Len Garry, a talented musician, played tea chest bass with the Quarry Men from 1957 to 1958, during a time when the group was experimenting with different genres, including skiffle and rock 'n' roll. The use of tea chest bass was common among young British bands, not only because it fit the skiffle repertoire, but also because it was a more affordable alternative to an electric bass and amplifier. Garry, a student at the Liverpool Institute, was introduced to the band through his friend Ivan Vaughan, who was an early member of the Quarry Men, along with Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Bill Smith.
Garry replaced Bill Smith on tea chest bass in mid-1957 and remained with the group until 1958, when he contracted tubercular meningitis at the age of 16. He was hospitalized, fell into a coma, and nearly died. Although his time with the Quarry Men was likely coming to an end due to the group's evolving sound and the decline of skiffle's popularity, Garry's illness marked the end of his tenure with the band.
Despite not being involved in the Quarry Men's reunion recording Open for Engagements in 1994, Garry did participate in a 40th anniversary reunion gig with former bandmates Rod Davis, Eric Griffiths, Pete Shotton, and Colin Hanton, celebrating the meeting of John Lennon and Paul McCartney.
