Jerry Meehan

Quick Facts

Summary

Jerry Meehan is a British bassist, producer and composer who joined Robbie Williams’ live band in 2006. Classically trained at Chetham’s and Guildhall, he has co-written and produced tracks including “Dickhead” and “The 80s”, founded Wendy House Studios, and worked across touring, recording, film and advertising music.

Biography

Early life and musical education

Meehan grew up in a musical household. His mother was a professional musician, and he was introduced to orchestral and choral music from an early age. He began studying piano and bassoon as a child before attending Chetham’s School of Music in Manchester, where he received a classical education in bassoon, conducting, orchestration and piano.

During this period, he performed as principal bassoon with the National Youth Orchestra and later became a finalist in the BBC Young Musician competition. He went on to study at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, leaving early to pursue professional work.

From classical training to bass guitar

Alongside his classical studies, Meehan began playing bass guitar in his early teens. He later reflected on the contrast between the two disciplines:

I played piano and bassoon when I was quite young… but then I picked up the bass.Jerry Meehan

The bass became his primary instrument, allowing him to work across a broader range of musical settings. By his late teens, Meehan was already performing professionally and began building a reputation as a versatile touring and session musician.

Early professional career and collaborations

Meehan’s early career included work with artists such as Midge Ure, Boyzone and Omar. Alongside live performance, he developed a parallel career in composition, writing music for film, television and advertising.

He later collaborated with a wide range of artists across genres, including Stevie Wonder, Annie Lennox, Beth Orton, Talvin Singh and Will Young, reflecting a career that bridges classical technique and contemporary popular music.

Production work and Wendy House Studios

Meehan is the founder and director of Wendy House Productions and Wendy House Studios in London. From this base, he has worked as a producer, arranger and composer on recording projects, film scores and commercial music.

His work has included music for feature films and television, as well as advertising campaigns for international brands. This behind-the-scenes output forms a substantial part of his career alongside touring.

Connection with Robbie Williams

Meehan first knew Robbie Williams socially before working with him professionally. He later collaborated with Williams during writing and recording sessions in the early 2000s, including work around the song Appliance of Science.

He recalled being asked to join the band in an informal moment in Los Angeles:

He just said, ‘Do you fancy doing the bass on the next tour?’ That was kind of it.Jerry Meehan

Meehan officially joined Robbie Williams’ live band in 2006. His first major appearances included televised performances and Live 8, marking a high-profile introduction to the role.

Songwriting and recording with Robbie Williams

In addition to touring, Meehan has played a creative role in Williams’ recorded output. He co-wrote and co-produced tracks including Dickhead, The 80s and The 90s from the album Rudebox, as well as Love Is You, later released on Under the Radar Vol. 1.

Describing the writing process with Williams, Meehan said:

It was just me and him, getting those lyrics out… it was very cathartic for him.Jerry Meehan

Live performance and adaptability

Since joining the band in 2006, Meehan has appeared on multiple world tours with Robbie Williams, performing at arenas, stadiums and festivals worldwide. His role has included both bass guitar and, during Williams’ swing era, double bass.

When Williams announced a swing album and tour, Meehan learned double bass intensively in a short period. Reflecting on the challenge, he said:

I practised eight hours a day for five weeks.Jerry Meehan

The physical demands of the instrument later led to surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome, after which he continued performing on both bass guitar and double bass.

It still goes on, and it’s great to be involved.Jerry Meehan

Credits & Contributions (5)