IT WAS more than 50 years ago that they started together in what was to become the most famous instrumental band in the world.

And yesterday it was an emotional moment as rhythm guitarist Bruce Welch bid farewell to his Shadows’ band mate, bass guitarist Jet Harris.

Bruce joined other ’60s pop stars and Shadows fans who packed the chapel at Basingstoke Crematorium.

Later they filed past and gently touched the bamboo coffin on which laid Jet’s trademark hat and the MBE which he had received from the Queen for his services to the music industry.

Speaking to the Daily Echo, Bruce said: “He was a superstar bass player and a founder member of The Shadows. I have so many happy memories of working with him.”

He said that the next Shadowmania – an annual convention for Shadows fans – would be a special tribute to Jet.

Other ’60s stars at the service included Marty Wilde, Jess Conrad, Clem Cattini, Mike Berry, Brian Bennett, Billie Davis and The Rapiers who backed Jet for more than 25 years.

The mourners were led by Jet’s partner Janet Hemingway, 61, who as a starry- eyed 14 year-old queued at a stage door near her home town to get his autograph.

Forty-five years later they met again and fell in love.

She was by his side when the 71 yearold legendary guitarist, who lived in Bembridge, Isle of Wight, died two weeks ago at Winchester after losing his brave two-year battle against cancer.

Up to his death he had been touring with the rock ’n’ roll nostalgia show Hit Parade Heroes, and his last performance was at Fareham’s Ferneham Hall where, despite being gravely ill, he won a standing ovation.

Jet appeared on 24 number one hits including Living Doll with Sir Cliff Richard and Diamonds with former Shadows drummer, the late Tony Meehan.

It was Diamonds which yesterday brought down the final curtain on a musician who will always be remembered as one of rock ’n’ roll’s greatest bass guitarists.

• In memoriam donations for the Jet Harris Memorial Fund may be sent care of Richard Steel and Partners, Alderman House, 12-14, City Road. Winchester, SO23 8SD.