John Bradbury, drummer for the legendary 2 tone ska outfit the Specials, has passed away. He was 62 years old.
The Specials confirmed Bradbury's passing on their Twitter account, sharing the following tweet:
It's unclear exactly how Bradbury died. The performer's family also remembered him in a statement:
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 28th of December.
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.
In his tenure with the Specials, Bradbury co-wrote "The Selector." He's the second member of the Specials to pass away this year following trombonist Rico Rodriguez, who died at 80 in the fall.
The Specials confirmed Bradbury's passing on their Twitter account, sharing the following tweet:
It is with deep regret that we say goodbye to our great friend, the world's greatest drummer, our beloved Brad. RIP pic.twitter.com/yYBFyQmuLy
— thespecials (@thespecials) December 29, 2015
It's unclear exactly how Bradbury died. The performer's family also remembered him in a statement:
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 28th of December.
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.
In his tenure with the Specials, Bradbury co-wrote "The Selector." He's the second member of the Specials to pass away this year following trombonist Rico Rodriguez, who died at 80 in the fall.