The Beatles July 1962: John and Paul Drive 320 Miles to Invite Ringo to Join the Group

While Brian Epstein tried to expand NEMS and attract press attention, John and Paul made a 320-mile journey across the country to personally ask Ringo Starr to join the group. Behind the scenes, Pete Best remained unaware of the plan to replace him — even as offers were made to other drummers. Meanwhile, Gene Vincent visited Liverpool, Freda Kelly joined Brian’s team, and the Beatles began upgrading their gear for studio work. John and Paul also found time for a controversial side project involving photography. This episode covers the major events of July 1962 — from personal upheaval to the band's growing momentum — just weeks before everything would change. Much of the information in this video comes from Tune In by Mark Lewisohn.