By Gabe Caggiano

Sentinel Columnist

When you think of the Beatles, four names come to mind: John, Paul, George and Ringo. And why not? They were the "Fab Four" who made music history and changed the world from 1964 until 1970.

But there were two other members of the Beatles in their early incarnation, one named Stu Sutcliffe, the other Pete Best. Stu left the band to go to art school and drummer Pete Best was kicked out in 1962 and replaced by Ringo Starr. Not long after that, the Beatles exploded onto the international music scene with a force and cultural influence rivaled only by Elvis Presley. All Pete Best could do was watch the parade pass him by. Fast forward to 2005 to an intimate club called Jammin' Java in Vienna, Va. on a hot August night. Pete Best himself is playing before a sold-out crowd, fronting a rowdy English-pub style band behind a banner that says "Best of the Beatles." It's a cocky gesture, but a fitting and well received one. "Good for you, Pete" was the goodwill sentiment permeating the crowd.

The band ripped through a number of standards such as "What I Say," "Sweet Georgia Brown," "Roll over Beethoven" and "Mr. Postman."

Mixed in were Beatles originals "The one after 9:09," "P.S. I love you" and "I saw her standing there."

The two-set show ended with a rousing, crowd participation version of "Twist and shout." It was a satisfying finale, but the singer didn't have the God-given talent John Lennon had to bring that song to the frenzied heights that had girls in the '60s fainting and crying uncontrollably. But it was a valiant and solid way to close out the reprise of the British invasion and the mostly middle-aged crowd went home smiling. They had seen and heard a Beatle up close.

After the show, a tired but happy Pete Best was gracious and open, even though he and the band were driving to New York that night to catch a plane to Los Angeles the next morning. Best is touring to promote a three-hour documentary he produced on the Beatles, which will air on PBS Sept. 28. It will be out on DVD shortly after that.

I asked Pete Best the most obvious and awkward question first: "Why were you kicked out of the band?"

Pete lowered his head and said "Oh, I don't really know to this day. I was told they wanted a better drummer, I was anti-social, they didn't like my hair, but it is still very much a gray area and the reasons don't hold water."

I also wondered if Pete had called George Harrison before he died. "No," Pete answered curtly. In fact, Pete has never spoken to any of the Beatles since he was let go, adding neither he nor Paul nor Ringo have ever tried to make contact. Surprisingly Pete isn't bitter and is now receiving royalties for the first time. The Beatles "Anthology" CD has put a nice chunk of money in his pocket, but he doesn't say how much.

What is refreshing to hear is this 62-year-old man talk about how lucky he was and is. "You know, Brian Epstein, Stu, John and George are all gone. I am still in love with the woman I married 42 years ago. I have two beautiful daughters and four wonderful grandkids and a band I love making music with. As long as I have my health, I'm just going to keep on going."

And with that, Pete Best, ex-Beatle, headed out the back door of the club. There was a long drive ahead, a plane to catch and more gigs to play. Pretty much just like it was 45 years ago in Liverpool and Hamburg.