Paul McCartney Pays Tribute to Quarrymen Bandmate Len Garry, Dead at 84

Liverpool, UK — Sir Paul McCartney has paid tribute to Len Garry, an original member of the Quarrymen who played alongside McCartney and John Lennon before the band evolved into the Beatles. Garry died at home on March 2, 2026, at the age of 84. His daughter, Jane Garry, confirmed the news in a statement on social media.

McCartney shared an old photograph of the pair performing together on Instagram, writing: “My dear old mate from the Quarrymen, Len Garry, has passed away. 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.”

Mike McCartney, Paul’s brother, also paid tribute on X, writing: “Very sad to hear that Len Garry has passed away. He had a great, subtle sense of humour which John luved. Say Hi to Mum and Dad, George and John… Len.”

A Founding Quarryman

Born on January 6, 1942, in Wavertree, Liverpool, Garry attended Liverpool Institute High School for Boys, where he met McCartney in German class. He was introduced to John Lennon in 1955 and joined the Quarrymen — named after Quarry Bank School — in 1956, playing tea-chest bass.

Garry was part of the first stable lineup of the group alongside Lennon, McCartney, Colin Hanton, Rod Davis, Pete Shotton, and Eric Griffiths. He played several landmark shows, including the Quarrymen’s first booking at Liverpool’s Cavern Club in 1957 and the historic performance at St Peter’s Church fête on July 6, 1957 — the day McCartney was introduced to Lennon, a meeting that would reshape popular music.

Garry’s time with the group ended in August 1958 after he contracted tubercular meningitis, which resulted in a seven-month hospitalization.

Life After the Quarrymen

Following his recovery, Garry pursued a career in architecture in Liverpool. He later became the lead singer in a touring rock gospel musical called “Come Together,” launched in America by Pat Boone. In 1997, he published a memoir, John, Paul & Me: Before the Beatles, and that same year reunited with surviving Quarrymen members for concerts and tours. The reformed group went on to release several albums.

Final Days

Garry was diagnosed with mixed dementia in 2024. He was recently admitted to the Royal Liverpool Hospital with a suspected chest infection and was subsequently diagnosed with pneumonia.

His daughter Jane described his final moments: “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 breath.”

She added: “I love you Dad and I will miss you Dad for the rest of my life. I’m beyond devastated.”

The Cavern Club and fans worldwide have shared tributes. One fan wrote on McCartney’s Instagram post: “No Quarrymen means no Beatles.”

Garry is survived by his wife, daughters, and extended family.