LONDON, Dec. 30, 2015 (UPI) — John “Brad” Bradbury, the drummer for ska band The Specials, has died at the age of 62 while in England.
Bradbury joined The Specials in 1979 and was featured on their top 10 hit “Free Nelson Mandela” along with other notable songs such as “Ghost Town,” “Too Much Too Young,” “Racist Friend” and “A Message to You Rudie.”
The band confirmed the news Monday with no cause of death revealed.
“It was with deep regret that we say goodbye to our great friend, the world’s greatest drummer, our beloved Brad. RIP,” ‘The Specials’ posted alongside a more recent black-and-white photo of the musician performing on his drum set.
Bradbury also joined in on The Specials reunion tour back in 2009 and headed up his own band the JB Allstars.
The drummer’s musical influence was praised by his family in a statement saying “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 toured with them extensively up to the present day. His contribution to the world of music can not be understated and he will be much missed by family, friends and fans alike.”
Bradbury’s death comes just three months after the death of ‘The Specials’ trombonist Rico Rodriguez.
