RIP Jet Harris

UK bass pioneer Terence “Jet” Harris has passed away at the age of 71, after a two-year battle with cancer. Harris is often credited as being the first British bass guitarist, and was given a Lifetime Achievement Award by Fender for popularizing the instrument in Britain.

Harris’s career includes several hits with the instrumental group the Shadows in the late ’50s and early ’60s, going on later to have a solo career.

“Jet was exactly what the Shadows and I needed—a backbone holding our sound together,” Shadows founder Cliff Richard stated. “Jet, the bass player, will always be an integral part of British rock’n’roll history. Losing him is sad—but the great memories will stay with me. Rock on, Jet.”

Our condolences go to the friends and family of Terence “Jet” Harris.