a selection of covers they had performed in various clubs over the years, interspersed with three Lennon–McCartney originals. The Beatles later found out that their manager Brian Epstein had paid Meehan to produce the recordings made that day in order for the Beatles to retain ownership of the tapes. Decca rejected the Beatles choosing the Tremeloes, who auditioned the same day as the Beatles. After talks with Epstein, Decca did arrange for Meehan to produce the Beatles at Decca if the Beatles manager agreed to cover the expenses of about £100. On 7 February 1962, Epstein met Meehan, who made condescending comments about the Beatles’ audition. With the meeting not going well and Epstein not impressed with Meehan, Epstein rejected the Decca offer. Meehan briefly played with the Shadows some years later when Brian Bennett was in hospital. At one point, John Rostill was in hospital at the same time, and the Shadows were playing live with Brian Locking on bass and Meehan on drums. Meehan quit the music industry in the 1990s for a major career change as a psychologist, as a result of a lifelong hobby/interest. He worked in London at a local college lecturing in psychology until his death. He was a regular churchgoer at his local Roman Catholic church in Maida Vale. Early career groups (pre-Shadows/Drifters) 1956 – (Skiffle Trio) John Kessler (g/v), Tony Kessler (guitar) and Tony Meehan (drums) 1956–57 – (Trad-Irish-band) Billy Flynn (g/v), Raymond Cleary (g), David Rees (b) and Tony Meehan (wb) 1958 – The Vipers Wally Whyton (vocals/guitar), Johnny Booker (vocals/guitar), Freddy Lloyd (vocals/guitar) Jet Harris (b) and Tony Meehan (drums) Drums career usage 1954–1958: Ajax 1959–1961: Gretsch (The Drifters); (The Shadows) 196?–196?: Trixon (The Shadows) 196?–196?: Ludwig (The Shadows) 1962–1963: Gretsch (Jet Harris and Tony Meehan) 1963–1964: Gretsch (Tony Meehan) 1964–1970: Gretsch (Tony Meehan) 1970-1975 Premier endorsement Death On 29 November 2005, BBC News quoted Bruce Welch as saying that Meehan had died the previous day, as a result of head injuries, following a fall down the main staircase at his London flat in Maida Vale. Meehan died at St Mary's Hospital, Paddington, London. At his death, Meehan had been twice married and had seven children. Groupography The Vipers Skiffle Group The Drifters Cliff Richard and the Drifters The Shadows Cliff Richard and the Shadows Jet Harris & Tony Meehan The Tony Meehan Combo Discography Performance credits Cliff Richard And