Len Garry obit

The Quarrymen's Len Garry dies aged 84 as tributes paid to legend who played with Lennon and McCartney

The star, who was in the band which evolved into the Beatles, was recently admitted to hospital

 

He was not on the list.

Merseybeat legend Len Garry has died aged 84. The Quarrymen star, who played alongside John Lennon and Paul McCartney in the band which would later evolve into the Beatles, was recently diagnosed with pneumonia after being admitted to the Royal Liverpool Hospital following a suspected chest infection.

His daughter Jane Garry confirmed the musician's death in a statement this morning. Announcing the news, she said: "My Dad 'Len Garry' passed away at home in the early hours this morning.

"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.

"My mum, my sister, my brother in law and myself stayed by Dad’s bed holding his hand, talking to him and telling him how much we love him and how proud we are of him as he was passing away and taking his last breathes.

"I love you Dad and I will miss you Dad for the rest of my life. I’m beyond devastated."

Len attended Liverpool Institute High School for Boys, and was introduced to Paul McCartney by schoolfriend Ivan Vaughan. He joined the Quarrymen shortly after they were formed, and was part of the first stable line-up of the group alongside Lennon, McCartney, Colin Hanton, Rod Davis, Pete Shotton and Eric Griffiths.

He performed with the band in their first ever performance at the Cavern Club. He was one of only two members of the band who did not attend Quarry Bank High School in Woolton. Len reunited with surviving members of the band in 1997, and this led to a tour and newly-released material.

The Quarrymen, through several line-up and name changes, evolved in 1960 into the Beatles.

Tributes to the guitarist and singer, originally from Wavertree, have been paid. One person said: "So sorry to hear this. what a life he had. Part of one of greatest stories ever told. A beautiful family and so much love. His name will be spoken and his stories told for many lifetimes to come."

Another said: "I'm so sorry to hear this news. We will all feel the loss of Len as he has a huge place in 'the story' but for you and your family it's totally different, I feel for you all and I'm so sorry."

A further fan added: "God bless him and he is now free from pain and discomfort. His smile always lit up a room, and we had some laughs over the years. Thoughts and prayers with you all at this sad time."

Last month, Len who had mixed dementia for the last year and a half, was suspected of having a chest infection. He was later diagnosed with pneumonia after being admitted to the Royal Liverpool Hospital, where he remained since.

Last week Jane, 49, thanked his fans from around the world for their continued love and support through the ECHO. She told the ECHO last week: "People have been sending me photographs of themselves with him, photographs of where my dad signed a book for them, of them sitting on a bench with him and talking to them. My dad has always had so much time for the fans."

Len was diagnosed with mixed dementia in 2024. Jane said the affection for Len, 84, had been as evident as ever.