DM's Beatles forums

Solo forums => Fifth Beatles and the Merseybeat Scene => Topic started by: The End on February 24, 2005, 05:57:06 PM

Title: SAD NEWS: Eric Griffiths - Quarryman
Post by: The End on February 24, 2005, 05:57:06 PM
I have just heard some very sad news - Eric Griffiths of the Quarrymen has passed away. I was lucky enough to see the Quarrymen play live a couple of years back and their show was really entertaining - laced with humour and good music. Eric played guitar for the Quarrymen from 1956 until 1958, with both John and Paul. He continued to play with the revived Quarrymen from 1997 to the end of 2004.

I saw him a few times at the Liverpool Beatles Convention and he always had a big smile on his face (except on stage where he looked very serious!) and was always really friendly to the fans. He will be greatly missed.

Eric - in his own words:

I was born in Denbigh, North Wales, on 31 October 1940 and lived in a small village near Denbigh until I was 4 years old when my family returned to Liverpool.

Title: Re: SAD NEWS: Eric Griffiths - Quarryman
Post by: In Blue Hawaii on February 24, 2005, 06:28:39 PM
Long Live The Quarrymen!
Title: Re: SAD NEWS: Eric Griffiths - Quarryman
Post by: RICKENBACKER325 on February 25, 2005, 06:12:35 PM
Was there any mention of what caused his passing?
Title: Re: SAD NEWS: Eric Griffiths - Quarryman
Post by: The End on February 25, 2005, 06:47:08 PM
More info on Quarryman Eric:

Eric Griffiths died on Saturday 29 January about 11am at his home in Edinburgh. After the Quarrymen
Title: Re: SAD NEWS: Eric Griffiths - Quarryman
Post by: RICKENBACKER325 on February 25, 2005, 07:19:02 PM
Thank you Alan. I appreciate the added info.
Title: Re: SAD NEWS: Eric Griffiths - Quarryman
Post by: SieLiebtDich on February 26, 2005, 02:25:08 AM
sad....:/ yes thanks
Title: Re: SAD NEWS: Eric Griffiths - Quarryman
Post by: Lenny Pane on February 26, 2005, 10:47:44 AM
god damn thats a real shame :(

so what were they playing End ? was it skiffle ?
Title: Re: SAD NEWS: Eric Griffiths - Quarryman
Post by: The End on February 27, 2005, 02:15:14 AM
Yes, they played skiffle and early rock 'n' roll. I saw them at their reunion concert at Quarry Bank school!

It was Saturday August 26th and the survivng Quarrymen returned to the school from which they took their name as part of the Liverpool Beatle Convention 2000. As I was getting married in October that year, I convinced my friends and family to go with me to the convention for my stag week- they certainly weren't disappointed!

There was a large crowd of Beatle fans from all over the world as the Quarrymen played their gig in the playing fields in the school grounds. I managed to get up close and took some great pics! I think Hunter Davies must have been still writing his book at the time, as he was also in attendance and posed for pictures with them outside the entrance to one of the buildings.

It really was a fantastic day - the highlight of the week, I only wish they had the school tie for sale!!
Title: Re: SAD NEWS: Eric Griffiths - Quarryman
Post by: pc31 on February 27, 2005, 03:31:54 AM
i kinda feel like they were riding a wave if you know what i mean.even tho anybodys passing is a shame..rock easy eric you road has finally led to a secure rest stop.
there is an album they did out.they do rock island line,blue moon and more great standards.
Title: Re: SAD NEWS: Eric Griffiths - Quarryman
Post by: The End on February 28, 2005, 07:37:39 PM
This CD came out last year, but some of the former members also collaborated on "Open For Engagements" (which is what the Quarrymen used to have printed on their business cards):

(http://www.originalquarrymen.co.uk/assets/images/New_CD.JPG)

You can order the CD here:
http://www.originalquarrymen.co.uk/html/hot_news.html
Title: Re: SAD NEWS: Eric Griffiths - Quarryman
Post by: Bruno on March 03, 2005, 04:35:33 PM
RIP Eric

(http://www.bonedaddy.net/Bruno18/sign.jpg)
Title: Re: SAD NEWS: Eric Griffiths - Quarryman
Post by: Wayne L. on March 04, 2005, 12:46:38 PM
He left his mark on the history of rock & roll because without him & the Quarrymen John & Paul wouldn't have met.  
Title: Re: SAD NEWS: Eric Griffiths - Quarryman
Post by: The End on March 10, 2005, 01:52:14 AM
Quote from: Bruno
RIP Eric

([url]http://www.bonedaddy.net/Bruno18/sign.jpg[/url])


Nice touch Bruno :)
Title: Re: SAD NEWS: Eric Griffiths - Quarryman
Post by: norwegianwoody on June 16, 2005, 09:50:58 PM
I had heard of Eric Griffiths in reading about the Beatles early days but had never seen a picture of him or knew anything of his life.  Thanks for bringing him to life for me even if it was in death.