Paul McCartney has paid an emotional tribute to his former Quarrymen bandmate Len Garry, calling him “My dear old mate”.
McCartney took to Instagram on March 3rd to pay tribute to his friend, a day after it was announced that he passed away aged 84, after being diagnosed with pneumonia.
Sharing a photo of the original Quarrymen in their early days, the former Beatle wrote in his caption: “My dear old mate from the Quarrymen, Len Garry, has passed away.”
He added: “He was a lovely guy and I’m sad to see him go but glad that we had so many fun times together. Rest in Peace Len, Love Paul.”
McCartney and Garry became bandmates while they were still schoolboys, forming part of The Quarrymen’s first steady line-up which consisted of John Lennon, Colin Hanton, Rod Davis, Pete Shotton and Eric Griffiths.
Garry shared some pivotal moments in the band, including their first ever live performance at the Cavern Club in Liverpool, before it eventually shifted with Lennon and McCartney into The Beatles.
Garry’s daughter Jane shared the sad news of her father’s passing on March 2nd, saying in a statement: “The doctor told us he had hours to live and I said straight away, ‘he has to come home.’ Which the doctor allowed. I travelled with dad in the ambulance and got him home.”
She added: “I love you Dad and I will miss you Dad for the rest of my life. I’m beyond devastated.”
A further tribute shared on The Quarrymen’s social media said: “He will be sorely missed by us and Beatle fans across the globe. Our thoughts are with Len’s family and friends at this difficult time.”
