Former Shadows Drummer Tony Meehan Dies

Former Shadows drummer Tony Meehan has died aged 62 after sustaining head injuries from a fall.

Meehan was a founding member of the group and played on hits such as ‘Apache’ between 1958 and 1961.

The Shadows guitarist Bruce Welch told the BBC: "It is so tragic. Tony was a hugely influential drummer and a very clever arranger."

"Tony was only 15 when we first played together but he was already a really good drummer. Drummers wanted to be like Tony Meehan as he played in a style that no-one had done before.”

He added: "Apache was such an iconic record. It has been sampled a lot by hip hop groups.”

Sir Cliff Richard said he was “shocked” by the news and went on to say: "There's no doubt that he was a major force in creating The Shadows' distinctive sound. His innovative drumming was the backbone of the band, and his aggressive yet sparse style was similar to Ringo Starr's five years later with The Beatles."

"Affectionately known as The Baron because of his desire for the very best in all aspects of his life, Tony took his commitment to the band hugely seriously.”

Meehan died at St Mary's Hospital in Paddington, west London. He is survived by his wife and seven children.