If only they could have held on for a little longer.
Pete Best (The Beatles)
Before there was Ringo, there was... Pete. The Beatles' original drummer was dismissed just as they were recording their first demos with George Martin. Top wasn't moppy enough, clearly.
Via: Astrid Stawiarz/Stringer / Getty Images
Stu Sutcliffe (The Beatles)
The original bassist, also known as Hottest Beatle Ever. During the band's Hamburg days, Sutcliffe decided to quit the band to focus on painting. He got engaged to (similarly dreamy) photographer Astrid Kirschher, but died suddenly from a brain aneurysm at 21.
Source: Photo by Astrid Kirchherr / Courtesy of Apple Records / via: jonmwessel.wordpress.com
Chad Channing (Nirvana)
Channing played on Bleach but was booted during the Nevermind sessions. The naked baby from the cover became infinitely more famous.
Source: subpop.com
Dave Mustaine (Metallica)
Mustaine was the first lead guitarist in Metallica but was kicked out for being a boozy maniac as they were recording their first album Kill 'Em All. He went on to form the popular-but-not-quite-as-popular Megadeth.
Source: themetsource.com
