John Lowe (musician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Duff Lowe
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![]() Lowe performing with the Quarrymen in 2017
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Background information | |
Born | West Derby, Liverpool, Lancashire, England |
13 April 1942
Died | 22 February 2024 | (aged 81)
Genres |
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Occupation(s) | Musician |
Instruments |
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Years active | 1958–1960; 1994–2017 |
John Charles "Duff" Lowe (born April 13, 1942 – died February 22, 2024) was an English musician. He was a talented pianist. In the late 1950s, John played piano for a band called The Quarrymen. This group later became the famous band, The Beatles.
Joining The Quarrymen
John Lowe was known to his friends as "Duff." He had known Paul McCartney since 1953. In February 1958, Paul invited John to play piano with The Quarrymen.
John was part of The Quarrymen for about two years. During this time, the band made some special recordings. They recorded two songs at Percy Phillips' home studio in Liverpool. These songs were "That'll Be the Day" and "In Spite of All the Danger".
Historic Recordings
John Lowe kept these original recordings safe for many years. In 1981, he sold them to Paul McCartney. These recordings were very valuable. Paul McCartney had the songs improved and released them. You can find these songs on the Beatles' album, Anthology 1. This album shares rare and unreleased music from The Beatles.
Playing Music Again
In 1994, John Lowe played with The Quarrymen once more. They recorded an album called Open for Engagements. From the 1994 band, only Rod Davis (on guitar) and John Lowe (on piano) had played with The Quarrymen in the 1950s.
Even though he wasn't an official member, John Lowe toured with the band. He played with Rod Davis, Len Garry, and Colin Hanton. They called themselves John Lennon's Original Quarrymen. They performed at Beatles events around the world until 2017.
In 2006, a special record was released. It was a 10-inch record with three live songs. It was called "50 years later." It featured The Quarrymen's Rod Davis, Len Garry, Colin Hanton, and John Duff Lowe.
On December 22, 2014, John Lowe appeared on a TV show. It was a BBC One program called Would I Lie to You?. On the show, actor Ricky Tomlinson shared a fun fact. He said that John Lowe had left The Quarrymen to join Ricky's own band when they were younger.
His Passing
John Lowe passed away on February 22, 2024. He was 81 years old.