Paul McCartney has paid a devastated tribute to his former bandmate, who has sadly died at the age of 84. The Merseybeat icon performed alongside McCartney, George Harrison and John Lennon in the band that would later become The Beatles - The Quarrymen. Len Garry's death was announced yesterday (March 2), as his daughter Jane confirmed the sad news.

Jane said Len had been diagnosed with pneumonia after being hospitalised for a suspected chest infection at Royal Liverpool Hospital. She said: "My Dad Len Garry passed away at home in the early hours this morning. The doctor told us he had hours to live, and I said straight away, 'he has to come home,' which the doctor allowed. I travelled with dad in the ambulance and got him home."

She continued: "My mum, my sister, my brother in law and myself stayed by Dad's bed holding his hand, talking to him and telling him how much we love him and how proud we are of him as he was passing away and taking his last breaths.

"I love you Dad and I will miss you Dad for the rest of my life. I'm beyond devastated."

Now Paul has shared his own emotional tribute to Len, writing on Instagram alongside a black-and-white snap of the band in their heyday: "My dear old mate from The Quarrymen, Len Garry, has passed away.

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"He was a lovely guy and I'm sad to see him go, but glad that we had so many fun times together. Rest in peace Len, love Paul."

Fans rushed to support the music legend, with one writing: "Love you Paul, so sorry for your loss."

Another echoed: "Rest easy Len Garry."

Somebody else said: "Nice touch Macca... Len was a great guy, had the pleasure of seeing him and the other Quarrymen perform live at Casbah a few years back... including the late Chas Newby."