Tony Meeham One of the Founder Members of the Shadows Dies.

LONDON -- Tony Meehan, one of the founder members of the Shadows died at St Mary's Hospital, Paddington, London in the early hour of this morning after suffering an accident at home. Tony leaves behind his wife Sue five sons and two daughters.

Tony played drums on all the early Cliff Richard and the Shadows hits and also played on the early hits the Shadows had as an instrumental group.

Brief Biography

'Tony Meehan was born in Hampstead on 2nd March 1943. He was only ten years old when he became interested in playing the drums. By the time he was 13, Tony had his first job with a band playing in a dance hall at Willesden, London. He also played tympani with the London Youth Orchestra. When he was 15, Tony was set on becoming a lawyer and did not want to leave school for another three years but he was offered a job at GBP 25 per week in a touring show. He asked for and was given six months holiday. The tour never materialised but Tony did not go back to school. Tony was never short of work, playing cabaret at places like Churchill's and the Stork Club. He also played with Jet Harris in The Vipers.

Tony joined the legendry line up of the Shadows in 1958, they went on to make some of the most memorable records of the era. Tony left the Shadows in 1961 and went to work at Decca Records. He subsequently teamed up again with Jet Harris and as a duo had great success, with Jet playing guitar and Tony on drums. As a session musician, Tony played on records by John Leyton, Frank Ifield and Billy Fury.

Tony spent the last few years pursuing his interest in psychology and psychiatry.

Further information can be obtained from [e-mail]

Details of the memorial service and tributes will be posted on the one-of.com website in the next 24 hours.