The Shadows bassist Jet Harris dies

The Shadows bassist Jet Harris has died aged 71.

The musician, who played alongside Sir Cliff Richard in the British rock and roll group, passed away at his partner's home in Winchester, south west England after battling throat cancer.

Born Terence Harris, he made his debut recording on Cliff's hit 'Livin' Lovin' Doll' and was awarded an MBE for services to music in 2010.

Cliff said: "Jet was exactly what The Shadows and I needed - a backbone holding our sound together."

"Jet, the bass player, will always be an integral part of British rock and roll history.

"Losing him is sad - but the great memories will stay with me. Rock on, Jet."

The 'Apache' hitmaker was also praised by his agent Peter Stockton who paid tribute to his dedication to his fans right up to his last performance.

He told the BBC: "He was a man who was so courageous and determined and kept saying 'I will beat this'.

"The last time he went on stage he said he didn't want to let people down and I could see he was struggling a bit, but he got a standing ovation. Regrettably it was the last concert he did on February 5."

Jet's musical career took off in 1958 when he went on tour with the Most Brothers. He later joined Cliff's group The Drifters and is credited with coming up with their new name The Shadows.

They went on to release a string of hits including 'The Savage', 'Wonderful Land' and 'Man of Mystery' and the rocker also enjoyed solo success in 1962 with 'Besame Mucho' and 'The Man With the Golden Arm'.