The Shadows bassist Jet Harris dies of cancer at 71

Jet Harris, the original bass player with The Shadows, has passed away at the age of 71. He had cancer.

Born Terence Harris in London, the guitarist - who played on number one hits including Apache - died at his partner's home in Winchester, his agent Peter Stockton said.

Earlier this month, Harris cancelled all his appearances due to ill health.

"Jet was exactly what The Shadows and I needed - a backbone holding our sound together,” the BBC quoted Sir Cliff Richard saying of his former bandmate.

"Jet, the bass player, will always be an integral part of British rock 'n' roll history," Sir Cliff added. "Losing him is sad - but the great memories will stay with me. Rock on, Jet."

He was made an MBE for services to Music in the 2010 New Year's Honours list.