. I cannot say it was unexpected but the suddenness...the loss to me was tragic," Astrid recalls that day.
Two days later, the Beatles would return to Hamburg to begin their Star Club residency. All four, especially John, was so eager to see their good friend, not knowing the depressing news that they were about to receive. Astrid had the difficult task of telling John that his best friend had already passed away. John didn't show his real feelings, since he wasn't the type but deep inside everything came as a shock. Stuart was buried at Huyton Parish Church Coventry in Stanley Road, Huyton, Liverpool. To this day, Astrid still lights a candle in memory of him.
Article comments
1 - Guppusmaximus
I have to say what an excellent article....
The talent hasn't been forgotten. I went to the R'n'R Hall of Fame when they were having a huge tribute to Lennon and one of the rooms was dedicated to Stuart because he was a huge factor in one of the most successful bands on the planet.
2 - nellie o apple
I felt sadness in my heart.
3 - nellie o apple
So he was the 5th Beatle!
4 - Dan
A worthless article. Didn't it occur to you to actually review the book, instead of just rehashing what most fans already know anyway?
5 - José
I agree with Dan. This article is irrelevant cause I don´t know if the book is worth reading.
6 - carolynshute
Last Night I watched a programe called "Stuart Sutcliffe: The Last Beatle".I found it very moving and extremely sad. What a waste of an extremely gifted and talented young man. I thought that "Agie" and stuarts' sister were very brave in recounting there memories of there loss. My heart felt for them a to John Lennon who obviously had the strongest of bonds with him! I know now I'll never forget his story.
7 - Tread
He is the fourth Beatle, Pete Best is the 5th and Ringo, oddly enough is the 6th Beatle.
8 - Sarah Baehler
I agree, this is just an article which rehashes the story of Stuart but doesn't say anything about the book itself. But I found the article very good. I've read the book and I've found it so moving, a great tribute to Stuart who died too soon! I can say its worth reading it!! honestly, I was captured by Pauline's closeness to Stuart. The book burrows a lot interesting comments by Pauline about what exactly might have caused Stuart's sudden death etc. I've seen the movie too, and I'll never forget Stuart either!