Jerry Dammers has paid tribute to John Bradbury, the drummer with The Specials, who has died aged 62.
“Hearing of Brad’s death has been a great shock to me and it is a very sad day indeed,” said Dammers in a statement. “I was friends with Brad and the two of us shared a house some time before the Specials . He was highly intelligent, had a very mischievous sense of humour which could be very funny, and he played the drums with an incredible amount of energy which was a very important part of the Specials’ sound and live shows. We had some really great times together and it is truly tragic that he has died so young. My thoughts are with all his family.”
The band announced the news of Bradbury’s death via Twitter earlier today [December 29, 2015].
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
— The Specials (@thespecials) December 29, 2015
The Guardian cites a statement released by the band’s spokesperson praised the musician’s influence on the 2 Tone scene. “Brad’s drumming was the powerhouse behind the Specials, and it was seen as a key part to the 2 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,” the statement continued. “He was an integral part of the Specials re-forming in 2008, and [he] 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.”
Bradbury joined The Specials in 1979, and continued with The Special AKA.
Bradbury was also a member of soul group JB’s Allstars and ska band, Selecter.
The news comes three months after the death of the band’s trombonist, Rico Rodriguez.
Billy Bragg paid tribute to Bradbury, writing on Twitter:
A bad day for good music. First we lose Lemmy, now news that Brad from the Specials has passed away. RIP https://t.co/05ULhUjqS9
— Billy Bragg (@billybragg) December 29, 2015
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