In 1958 they were still teenagers, dreaming of fame and fortune and scribbling songs in their notebooks, but never forgetting to write “Another Lennon-McCartney Original” at the top of the page.
“Love Me Do” was released in England in October 1962 (with “PS I Love You” on the back) and charted at number 17. By the time the single was finally released in the US in April 1964, Beatlemania was already in full swing – and “Love Me Do” marched purposefully to the top of the charts.
“Ringo will never forgive me for this”
The Beatles were recording the song with drummer Pete Best when George Martin first spied them on Abbey Road. After Starr replaced Best, Martin had her record a second version – and even a third with a studio drummer because he wasn’t convinced of Starr’s talents. “Ringo will never forgive me for that,” Martin said, laughing.
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“Love Me Do” on ROLLING STONE’s list of Greatest Debut Singles Of All Time
The American ROLLING STONE voted “Love Me Do” at number 21 of the best debut singles of all time. According to Rob Sheffield, the reason for this is the inexperience but also the fearfulness of the then early 20-year-olds, which can be heard from the track.
“You can hear how scared they are – four guys from Liverpool who have no idea what they’re doing in a real studio and are making their own record for the first time. (When in Hamburg, West Germany, they backed singer Tony Sheridan on his rough version of “My Bonnie,” they definitely weren’t prepared).
When they performed “Love Me Do” on stage, John Lennon had always sung the hook, but George Martin decided that John should play the harmonica instead. So you’re hearing Paul McCartney sing it for the first time – as he says, “I can still hear the nervousness in my voice”. But that only adds to the nervous excitement everyone can hear on “Love Me Do.” Spoiler: the band got even better after that.”