Veteran rock ‘n’ roller Jet Harris who was the original bass guitarist with The Shadows has lost his brave battle against cancer.

Jet, who was 71 and lived in Bembridge, Isle of Wight, is understood to have died in the early hours of this morning. Tributes have started to pour in from Shadows fans around the world.

The legendary guitarist joined Cliff Richard’s backing group The Drifters in 1959. It was he who came up with the name The Shadows.

After breaking away from the band he forged a partnership with the former Shadows’ drummer, the late Tony Meehan and they topped the singles charts in the 1960s with Diamonds.

About a year ago he received an MBE from the Queen for his services to music. He was the first musician to use an electric bass guitar.



I had the pleasure of meeting Jet a couple of years ago after a couple of gigs he did at a local social club.

He was a very mild mannered man, with a great sense of humour and very affable and approachable, NO bull****!!!!

He openly acknowledged that he wasn't the greatest bass guitarist and had been round the showbiz mill for various reasons but was still very proud of his achievements, and it was obvious that he was also very sad with the things he missed out on?

He didn't look too well even then and time had taken its toll but he still performed well, or as well has he could by his own admissions lol

A really really sad loss and once again the thought is as seems so often to be, ???What could have been???

Drink to his memory as he couldn't having conquered his DEMONS

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