Paul McCartney pays emotional tribute to 'dear old mate' and early bandmate Len Garry

The Beatles legend remembered his childhood friend and Quarrymen bandmate after his death at 84

Sir Paul McCartney has paid a heartfelt tribute to his former bandmate and childhood friend Len Garry following the musician’s death at the age of 84. Garry was a member of The Quarrymen, the skiffle group formed in Liverpool that eventually evolved into The Beatles.

Sharing his memories, McCartney described Garry as his “dear old mate,” recalling the fun they had together during the early days of the band. In a message posted on social media, the singer wrote, “My dear old mate from the Quarrymen, Len Garry, has passed away.” He added that Garry “was a lovely guy” and said he felt sad to see him go, while also feeling grateful for the memories they shared.

Garry played bass tea-chest in The Quarrymen, a group formed by John Lennon in the late 1950s that included several friends from Liverpool’s music scene. The band would later evolve as Lennon and McCartney continued writing and performing together, ultimately leading to the formation of The Beatles.

Though Garry did not remain with the group as it transitioned into the global phenomenon that was The Beatles, he remained an important part of the band’s earliest chapter. Fans and fellow musicians have also shared tributes following news of his passing, remembering him as part of the story behind one of the most influential bands in music history.

McCartney’s message reflects on those formative years in Liverpool, honoring the friendships and experiences that helped shape the beginnings of a musical legacy that would change popular music forever.