Jimmie Nicol played drums for the first eight shows of The Beatles ' 1964 world tour . Starr became ill and the opening part of the tour was almost canceled . Instead of canceling , the Beatles ' manager Brian Epstein hired Nicol to stand in until Starr recovered . Nicol played with the band in early June , in Denmark , the Netherlands , Hong Kong and Australia . Nicol made the most of his time , signing autographs and giving interviews . Starr rejoined the band on 14 June , in Melbourne
The Beatles ' 1964 world tour
The Beatles' 1964 world tour
Fifth Beatle