So long, Tony

[Jim Nasium]

http://www.btinternet.com/~shadows_archive/shadows/Tony/kingsGoFifth.jpg

Have just heard on the radio that Tony Meehan, one of the founder members of "The Shadows" a very successful and popular instrumental group of the 60s, has died. In America you had "The Ventures". Here in the UK we had "The Shadows" Tony was the drummer and a great drummer. After Tony left The Shadows he enjoyed more chart success with another 'Shadow' bass player Jet Harris.

Thanks for the music, Tony, goodbye.

[ November 29, 2005, 03:29: Message edited by: Jim Nasium ]

[The Rez]

Adios from an American Shadow

Back in those fine young days, a guitar-friend from Holland got all The Shadows records sent to him. I was hooked good . . .

So hooked, he and I formed a band and called it: (you got it) The Shadows. Since nobody in America knew of them at that time, we figured it would be OK to swipe that cool name.

Than Cliff Richard made a bit of a Bachelor Boy dent in America . . . Watched him and The Shadows on Ed Sullivan. Very cool.

There was a song . . . Blue Star, I believe . . . that was so very beautifully fine. Instrumental groups have long faded from the pop scene. Drag!

I join you on this side of The Pond in The Adios Friend goodbye to Tony.

The Rez

[Jim Nasium]

I have brought this post back up because a few days ago Jet Harris passed away. Jet was the Bass player with The Shads, sadly alcohol got the better of him back then and he left the group. Enjoyed some solo success then faded from the scene. Another of my 60's heroes has gone. I saw The Shadows many times but not when Jet and Tony were in, my loss.

YouTube - The Shadows - Apache

This is the first British No. 1 the group had, both Tony and Jet can be seen.

The other 2 are Hank Marvin on lead guitar and Bruce Welch (wearing the hat) on rhythm guitar. The Shadows and The Beatles epitomise the 60's here in Britain for me.

[Borderstone]

Coincidently,that very video you're showing is one of many that local channel 38.3 shows,in their 24 hour video rotation. (Aside from a 1/2 hour info-mercial every two hours.)

I've known of the song Apache for years but had never heard until this year. He and his bandmates did good work.