Veteran rock ‘n’ roller Jet Harris who was the original bass guitarist with The Shadows has lost his brave battle against cancer.

Jet, who was 71 and lived in Bembridge, Isle of Wight, is understood to have died in the early hours of this morning. Tributes have started to pour in from Shadows fans around the world.

The legendary guitarist joined Cliff Richard’s backing group The Drifters in 1959. It was he who came up with the name The Shadows.

After breaking away from the band he forged a partnership with the former Shadows’ drummer, the late Tony Meehan and they topped the singles charts in the 1960s with Diamonds.

About a year ago he received an MBE from the Queen for his services to music. He was the first musician to use an electric bass guitar.