John
"Brad" Bradbury, drummer with The Specials, has died at the age of
62.
The ska
group tweeted the news: "It is with deep regret that we say goodbye to our
great friend, the world's greatest drummer, our beloved Brad. RIP."
Bradbury
joined The Specials in 1979, and continued with the reversioned band The
Special AKA, who had a top 10 hit with Free Nelson Mandela.
Bradbury
took part in The Specials reunion tour in 2009. He also headed up a band called
JB Allstars.
The band's
representatives said the drummer died in England but no cause of death was
given.
In a
statement, his family said: "It is with deepest regret that we have to
announce the very sad news that our much loved husband and father John 'Brad'
Bradbury passed away on Monday the 28 of December.
'Ground-breaking'
"Brad's
drumming was the powerhouse behind The Specials and it was seen as a key part
to the Two Tone sound. He was much respected in the world of drumming and his
style of reggae and ska was seen as genuinely ground-breaking when The Specials
first hit the charts in 1979.
"He
was an integral part of The Specials reforming in 2008 and toured with them
extensively up to the present day. His contribution to the world of music can
not be understated and he will much missed by family, friends and fans alike.
"It
is the family's sincerest wish that they are allowed the time to remember him
privately."
The news
comes three months after the band's trombonist, Rico Rodriguez, died.
The band,
famed for their 1960s mod-style outfits, had seven UK top 10 singles including
Too Much Too Young and Ghost Town.
Founder
and songwriter Jerry Dammers dissolved the band in 1981 but they re-grouped and
continue to perform and record without their former leading man.
Billy
Bragg was one of the first musicans to pay tribute to Bradbury.: "A bad
day for good music. First we lose Lemmy, now news that Brad from the Specials
has passed away. RIP."
Bradbury
was born and brought up in Coventry where the band was formed in 1977.
Music
producer Pete Waterman, also from Coventry, expressed his shock at the news of
the Bradbury's death.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-35194738
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